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    Lug Nuts for Aftermarket Wheels

    When switching to aftermarket (AM) wheels, it will be necessary to obtain replacement lug nuts since the seating surface of OEM nuts, being of the ball type does not interface properly with AM alloy wheels. What's required is a nut with a conical seat and a 60 deg taper (also referred to as an acorn type). Furthermore, most (not all) AM alloys have small diameter mounting holes requiring a so called "tuner" nut. These are simply reduced body diameter nuts, with the correct 60 deg conical taper, enabling the fastener to fit through the narrow mounting hole and maintain appropriate clearance. Tuner nuts are available with internal drive, external spline drive, and conventional hex drive construction.

    All Mazda models to date use lug nuts with an M12 x 1.5 thread. These are fine thread metric devices that are particularly advantageous for lug nut use as they provide greater mounting security than would a coarse thread version. Some vehicles, Subaru for example, use an extra fine thread M12 x 1.25 fastener.

    Apart from appearance reasons, many of us buy AM alloy wheels for enhanced performance. A wheel lighter than stock reduces both rotational inertia (for faster acceleration) and unsprung weight (for improved handling and steering response). It stands to reason therefore that our lug nuts should be as light as possible on the grounds that every little bit helps. Now, it's not likely that lug nut weight will have much effect on rotational inertia being concentrated so close to the wheel hub but it will however have a definite influence on unsprung weight. It's for this reason that, although larger diameter (and consequently heavier), correct conical taper, hex drive lug nuts are readily available for AM alloy wheels that do not require tuner nuts, such as my own 5Zigens, the focus here will be exclusively on the smaller, lighter, tuner types.

    When I recently purchased my winter Enkei wheels to replace my steels, I expected to use the same boat-anchor Dorman lug nuts already in use on my 5Zigens. You can imagine my consternation, shock, dismay, and sadness when I discovered the Enkeis accepted only tuner style fasteners. That started me on my long, torturous lug nut odyssey. In the next post, I'll provide a small list of suitable lightweight fasteners, with which I've had personal experience (a personal relationship?), that you might want to consider before making your own purchase. I do this not for any personal gain on my part, but in the interest of science and for humanity.


    The purpose of this thread is not to provide a compendium of all possible lug nuts; that's something you can obtain on your own.

    Happy Motoring!
    02 DX Millenium Red - The Penultimate Driving Machine
    MP3 Strut Tower Bar kit; Cusco Front Lower Arm Tie Bar
    MSP Springs, Struts, Stabilizer Bars, Trailing Links, #3 Engine Mount
    Kartboy Stabilizer Bar Bushings; Nyloil Shifter Bushings; Red Line MT-90 Gear Oil
    MP3 Shifter, Knob and Aluminum Pedal Set
    Suvlights HD Wiring Harness; Osram Night Breaker H4 Bulbs; Exide Edge AGM Battery
    Summer: 5Zigen FN01R-C 16 x 7" Wheels; Yoko S.drive 205/45-16s
    Winter: Enkei OR52 16 x 7" Wheels; Falken Ziex ZE-912 205/45-16s
    Modified OEM Air Intake; Racing Beat Exhaust System; Techna-Fit SS Clutch Line
    Denso SKJ16CR-L11 Extended Tip Spark Plugs; Magnecor Wires
    Power Slot Front Brake Rotors; Techna-Fit SS Brake Lines; Hawk HPS Pads
    Red Line Synthetic Engine Oil; C/S Aluminum Oil Cap
    Cyberdyne Digital Gauges: Tach; Ambient Air Temp; Voltmeter

    #2
    Nuts to You

    When my new Enkei wheels arrived, I was fortunate enough to be able to borrow a set of Gorilla tuner lug nuts from a friend so that I was able to install the wheels immediately while waiting for my own lug nuts to arrive. These were open end lug nuts being shorter and lighter than the closed end types. The specifications of these fasteners is as follows:

    Gorilla Small Diameter Tuner Lug Nuts, Spline Drive, Open End, Chrome
    Part no. 20038 SD
    Dimensions: .80" x .85" (20 x 21 mm)
    Weight: ~ .9 oz (25 grams)
    Weight/wheel (4): ~ 3.6 oz (100 grams); (5): 4.5 oz (128 grams). I weighed them on my precision postal meter that reads in ½ oz increments and used an online converter to obtain the weight in grams. I followed this same proceedure for all the other lug nuts that I weighed.

