Does anyone make closed steel lug nuts for the 911?

[PabloX]

My car has the factory aluminum lug nuts and, somehow, they don't inspire me. Using my air wrench, even to get them off, makes me a bit nervous.

Our kind host here carries open steel lug nuts, which would probably be fine given the use this car gets, but I'd rather have close ones. Does anyone carry them?

Thanks.

[equality72521]

You should NEVER use an air wrench on ANY lugs nuts. Torque wrench only!!!!!

[Flieger]

The steel ones are for racers since many sanctioning bodies want steel lug nuts. They are open so that one can easily see the amount of thread engagement.

[PabloX]

Originally Posted by equality72521

You should NEVER use an air wrench on ANY lugs nuts. Torque wrench only!!!!!

For removal, sorry but an air wrench is perfectly acceptable assuming steel lug nuts.

Further, my air wrench at lowest setting puts steel lug nuts on to ~60lbs and I use a torque wrench for final torquing. There's nothing wrong with that.

[PabloX]

Originally Posted by Flieger

The steel ones are for racers since many sanctioning bodies want steel lug nuts. They are open so that one can easily see the amount of thread engagement.

But does anyone make closed ones for street use, like most normal cars have?

[Flieger]

I've seen open Aluminum but not closed steel made for a 911 with the ball seat.

[PabloX]

Originally Posted by Flieger

I've seen open Aluminum but not closed steel made for a 911 with the ball seat.

Thanks. I guess I'll just live with the current ones and be careful.

[equality72521]

Originally Posted by PabloX

For removal, sorry but an air wrench is perfectly acceptable assuming steel lug nuts.

I agree with that. I thought you used it for install on aluminum too.

[PabloX]

Originally Posted by equality72521

I agree with that. I thought you used it for install on aluminum too.

For most cars, I use it for install also, but only to a certain point. I have an IR 2135QT which on its lowest setting, torques to ~60 ft/lbs. It's very nice for mounting the wheel with the car still in the air. Then when the car is down, I use a torque wrench set to the factory spec. I've never had a problem with this technique. I used to work at a MB/BMW dealer and they did the same thing.

Now, with the 911 it's a different story. The aluminum lug nuts are light enough that the 2135 would torque them higher (due to spinning them faster) than I'd want initially even at the lowest setting. It'd probably get to 80 ft/lbs or so. I suppose I could investigate a torque stick or maybe use my 3/8" air wrench.

I do know how to use the things though and I won't over torque the nuts.

[Grady Clay]

Originally Posted by PabloX

My car has the factory aluminum lug nuts and, somehow, they don't inspire me. Using my air wrench, even to get them off, makes me a bit nervous.

Our kind host here carries open steel lug nuts, which would probably be fine given the use this car gets, but I'd rather have close ones. Does anyone carry them?

Thanks.

The aluminum Porsche lugnuts are actually one of the really 'trick' parts when introduced in '67.
They remain one of the really cool parts of Porsche engineering.

No, in general Porsche lug nuts are closed for aluminum and open end for steel.
There are a few exceptions not worth mentioning here.

You should NEVER use an air wrench on ANY lugs nuts. Torque wrench only!!!!!

I would probably retreat somewhat from this view.

Yes, I use an impact wrench on my steel nuts – both directions but only as a ‘speeder’ when tightening.
Yes, always use a calibrated torque wrench to finally tighten to 96 ft-lbs (steel or aluminum).
Re-check afterwards.

There are some good threads about lubrication for the threads and ball seating surface.
Aluminum nuts need a full-length 6-point wrench and benefit from ‘soft’ plastic inserts.

Some years ago, I posted a cool VW part that covers a standard steel lug nut – original 914 application.
I use these plastic covers on my 911 (6&7Rx15 Fuchs with steel nuts and long studs).

There are also good discussions about the differences in lug nuts – steel and aluminum.
Search is your friend.

Best,
Grady

[fbarrett]

Don't forget, too, that there is (or used to be) a special "soft" socket for the aluminum nuts that protects them from damage. S*t*o*d*d*a*r*d sold them, but perhaps Pelican offers them, too.

Frank

[craig356]

Yes, someone has them as I have a set that look exactly like the aluminum closed lug nuts, but they are made from steel. So, what you are looking for is out there, I just have no idea where to send you to find them. All the best, Craig

[tazzieman]

Originally Posted by fbarrett

Don't forget, too, that there is (or used to be) a special "soft" socket for the aluminum nuts that protects them from damage. S*t*o*d*d*a*r*d sold them, but perhaps Pelican offers them, too.

Frank

Porsche 911 & Carrera Miscellaneous - Page 18

A most excellent tool from our host

[Ronnie's.930]

Originally Posted by tazzieman

Porsche 911 & Carrera Miscellaneous - Page 18

A most excellent tool from our host

If you are refering to the "Sir Tools" soft, impact socket, I ordered one about three years ago and it broke on the 2nd or 3rd use (the pin that holds the aluminum sleve in place failed) - many reviews of this product say the same. . . maybe they are better quality now?

[tazzieman]

Originally Posted by Ronnie's.930

If you are refering to the "Sir Tools" soft, impact socket, I ordered one about three years ago and it broke on the 2nd or 3rd use (the pin that holds the aluminum sleve in place failed) - many reviews of this product say the same. . . maybe they are better quality now?

No , I have the non-impact one. I am strong, and do not ever use impact tools. Hence , I get stronger.

[Geronimo '74]

The soft socket I have is not suited for use with an impact wrench either. It's lined with a very durable type of plastic on the inside and outside so you won't damage the nuts nor the wheels.



'Bout the lugnuts, AFAIK, closed ones are Alu and open ones were steel.

[sc_rufctr]

Originally Posted by Grady Clay

...

Some years ago, I posted a cool VW part that covers a standard steel lug nut – original 914 application.
I use these plastic covers on my 911 (6&7Rx15 Fuchs with steel nuts and long studs).

Best,
Grady

My VW Golf VR6 had black plastic covers over the lug bolts. They just slid on over the top of the bolt head.

Search "lug bolt covers" on EBay.

[GeorgeK]

To complete the offer, there exists a lugnut from the 944 Turbo Cup series (the race cars, not the silver rose) that is steel, long as the alloy lug nut, but open at the end.
I'd pay good money for such a set.

[super9064]

Originally Posted by GeorgeK

To complete the offer, there exists a lugnut from the 944 Turbo Cup series (the race cars, not the silver rose) that is steel, long as the alloy lug nut, but open at the end.
I'd pay good money for such a set.

Contact Harvey Weidman, of Weidman's wheels, he has a service where you send him your extra set of lugs, the end is cut off and refinished. As I recall the quote was $5 per lug.

[GeorgeK]

Originally Posted by super9064

Contact Harvey Weidman, of Weidman's wheels, he has a service where you send him your extra set of lugs, the end is cut off and refinished. As I recall the quote was $5 per lug.

I am not sure you read my post. Or understood it.