Rust on locking lug nuts

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Apr 18, 2022 | 10:08 AM

J123rx350

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From: Ma

Rust on locking lug nuts

I realize this is probably not the correct thread to ask this but figured you would know if this is expected. My car is mostly in the garage and has approximately 6300 miles on it and I noticed the locking lug nuts on each wheel is starting to rust. It this typical of the Lexus ?
thanks, John
i apologize for asking this in this thread. Please ignore if I am out of line...

Last edited by J123rx350; Apr 18, 2022 at 10:11 AM. Reason: Added additional text.

Apr 18, 2022 | 05:24 PM

ravenuer

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From: New York

I could see 1 or 2 lugs rusting from defective chrome plating, but not 20 of them. I'd say you might have went through some salt on a snowy road, assuming you live in a cold area. Maybe your dealer could throw on a new set.

Apr 18, 2022 | 06:42 PM

FlopTop04

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From: Pennsylvania

I have found that using an impact wrench on the wheel locks will cause the chrome to deteriorate and rust. I always use a T-wrench and torque wrench on them. Lessens damage to the chrome.

Apr 19, 2022 | 03:17 AM

jcg0324

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From: PA

Quote:

Originally Posted by J123rx350

To make things a little more clear, I have 4 locking lug nuts on my 2017 RX, 1 one each wheel. Do you have the same arrangement? Are these the ones that are rusting?

Apr 19, 2022 | 04:22 AM

brook41

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From: FL

It’s a common occurrence,especially in the rust belt. You shouldn’t use an impact wrench on the wheel lock key. The metal is very soft and will strip..

Last edited by brook41; Apr 19, 2022 at 04:28 AM.

Apr 19, 2022 | 04:23 AM

J123rx350

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From: Ma

Yes it is just the 1 lug nut on each wheel. The one that needs a special tool to get off. These have never had a wrench on them. They definitely were exposed to salt during the winter weather. All of the other lug nut look fine.
Disappointed to see them rusting. I may replace them with regular lug nuts...
Thanks for your comments...

Apr 19, 2022 | 04:37 AM

rxtimes2

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From: Virginia

I replaced mine with regular lug nuts (from eBay). Less worry if you have to change a tire on the side of the road. I also live and drive in a relatively safe area.

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Apr 19, 2022 | 05:17 AM

dibl

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From: Ohio

My 2018 has been on the road since May 2018, and has 44K miles on it. It is garaged. Our Ohio winters are not as severe as New England, but we do have salt and brining on the streets to control snow and ice.

Looking closely, I'm not convinced that the lug nuts on my car are chromed steel -- I think they might be a stainless steel alloy of some kind. Maybe they are a feature of the fancy F-Sport wheels. There is zero sign of corrosion on any of my lug nuts. The channels on the locking nuts are clean and rust-free. So I would ask your dealer's service manager to personally check out your corrosion issue, and ask about the possibility that there is an alternative set of nuts that are not chromed steel.

Apr 19, 2022 | 07:10 AM

#10

ravenuer

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From: New York

Quote:

Originally Posted by J123rx350

Sorry, didn't read your post thoroughly. I agree about just replacing the lockers with regular lugs.

Apr 19, 2022 | 08:09 AM

#11

mrolds69

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From: MA

Quote:

Originally Posted by J123rx350

Well John, I'll tell you it's a common problem. I have had a ton of Toyotas and a handful of Lexus. I've been using those locks since the early 70's. McGuard, the company that makes them has always recommended they be installed and removed by hand. I've always done that, I've seen those things go 15+ years and still look new. Yesterday, I was cleaning the wheels on my 2021 RX 350 F Sport with 7K miles and noticed the black locking lugs were rusted inside the locking pattern. That happens because the "techs" like to just put the air gun on them to take them on and off. Often, they don't even line up the locking pattern, they just put pressure on the air gun socket and push 'til it lines. It drives me crazy!

Apr 19, 2022 | 08:24 AM

#12

J123rx350

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From: Ma

I know what you mean about driving you crazy. I have always enjoyed a good looking wheel and nice chrome lug nuts. Drives me crazy as well to see rust...haha My wife drives a 2016 4runner limited which has around 30k on it and is spotless except for the trailer hitch. In the first year it started showing rust and since then I have constantly cleaned it, wire brushed it and re-painted it with restorer. I am going to first try polish and if it continues I will ask lexus to look at them when I bring it in for service. Worst case I will buy new non-locking nuts to replace them...I appreciate all of the responses, nice to see others are as picky as I am...haha