    For those looking for a very light weight, steel lug nut without having to go to the expense of purchasing aluminum or duraluminum types, these may be a reasonable option. As long as you're willing to run open-ended, these fasteners are comparable to the weight of some aluminum types. These might be particularly advantageous in a racing series where the specs call for open-ended types. However, where frequent wheel changes are required, short length lug nuts are difficult to work with. That's why several companies such as 5Zigen make extended length, open-ended alloy lug nuts for competition purposes.
    Available from http://www.brandsport.com/grla-20038sd.html

    In my quest for lug nuts, my requirements were simple. Tuner style to ensure fitment in most AM wheels, a closed-end design to prevent rust and corrosion of the lugs (particularly in winter), and hardened steel construction for durability (and economy) as I don’t need expensive lightweight alloy lug nuts on my winter wheels. Since I was already using Gorilla lug nuts, courtesy of my friend, I thought I’d investigate that brand. Gorilla has an extensive inventory of lug nuts of practically every description including stainless steel and alloy types, and available in a variety of colors: black, blue, gold, red, and chrome.
    http://www.gorilla-auto.com

    I chose lug nuts with a black finish to match the Enkei anthracite wheel color, as listed below:

    Gorilla Small Diameter Tuner Lug Nuts, Spline drive, Closed End, Black
    Part no. 21132 BC (16 lug nuts); also available in a package of 20
    According to the manufacturer, the lug nuts are made from cold-forged, heat treated, hardened steel.
    Dimensions: .80" x 1.36" (20 x 34 mm)
    Weight: 1.27 oz (36 grams) each.
    Weight/wheel (4): 5.08 oz (144 grams); (5): 6.35 oz (180 grams)

    Included with the set is a key with internal splines to match those on the nuts. The driven end of the key will accept either a 19 or 21 mm socket. When using this key, it’s essential that a torque wrench be used as the driver. Use of an air tool can strip the splines on the key which are designed to give way first to protect the lug nut from damage. Consequently, it's a good idea to purchase a spare key to have on hand for any contingency.

    I purchased my 16 lug nuts and key from J.C.Whitney for US $43.98 including shipping. A package of 20 lug nuts is also available for a slightly higher price.
    http://jcwhitney.com

    Because the Gorilla keys are readily available, and any key fits any tuner lug nut, a set of wheel locks is required for security. I selected McGard black chrome tuner locks as these are comparable in size, weight and appearance (the McGards are fractionally smaller and lighter) to the Gorilla lug nuts-a near perfect match.

    The Gorilla tuner lug nuts with spline drive are now also available in aluminum alloy as well as steel.

    McGard Black Tuner Locks
    Part no. MCG25357
    Dimensions: .83" x 1.22" (21 x 31 mm). Measured with my caliper.
    Weight: 1.25 oz (35 grams) each. Again weighed on my precision postal meter. Since my meter has a resolution of only 1/2 oz, the listed weights have to be seen as ~ rather than exact. However, since 4 locks together registered exactly 5 oz on my scale, I believe the measurement to be reasonably accurate.

    Included with the locks is a key coded to the specific set of locks in the set. The driven end of the key will accept only a 21 mm socket. A spare key would be a wise purchase.

    BTW, according to the McGard instruction sheet, the "wheel locks should always be the last nut/bolt tightened on each wheel and should be the first one loosened."

    My wifes's Mazda3 also utilizes Mazda provided McGard locks (Mazda Wheel Lock Program), but much larger and heavier than mine since they're not tuner types.

