I was at an SCCA Solo event a couple months ago and watched a track built C6 Z06 destroy his rear suspension when his left rear aluminum lug nuts failed. I was actually the closest worker to the scene, kind of scary on multiple levels.

I didn't know people used aluminum lug nuts until I picked one up at the scene, I thought it was a plastic cap at first.

I'm guessing he over torqued them, cross threaded them, forgot to torque them, or used them too many times?

Do any of you guys use them?
Are there a lot of horror stories involving these lug nuts?

Aside from the small weight savings, I'll be honest and say that I'm looking to get a set for aesthetic reasons, it would be cool if they matched my Brembos.

Thoughts, comments?

 

The main issue with aluminum lugs is that they booger up the studs. What I mean is that they grind away the inside of the lug every time you put them on and off. They are easy to cross thread if you don't get all the aluminum debris off every time you change wheels. They also tend to require more checking to make sure they are tight.

 

Been running a set for 6.5 years now, had a couple fail over time , same as any other lug would with the amount of wheel removal I do.

 

I ran them long ago when I first started racing but after cross threading them from taking them on/off too many times, I've promptly changed over to steel lug nuts and never had problems ever since.

As far as weight savings, the aluminum lug nuts are lighter in general, yes. However, there are certain steel ones that are actually lighter or right at the same weight per lug nut. Additionally, because the lug nuts are so close to the center of the wheel, the minute difference in weight is negligible.

 

I will have to look it up but I'm pretty sure alum lugs are not permited by the rule book for any SCCA events. I won't personally run them.

 

How often do you guys have to change your studs when using the aluminum nuts? More or less than once a year?

No mention of lug nut material in 2013 Solo rulebook.

 

Do you have a couple manufacturer recommendations?

 

they cross thread pretty easily. i use to own a pair of volks and it eventually stripped onto the stud and i had to cut away at it.

 

Can't man handle them...it's a slow on off process...

I brought a digital torque wrench for things just like this because I've over torqued/broken too many things

 

I use the Rays 17 Hex steel ones. Probably too pricey but very light weight. Never had an issue and don't have to worry about potential trouble with aluminum sets.

 

NRG of all brands, impact on and off. I don't really hit them hard on, still get 1/4 to 1/8 turn when I use the torque wrench.

 

Prosche has been running aluminum lug nuts for 45 years. Its all about how careful you are installing and removing them.

 

^^ exactly. First time i held some they felt plastic.

 

I work part time pit crew for a Grand Am Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge team. We run a Porsche Boxster and have never used aluminum lug nuts. Standard acorn style steel lug nuts , ARP studs. We do paint them bright colors for visibility reasons.