kevTL888

when i changed my wheel setup to the 18'', the guy installed for me (known him for a long time, worked on several of my previous cars) left the wheel lock lug nut looser than the other five lug nuts when he bolted the rims back on. i asked him why he said he always does this, it shouldn't matter, it's just easier to remove the wheel lock next time. i only brought this up because i've been hearly rattles toward the rear whenever comes to a complete stop. i'm taking my car to the dealer this week but want to make sure whether that has to do with the looser wheel lug nut i mentioned before.

p.s. when i was driving, i don't feel any wheel wobbling, so i guess the wheels were bolted on fine.

Bearcat94

I tighten all mine to spec (80 ft-lbs).

Although, from time-to-time, you hear about a lock adapter breaking. I don't see it as a big concern and would rather know that all the lugs are properly tightened.

kevTL888

one quick question, do your wheel lock nuts longer than the others, therefore, they kind of stick out compare to the other four on the wheel.

Bearcat94

I've got the OE McGard set on both cars and the locking lug is the same length as the other lugs; or at least close enough that I've never noticed any difference.

kevTL888

thanks, i use the oe set came off my 17'' wheels, but they're definitely noticeable longer than the others. i called my install guy yesterday and he said they were all lock in but just not as tight as the others he did so to prevent the possible breakage of the wheel lock. i don't feel comfortable with this, i'm going to have him tighten up a bit.

AngeloUCF

I've heard this before. Usually when the wheel lock lugs are made of a softer metal (aluminum?) so they are not tightened as much to reduce the chance of stripping the lugs where it touches the adapter. By no means should it be loose enough for you to unscrew it manually or wobble or make noise however.

Bearcat94

One of the causes (or possible causes) to premature Brake Rotor warping on the 3G is over-tightened lug nuts. So get them to spec, but not over-tight.

BleuM&M

Yes, they are longer. I just put a set of OE McGards on my AWD, no adapter needed, and they stick out about 1/4" more than the lugs. All are torqued to spec.

One loose lug will not cause the wheels to rattle, but if all lugs are loose, you will hear rattling/clunking and feel nasty vibration. You need to make sure the lug seats fit the wheel - stock is rounded. Could it be the rattling is the spare lugs rolling around in your trunk?

Bearcat94

They must have changed the wheel lock design. I've got the type that require an adapter.

kevTL888

or it could be different rims. mine is the 18'' AWD rims and i don't remember seen the wheel locks stick out like this while i still had my FWD 17'' wheels.