    I purchased the 4 McGard locks and key from SFX Performance for US $41.34 + $7.13 shipping for a total of $48.47.
    http://www.sfxperformance.com/parts/MCG25357.htm


    I liked the light weight and appearance of the black finish so much that I decided to get rid of the Dorman sinkers and use the Gorillas to mount my summer 5Zigens as well. I like the contrast of the black against the silver but, of course, I could be wrong.

    My Current Setup (used on both my summer and winter alloys)
    Gorilla Tuner Lug Nuts, closed-end
    McGard Tuner Locks
    Weight/wheel: 3 lug nuts = 3.81 oz (108 grams); 1 lock = 1.25 oz (35 grams)
    Total weight/wheel = 5.06 oz (143 grams)

    My lug wrench consists of a Craftman Breaker Bar, and a standard 6-point 21 mm socket. I also carry 4-OEM lug nuts, and a 3" extension for the space-saver spare. The OEM lug wrench being 21 mm will also work.

    Photos of the Gorilla lug nuts installed on my car can be found at my vBPicGallery.

    I'm proud of my nuts now and think they look very good. What do you think?

    Happy Motoring!

    List of photos below, L-R:
    Gorilla closed-end tuner lug nuts and key; McGard tuner wheel lock; Gorilla open-end tuner lug nut
    Attached Files
    Last edited by goldstar; 06-24-2011, 03:00 PM.
    02 DX Millenium Red - The Penultimate Driving Machine
    MP3 Strut Tower Bar kit; Cusco Front Lower Arm Tie Bar
    MSP Springs, Struts, Stabilizer Bars, Trailing Links, #3 Engine Mount
    Kartboy Stabilizer Bar Bushings; Nyloil Shifter Bushings; Red Line MT-90 Gear Oil
    MP3 Shifter, Knob and Aluminum Pedal Set
    Suvlights HD Wiring Harness; Osram Night Breaker H4 Bulbs; Exide Edge AGM Battery
    Summer: 5Zigen FN01R-C 16 x 7" Wheels; Yoko S.drive 205/45-16s
    Winter: Enkei OR52 16 x 7" Wheels; Falken Ziex ZE-912 205/45-16s
    Modified OEM Air Intake; Racing Beat Exhaust System; Techna-Fit SS Clutch Line
    Denso SKJ16CR-L11 Extended Tip Spark Plugs; Magnecor Wires
    Power Slot Front Brake Rotors; Techna-Fit SS Brake Lines; Hawk HPS Pads
    Red Line Synthetic Engine Oil; C/S Aluminum Oil Cap
    Cyberdyne Digital Gauges: Tach; Ambient Air Temp; Voltmeter

    Comment


      #3
      "MazdaSpeed" Lug Nuts

      TheMAN didn't like my external spline lug nuts because of the possibility of stripping the driver, and he let me know this in no uncertain terms. In fact, he was quite disparaging of my choice. He asserted I should have used the MazdaSpeed rebranded steel lug nuts from Ray's Engineering which uses hex head construction permitting use of an ordinary 6-point socket, and is available from any MazdaSpeed dealer. According to Edwin, they are tuner types that fit both the MazdaSpeed and other AM wheels. I didn't even know of their existence until he mentioned them.

      And it came to pass that my wife and I toyed with the idea of buying AM wheels for her 3 which meant a set of lug nuts was in order. So I gambled 50 bucks and sent away for the darn things. On the parts box in which they were shipped, a label states that they were made in Taiwan and are suitable for Daihatsu, Honda, Mitsubishi and Toyota, as well as Mazda.

      QMST-LA-000 MazdaSpeed Lug Nuts, Black
      Dimensions: .93" x 1.22" (23.5 x 31 mm)
      Weight: 1.75 oz (50 grams)
      Weight/wheel (4): 7 oz (200 grams); (5): 8.75 oz (248 grams)
      Hex Size: 17 mm
      Again, I weighed them with my postal scale.

