Lug Nuts Loosen Aluminum Rim Jeep Cherokee

[Straightup]

We have a low miles '93 Jeep Cherokee and it developed a shimmy / shake in the front end. Talked to my mech and he had some suggestions including checking the lug nuts for tightness. The back ones were fine, but I was able to tighten the fronts some and then it was fine - no shakes. Now we're about about 3 months later and it started the shake again and I was able to tighten the fronts about 1/4 turn before they got really tight and some of the backs 1/8 and some of the backs were still tight. This is the 1st vehicle I've ever experienced this with. I know the cold may effect it some, but I never thought it would effect it that much. I think the next time they need to be tightened, I may use a very small amount of blue locktite. Thanks for reading my long post and for any suggestions. Jeff

 

[Splat]

Re: Lug Nuts Loosen Aluminum Rim Jeep Cherokee

How are you tightening them? Use a torque wrench and tighten to spec.

Also make sure there isn't any neversieze on the threads.

Bill

 

[xxxflhrci]

Re: Lug Nuts Loosen Aluminum Rim Jeep Cherokee

Have the tires been rotated lately and if so were the nuts retightened after 50 or so miles?

Anyway, I had lug nuts loosen up on a utility trailer that had not had a wheel off in years. The wheel flew off and smashed the doors in on a new Cadillac in the oncoming lane. Incidentally, I found all 5 lug nuts in a 10ft or so circle about 50 yards up the road from where the wheel came off.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Lug Nuts Loosen Aluminum Rim Jeep Cherokee

How are you tightening them? Use a torque wrench and tighten to spec.

Also make sure there isn't any neversieze on the threads.

Bill

Have the tires been rotated lately and if so were the nuts retightened after 50 or so miles?

Anyway, I had lug nuts loosen up on a utility trailer that had not had a wheel off in years. The wheel flew off and smashed the doors in on a new Cadillac in the oncoming lane. Incidentally, I found all 5 lug nuts in a 10ft or so circle about 50 yards up the road from where the wheel came off.

Both statements correct. With an alloy wheel they have to be torqued twice within 50 miles and usually a day apart. All of the tire centers here will re-torque your alloy wheels the day following you had mounting done.

 

[Shizzy]

Re: Lug Nuts Loosen Aluminum Rim Jeep Cherokee

certain wheels do this more then others. I had some old Cargar Mags years ago that I had to retighten about 3-4 times any time a wheel was taken off before they were properly tight.

Is there any damage to the lug nuts, studs or wheels? if the holes in the wheels are elongated that can cuase movement and loosening.

 

[BlazinKuztumz]

Re: Lug Nuts Loosen Aluminum Rim Jeep Cherokee

Make sure the lug nuts are the proper lug nuts as well. I've seen people run regular lug nuts after they change out wheels, and not use the proper conical seat lug nuts, and it will cause all sorts of issues, including misalignment, shimmy/shake feelings, etc. As well, check that your studs aren't overly worn, or slightly stripped. Any imperfections in the lug nuts, or stud threads, and it can cause issues with not getting/staying tight enough and backing themselves off. What has been said so far is all true, and very good information. Make sure you have torqued them down, and rechecked/torqued them again within 50 miles.

 

[DaleT]

Re: Lug Nuts Loosen Aluminum Rim Jeep Cherokee

I had the lugs loosen on my 91 XJ causing the drivers front tire to come off at highway speeds, fortunately not causing damage to anyone or anything else. The only explanation I could ever find was that using the 4 wheel drive, Command Trac, had some how caused them to back off, possible torque or vibration issue I suppose. At the suggestion of a mechanic friend I purchased new lugs from the dealer and never had the issue again. His theory was the lugs were old and from numerous times being on and off the truck the threads were slightly worn. They would lock down for awhile but after some time would work loose.

I believe into the 1960's many vehicles featured left handed threads on the drivers side with the thought being the the vehicles forward motion would help to keep the lugs buttoned down.

 

[puddle jumper]

Re: Lug Nuts Loosen Aluminum Rim Jeep Cherokee

One more thing to look into is that the wheel nuts are not being over torqued causing the wheel studs to stretch. You would be amazed at how easy this is to do. Torquing wheels to the correct torque is one of the most over looked procedures in most shops.

If you have aluminum wheels you should check them on a regular basses as aluminum will wear after time.

 

[Straightup]

Re: Lug Nuts Loosen Aluminum Rim Jeep Cherokee

Thanks everone for your comments.

There is not anti sieze on the studs (or nuts).

I am tightening the nuts with a 4 way tire iron. I do not know what the proper torque is. We have a really nice torqe wrench I can use from my work, so if I find out the recommended torque I will put them to spec.

Thanks again.

Jeff

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Lug Nuts Loosen Aluminum Rim Jeep Cherokee

Lug nut torque 100 ft lbs

 

[Straightup]

Re: Lug Nuts Loosen Aluminum Rim Jeep Cherokee

Thanks for the info. I got all the nuts torqued to 100LBS. Most were close to that torque, or already there. I will have to take it for a drive and see what's going on.

 

[beerfilter]

Re: Lug Nuts Loosen Aluminum Rim Jeep Cherokee

Sounds odd , maybe somebody does not like you ?
Losing a front wheel at more than pedestrian speed carries a high probabillity of a rollover crash , and a high probabillity of bodily injury/death .

If you keep having problems , replace the nuts and studs , they may have been damaged from being overtorqued .
If that does not solve it , buy some security wheel nuts(the ones that need a special socket..) , and see if THAT keeps 'em tight .

My 93 lost 1 lugnut after a tire change , only because my nephew who was driving it didn't recheck them after a day or 2 like I told him .

Not a bad idea to recheck your lugs periodically , especially with alloy wheels .
I'm sure a lot of folks here do most of their own maintenance/repair on their rigs . Best bet is do this every month . I have prevented a few potential disasters before they had a chance to hapen .

Your average tire shop has a grease monkey with an impact wrench set on maximum . They will overtorque and crossthread your wheel nuts and studs in short order . It is true , most tire shops never follow the manufacturers torque specifications , and , will look at you like you have 3 heads if you ask them about it .

 

[dolluper]

Re: Lug Nuts Loosen Aluminum Rim Jeep Cherokee

Well I always use a torque wrench on wheel lugs...your crazy not to