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MG parts spares and accessories are available for MG T Series (TA, MG TB, MG TC, MG TD, MG TF), Magnette, MGA, Twin cam, MGB, MGBGT, MGC, MGC GT, MG Midget, Sprite and other MG models from British car spares company LBCarCo.

MG MGF Technical - seized locking wheel nut

On attempting to change the front LH wheel of my TF I promptly stripped the security socket trying to undo the security nut. I got a replacement and promptly stripped that one also. I have just attempted a third go this time heating the nut, applying penetrating fluid and it is still refusing to budge. At A$44 a go I dont want to risk stipping the security socket a third time. Has anyone has this problem and if so how did you get the mongrel thing undone.
Roy
R Yeeles

Roy,

The nut was probably tightenend with an air gun the last time it was in a tyre shop.

Best to take it to a reputable tyre outlet and ask them nicely to undo it for you.

Sam
Sam Murray

Hi mate i had that problem 2 damm locking nuts by rover the lugs get rounded off or the the 3 lugs on the lock nut broke bought a set off 4 from my local hulfords in england . they seem to do the the job. and they look good 2 what a stupid ideal having that type..

good luck get some from you local spares??? . the drills they use on the tryes are to strong i had that done asked the guy to loosen them a touch. so in case off emegency i would be ok. bought a spider wrench rather than that rover thing..
much beter



darren
darren jeffery

Roy

I can't help you but thanks for reminding me that I have a new set of McGuards sitting in the car boot waiting for me to swap them over. Straight after work this evening.

John Ponting

Hi Roy,
I've had this happen two times and that was enough for me. The first set of lock nuts got stripped by a repairer, so they had to replace them at a cost of $240 a set, after MG Rover got them off by banging a socket onto the lock nut with a hammer. Then placing the socket wrench onto the socket and undoing it. You can get the lock nut out of the socket by placing a screwdriver or something similar through the hole part were the wrench connects to the socket and hitting the screwdriver through to pry the lock nut out. I cannot recall the size of the socket, but just bash one on thats a nice fit as the lock nuts are not going to be used again anyway.Don't worry about damaging your socket as this won't. The MG lock nuts are soooo soft that they arn't even tough enough to fight themselves out of paper bag. The second set stripped again. I took them off with a socket and as a precaution and forward thinking, (as you never know when or were you'll get a flat) I went to a tyre dealer and got a set of nice chrome lock nuts and chrome wheel nuts that are tough, heaps cheaper (around $3 -$4 each)and work a treat!
Enjoy Sue
Sue Wilson

I have McGuards on my other car and find that they are as bad - if not worse - than the MGR type, if, as sounds likely, they have been over tightened. Had to call out the AA when I had a puncture to the 'other car' and he had to call out a second AA man to get the wheel off:- one holding the wrench in place and putting weight on it whilst the other guy 'shocked' it with a lump hammer. - Then got them to check the other nuts, just as well because they had all been over torqued.
Ted Newman


Use plusgas for penetrating fluid

Use a hammer to shock the nut (hit it end on, not round)

Use a freeze spray on the bolt

try to tighten slightly first (you should feel the seal break with a click)

_CAREFULLY_ use a punch to rotate the nut (do this badly and you will damage te alloy)

If all else fails you can drill the stud and replace it, it knocks out thru the back of the disc if you have no nut on it.
Will Munns

Roy,
Sorry I forgot to mention:
TEFBA Enterprises in NSW manufacture wheel and lock nuts at about $3 upwards depending on size etc. They are located at Silverdale NSW about 10 minutes from me. I have dealt with Frank at TEFBA on numerous times for wheel nuts for my mini and other cars. You will get TEFBA from the tyre outlets but it is cheaper to deal directly. Also if you require stainless steel wheel nut covers just go to your local truck stop accessory shop. They come in almost any size from 10mm upwards. Were mgtf's unfortunate enough to have the dreaded stainless steel wheel nut covers? It's such a dorky idea. Hope all helps Sue
Sue Wilson

Roy
Back again after checking socket size:
Its a Sidchrome 18mm long socket (similar to spark plug socket) so theres clearance for the rachet to fit onto the end when turning the socket to loosen the nut. Use an extension if you require more clearance from the wheel to turn the rachet.
Be careful to bash the socket on enough to take grip around the nut and not to go to close to the wheel rim. It should be smooth sailing from there..if I can do anyone can.. Happy days Sue
Sue Wilson

G'day Roy!

Once you get back to square one, make sure all the wheel nuts and wheel/hub interfaces are 'copper-greased' and ensure the nuts are correctly torqued-up to recommended figures. 70 Nm it says in my MGF manual, though I believe this has since been increased to 90 Nm.

Your problems were definitely caused by over-tightening by guys using wrongly set (as usual) hammer 'drills', combined possibly with dry threads. Too tight and the wheel nut studs themselves could snap or strip - that's life threatening stuff!

You will now have no problems. Lubricated and tightened as above (70 Nm) I have found my wheel nuts to be perfectly adequate, coming undone easily every time. Do it yourself mate, you can't trust anybody else!

Pete
Pete Tipping

The offending wheel nut is off and I have hurled it as far as I can into the ocean. Thanks to all who contributed particualrly Sue. I took your advice and drove a 18MM socket onto the offending nut and was able to undo it with an extention bar. I lubricated the remaining nuts and tightened to 70ft/lbs.I will get replacement security nuts from an Auto shop. The MG security socket is obviously under-engineered for the job as is the standard wheel brace. It is a pity that sometimes you discover these things at the most incomvenient times, like Ted. Mine was in daylight at a shopping centre, it could easily been late at night in wind and rain, another test of faith for the true believers.
Roy
R Yeeles

This thread was discussed between 22/06/2006 and 26/06/2006

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