      Included with these Black Beauties is a thin-walled, deep socket wrench which can accomodate either a 19 or 21 mm socket at the driver end. Of course, an ordinary 17 mm deep socket could also be used. The lug nuts are beautifully packaged with each fastener in its own pocket on a bed of foam. Presentation is everything! Unfortunately, they are the fattest and heaviest of all the lug nuts discussed here, and as we've decided against the AM 3 wheels for the time being, I cannot in good conscience use them myself without violating my cardinal rule that form follows function. Thus, they remain at home as a decorative item while I happily and virtuously continue to use my lighter, more efficient, higher performance Gorillas.

      I purchased the 20 Mazdaspeed lug nuts and the included wrench from Montgomery Mazda for US $44 + $5 shipping.
      http://www.montgomerymazda.com

      Actually, they are very nice looking and if the extra weight isn’t a factor they’d make a good choice. And yes, they do fit the Enkei wheels as TheMAN stated. A suitable lock would also have to be obtained, of course.

      Happy Motoring!
      Attached Files
      Last edited by goldstar; 05-08-2010, 09:32 AM.
      02 DX Millenium Red - The Penultimate Driving Machine
      MP3 Strut Tower Bar kit; Cusco Front Lower Arm Tie Bar
      MSP Springs, Struts, Stabilizer Bars, Trailing Links, #3 Engine Mount
      Kartboy Stabilizer Bar Bushings; Nyloil Shifter Bushings; Red Line MT-90 Gear Oil
      MP3 Shifter, Knob and Aluminum Pedal Set
      Suvlights HD Wiring Harness; Osram Night Breaker H4 Bulbs; Exide Edge AGM Battery
      Summer: 5Zigen FN01R-C 16 x 7" Wheels; Yoko S.drive 205/45-16s
      Winter: Enkei OR52 16 x 7" Wheels; Falken Ziex ZE-912 205/45-16s
      Modified OEM Air Intake; Racing Beat Exhaust System; Techna-Fit SS Clutch Line
      Denso SKJ16CR-L11 Extended Tip Spark Plugs; Magnecor Wires
      Power Slot Front Brake Rotors; Techna-Fit SS Brake Lines; Hawk HPS Pads
      Red Line Synthetic Engine Oil; C/S Aluminum Oil Cap
      Cyberdyne Digital Gauges: Tach; Ambient Air Temp; Voltmeter

      Comment


        #4
        I got american racing spline nuts, they rust very fast! I do not recommend them, I only got them because my work sells them for $10 for 24

        1994 Ford Escort GTX
        1994 Ford Escort LX KLDE

        Comment


          #5
          I did want to stress a point you mentioned above, goldstar (then I forgot, as per usual...). Those McGard locks you recommend are all well and good, but a second key is almost a mandatory purchase. Land Rover uses the same style, and they may well be McGard (all of the boxes say LR on them, so I don't know for sure), but I've seen sooo many of the keys break it's ridiculous. And if it breaks, your only other option is a turbo socket, which will ruin the lug. And for those of you with shop access, do NOT use air tools on the keys. That's just inviting disaster. I've done it, yes, but it's still not recommended. I've killed my fair share using an air gun on them. So, yes, buy a second key if you use this style of wheel lock. The next time you need to change a tire by the side of a highway in a downpour will be the time the key breaks, and a spare will come in quite handy.
          1995 626: daily beater, mostly stock. Future NASA racer?

          Next up: Speed6 or RX-8

          Comment


            #6
            I have the Gorilla close-end nuts on my wheels. I would like to add that they can be removed very simply with a 6 point (possibly 12 point) 17mm socket. If you are overly concerned with security and the locking feature they do not do a very good job in that department.
            I live my life a quarter pounder at a time. And for those 500 calories or more, I'm free. I need FRIES! Two of them. The big ones. Oh, and I need them tonight. You're lucky the double shot of BBQ sauce didn't blow the seam on your nugget box. There she is, 2 pounds of pure beef. My dad ate it in 9.0 seconds flat. Check it out, it's like this. If I lose, winner takes my happy meal. But if I win, I take the burger and the toy. To some people, that's more important.

