Here’s causes swollen lugs nuts on Ford vehicles

Why Ford lug nuts swell and how to remove swollen lug nuts

Many Ford truck owners get frustrated trying to remove the severely swollen lug nuts on their Ford trucks. What causes the Ford lug nut swelling issue and why is it such a problem now?

Ford 2-piece lug nut

Ford chose to install two-piece capped lug nuts on their trucks. A capped lug nut doesn’t let water and salt into the lug nut from the open end. That’s a good thing. But Ford had a choice to make a solid capped “acorn” lug nut or a cheaper two-piece unit. They chose the cheaper option.

Galvanic corrosion between the steel lug nuts and aluminum cap is what causes the problem. The corrosion swells up and distorts the aluminum shell.

How to remove swollen lug nuts

Before rounding off the swollen nut or worse yet, breaking a stud, try these proven tips for getting those difficult lug nuts to finally budge:

• Purchase half-size sockets. This has become such a problem that tool manufacturers have introduce half-size sockets: 19.5mm and 22.5mm sockets that fit over the swollen lug nut and allow you to remove it. Many auto parts stores sell these new sockets and they can save you a lot of time.

• Apply a high quality rust penetrant to the lug nuts. Liberally apply penetrating oil – spray penetrating lubes like PB Blaster or Liquid Wrench completely soak the threads overnight before trying to remove the nuts. Reapply just before removal. The oil creeps in to free corrosion bind.

Slice off the acorn portion of the swollen lug nut. Then chisel down the side and peel the cap away from the nut

• A hammer and chisel if all else fails.Using a sharp cold chisel, slice off the top portion of the cap. Then use the small chisel to slice down the sides of the steel lug nut. Peel the soft cap away from the nut and use a regular socket to remove the lug nut.

How to solve the Ford lug nut problem

Purchase solid acorn lug nuts from any auto parts store.

©, 2021 Rick Muscoplat