            ._________________________
            |.....Overnight....................| ||
            |.....Japan Parts.................| |'|";,___.
            |_..._...____________======||_|_|...,]
            "(@)'(@)""'''''''''''''"'''"**|(@)(@)*****"(@)
            Oh and by the way that shot in your banner with Vin Diesel's car getting shot, thats a civic not an altezza.

            Comment


              #7
              Originally posted by wheresthericego View Post
              I have the Gorilla close-end nuts on my wheels. I would like to add that they can be removed very simply with a 6 point (possibly 12 point) 17mm socket. If you are overly concerned with security and the locking feature they do not do a very good job in that department.
              Yes, a 17 mm 6-pt socket will fit a Gorilla splined tuner lug nut. Additionally, I'm sure a fair number of Gorilla keys are also in circulation. But the Gorilla tuner lug nuts were never meant to be secure devices on their own because of their straightforward installation and removal proceedure. That's why a set of locks is essential and the reason I turned to McGard's locking lug nuts.

              It's probably not a good idea to use a conventional 17 mm socket on the lugs because if too much force is applied the socket won't strip, unlike the Gorilla key, and the lug nuts themselves could be damaged or destroyed. Furthermore, compared with a conventional socket, the Gorilla key is thinwall which could be a clearance necessity in some tuner lug nut installations.

              Happy Motoring!
              Last edited by goldstar; 05-18-2010, 12:06 AM.
              02 DX Millenium Red - The Penultimate Driving Machine
              MP3 Strut Tower Bar kit; Cusco Front Lower Arm Tie Bar
              MSP Springs, Struts, Stabilizer Bars, Trailing Links, #3 Engine Mount
              Kartboy Stabilizer Bar Bushings; Nyloil Shifter Bushings; Red Line MT-90 Gear Oil
              MP3 Shifter, Knob and Aluminum Pedal Set
              Suvlights HD Wiring Harness; Osram Night Breaker H4 Bulbs; Exide Edge AGM Battery
              Summer: 5Zigen FN01R-C 16 x 7" Wheels; Yoko S.drive 205/45-16s
              Winter: Enkei OR52 16 x 7" Wheels; Falken Ziex ZE-912 205/45-16s
              Modified OEM Air Intake; Racing Beat Exhaust System; Techna-Fit SS Clutch Line
              Denso SKJ16CR-L11 Extended Tip Spark Plugs; Magnecor Wires
              Power Slot Front Brake Rotors; Techna-Fit SS Brake Lines; Hawk HPS Pads
              Red Line Synthetic Engine Oil; C/S Aluminum Oil Cap
              Cyberdyne Digital Gauges: Tach; Ambient Air Temp; Voltmeter

              Comment


                #8
                Yes, using a 17mm socket could possibly ruin the lug nut its self. I was just passing along a tip which was give to me from a froiend who works at a tire shop. I have and use my provided lug adapter key when removing the lug nut. Trust me, I know from experience how bad it sucks when a "tuner" lug is stripped/damaged inside a wheel. It is none too fun.
                I live my life a quarter pounder at a time. And for those 500 calories or more, I'm free. I need FRIES! Two of them. The big ones. Oh, and I need them tonight. You're lucky the double shot of BBQ sauce didn't blow the seam on your nugget box. There she is, 2 pounds of pure beef. My dad ate it in 9.0 seconds flat. Check it out, it's like this. If I lose, winner takes my happy meal. But if I win, I take the burger and the toy. To some people, that's more important.

                ._________________________
                |.....Overnight....................| ||
                |.....Japan Parts.................| |'|";,___.
                |_..._...____________======||_|_|...,]
                "(@)'(@)""'''''''''''''"'''"**|(@)(@)*****"(@)
                Oh and by the way that shot in your banner with Vin Diesel's car getting shot, thats a civic not an altezza.

                Comment


                  #9
                  Gorilla Small Diameter Tuner Lug Locks

                  Originally posted by 1Mazda323Fan View Post
                  I did want to stress a point you mentioned above, goldstar (then I forgot, as per usual...). Those McGard locks you recommend are all well and good, but a second key is almost a mandatory purchase. Land Rover uses the same style, and they may well be McGard (all of the boxes say LR on them, so I don't know for sure), but I've seen sooo many of the keys break it's ridiculous. And if it breaks, your only other option is a turbo socket, which will ruin the lug. And for those of you with shop access, do NOT use air tools on the keys. That's just inviting disaster. I've done it, yes, but it's still not recommended. I've killed my fair share using an air gun on them. So, yes, buy a second key if you use this style of wheel lock. The next time you need to change a tire by the side of a highway in a downpour will be the time the key breaks, and a spare will come in quite handy.
                  Thanks for your input 1Mazda323Fan.

                  On another board, firelizard has also commented on the frequency with which the McGard locks and their keys break, even when hand-torqued to spec. He states that, "The insert with the key pattern in the key is a separate piece and tends to come off the base of the key, or the pattern breaks." He goes on to say that "some lock nuts' patterns break as well, or have pieces of the keys get stuck in them, rendering them unusable." For a stronger alternative, firelizard recommends Gorilla's inverted ones where the lock pattern is external to the lug nut rather than internal as configured by McGard.

                  This prompted enough concern for me to investigate Gorilla's offerings in the tuner lock nut area where I discovered the availability of spline drive lock nuts that match the appearance of the spline drive lug nuts I'm currently using. They are available in either black finish or chrome. These locks are identical to the lug nuts in terms of length, diameter and weight but differ in that they have 5-splines rather than the 6-equally spaced splines arranged around the lug nuts. This non-symmetrical spacing provides the coded locking pattern. The only other difference is that the locks have a "G" embossed on the closed end to differentiate them from the lug nuts. Once installed, it might not be obvious which is the lock without having an identifying mark on the end.

                  Gorilla also makes standard size spline drive locks that can be used when small diameter tuner fasteners are not needed.

                  Gorilla Small Diameter Tuner Locks, Spline Drive, Closed End, Black
                  Part no. 21631BC (package of 4)
                  Dimensions: .80" x 1.36" (20 x 34 mm)
                  Weight: 1.27 oz (36 grams) each

                  Each set of 4 Tuner Wheel Locks comes with a coded key (stamped "Gorilla Lock Key" around its circumferance) with internal splines to match those on the locks. The driven end of the key will accept either a 19 mm or 21 mm socket. As mentioned earlier in the thread in reference to the standard lug wrench, it's essential that a torque wrench be used as a driver. Use of an air tool can strip the splines on the key which are designed to give way first to protect the lock from damage. The key is plated unlike the standard wrench which has a black oxide finish, thus making for easy identification between the two.

                  Included is a Wheel Lock Key Replacement Information label containing the registration number for the key, which can be affixed to the inside of the glove box. Also included is a printed addressed envelope providing spaces to write the lock key registration number which when sent to Gorilla along with US $8.50 (outside US $10) will obtain for you a replacement key or a spare key (always a good idea) if you allow 4 to 6 weeks for delivery.

                  I purchased the 4 Gorilla locks and key from SFX Performance for US $24.07 + 5.25 shipping for a total of US $29.32. Interestingly, the current price for the chrome locks (part no. 21631SD) is only US $19.50. I don't know why they're less expensive.

                  Conclusion
                  Although not suffering from the same kind of structural weakness as the McGards, the Gorilla tuner key and possibly the locks can still be damaged or destroyed from the application of too much force. While Gorilla correctly points out that the lock key can be used to drive any Gorilla tuner lug nut, having only 5-splines means that the turning force will not be evenly distributed around the circumferance of the fastener, so should be avoided IMO.

                  I haven't yet replaced the McGards with the Gorillas nor do I intend to do so at least until I get a replacement key to keep on hand. It's good to know that we have at least one low cost alternative to the McGard locks should they prove to be troublesome, however.

                  Happy Motoring!
                  Attached Files
                  Last edited by goldstar; 06-07-2010, 09:43 AM.
                  02 DX Millenium Red - The Penultimate Driving Machine
                  MP3 Strut Tower Bar kit; Cusco Front Lower Arm Tie Bar
                  MSP Springs, Struts, Stabilizer Bars, Trailing Links, #3 Engine Mount
                  Kartboy Stabilizer Bar Bushings; Nyloil Shifter Bushings; Red Line MT-90 Gear Oil
                  MP3 Shifter, Knob and Aluminum Pedal Set
                  Suvlights HD Wiring Harness; Osram Night Breaker H4 Bulbs; Exide Edge AGM Battery
                  Summer: 5Zigen FN01R-C 16 x 7" Wheels; Yoko S.drive 205/45-16s
                  Winter: Enkei OR52 16 x 7" Wheels; Falken Ziex ZE-912 205/45-16s
                  Modified OEM Air Intake; Racing Beat Exhaust System; Techna-Fit SS Clutch Line
                  Denso SKJ16CR-L11 Extended Tip Spark Plugs; Magnecor Wires
                  Power Slot Front Brake Rotors; Techna-Fit SS Brake Lines; Hawk HPS Pads
                  Red Line Synthetic Engine Oil; C/S Aluminum Oil Cap
                  Cyberdyne Digital Gauges: Tach; Ambient Air Temp; Voltmeter

                  Comment


                    #10
                    the biggest issue i find is that most people don't want to come back for a re-torque .. soo they just say..... just blast em on... well in some cases they get a flat and then the fun starts.. either the key gets busted or because of the ... just blast em on.. they can't get the wheel nuts off... i have always been a firm believer in you get what you pay for ...mcguards are a very good product ...

                    Comment


                      #11
                      Originally posted by tireboy View Post
                      the biggest issue i find is that most people don't want to come back for a re-torque .. soo they just say..... just blast em on... well in some cases they get a flat and then the fun starts.. either the key gets busted or because of the ... just blast em on.. they can't get the wheel nuts off... i have always been a firm believer in you get what you pay for ...mcguards are a very good product ...
                      Thanks for your valuable input coming as it does from a professional installer. I'm relieved to read your positive evaluation of the McGards.

                      Improper assembly (over torqueing) seems to be the major culprit in lug nut and lock failures as you state. Both Gorilla and McGard recommend checking the torque specs one week after the original installation.

                      I personally have had no problems so far with my McGards nor has my wife who has the optional wheel locks from Mazda on her 3 (also a McGard product but in the standard, not the tuner, size).

                      However, since other professional tire installers have mentioned the possibility of failure with the McGards, I thought it a good idea to search for an alternative, and to provide Forum members with one - just in case. That being said, I may keep the new Gorilla locks only as a backup should I have problems with the McGards.

                      Happy Motoring!
                      02 DX Millenium Red - The Penultimate Driving Machine
                      MP3 Strut Tower Bar kit; Cusco Front Lower Arm Tie Bar
                      MSP Springs, Struts, Stabilizer Bars, Trailing Links, #3 Engine Mount
                      Kartboy Stabilizer Bar Bushings; Nyloil Shifter Bushings; Red Line MT-90 Gear Oil
                      MP3 Shifter, Knob and Aluminum Pedal Set
                      Suvlights HD Wiring Harness; Osram Night Breaker H4 Bulbs; Exide Edge AGM Battery
                      Summer: 5Zigen FN01R-C 16 x 7" Wheels; Yoko S.drive 205/45-16s
                      Winter: Enkei OR52 16 x 7" Wheels; Falken Ziex ZE-912 205/45-16s
                      Modified OEM Air Intake; Racing Beat Exhaust System; Techna-Fit SS Clutch Line
                      Denso SKJ16CR-L11 Extended Tip Spark Plugs; Magnecor Wires
                      Power Slot Front Brake Rotors; Techna-Fit SS Brake Lines; Hawk HPS Pads
                      Red Line Synthetic Engine Oil; C/S Aluminum Oil Cap
                      Cyberdyne Digital Gauges: Tach; Ambient Air Temp; Voltmeter

                      Comment


                        #12
                        I somehow find myself with 6 90-94 323 & Pro (got Mazda virus bad oh yes!), so 6 sets of steel wheels plus 3 sets Miata alloys. They all but one have OEM lug nuts and they are all 60 degree tapers. I also have a set of Italian "Dino" BBS copies off an 87 Acura, and they have ball seat nuts, which seem to be OE on at least some Honda and Acura - but not all since my winter wheels on the DD are steel Honda 60 degree ones!. The guy gave me the nuts with the Dinos, but of course some were ball and some tapered and two different wrench sizes! So I spent almost as much buying nuts and crappy plastic center rings as I paid for the wheels.

                        FRM

                        Comment


                          #13
                          the only time any wheel nut or lock fails is when you over torque them or just blast em on.. it only takes a few minutes to hand tighten them . no cross threaded nuts , no problems .

                          Comment


                            #14
                            Originally posted by goldstar View Post
                            TheMAN didn't like my external spline lug nuts because of the possibility of stripping the driver, and he let me know this in no uncertain terms. In fact, he was quite disparaging of my choice. He asserted I should have used the MazdaSpeed rebranded steel lug nuts from Ray's Engineering which uses hex head construction permitting use of an ordinary 6-point socket, and is available from any MazdaSpeed dealer. According to Edwin, they are tuner types that fit both the MazdaSpeed and other AM wheels. I didn't even know of their existence until he mentioned them.

                            And it came to pass that my wife and I toyed with the idea of buying AM wheels for her 3 which meant a set of lug nuts was in order. So I gambled 50 bucks and sent away for the darn things. On the parts box in which they were shipped, a label states that they were made in Taiwan and are suitable for Daihatsu, Honda, Mitsubishi and Toyota, as well as Mazda.

                            QMST-LA-000 MazdaSpeed Lug Nuts, Black
                            Dimensions: .93" x 1.22" (23.5 x 31 mm)
                            Weight: 1.75 oz (50 grams)
                            Weight/wheel (4): 7 oz (200 grams); (5): 8.75 oz (248 grams)
                            Hex Size: 17 mm
                            Again, I weighed them with my postal scale.

                            Included with these Black Beauties is a thin-walled, deep socket wrench which can accomodate either a 19 or 21 mm socket at the driver end. Of course, an ordinary 17 mm deep socket could also be used. The lug nuts are beautifully packaged with each fastener in its own pocket on a bed of foam. Presentation is everything! Unfortunately, they are the fattest and heaviest of all the lug nuts discussed here, and as we've decided against the AM 3 wheels for the time being, I cannot in good conscience use them myself without violating my cardinal rule that form follows function. Thus, they remain at home as a decorative item while I happily and virtuously continue to use my lighter, more efficient, higher performance Gorillas.

                            I purchased the 20 Mazdaspeed lug nuts and the included wrench from Montgomery Mazda for US $44 + $5 shipping.
                            http://www.montgomerymazda.com

                            Actually, they are very nice looking and if the extra weight isn’t a factor they’d make a good choice. And yes, they do fit the Enkei wheels as TheMAN stated. A suitable lock would also have to be obtained, of course.

                            Happy Motoring!

                            im going to look in to these. they are fancy! OEM+
                            My car is a Vazondissan. Part Nissan. Part Mazda. Part Ford. Part VW. Part Honda.

                            1993 Protege - DX with LX upgrades. Still rockin' the SOHC. Custom HID headlight Retrofit.

                            2009 Mazda 3 - Finacee Car. No power nothing. About to trade in for a 2014 Mazda 6 Sport.

                            Install Shifter Bushings: http://www.wihandyman.com/forum/show...491#post646491

                            Custom HID's: http://www.wihandyman.com/forum/show...&highlight=hid

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