Lug Nuts Rusted?
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
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From: Dix Hills, New York
2012 C250 Coupe
Lug Nuts Rusted?
I'm about to rotate my tires on my 2009 c300 4matic... The only thing is, I noticed that a lot of my lug nuts are stained white (probably from road salt) and some even are brown and appear to be rusted...
Before I rotate my tires, I would like to find out the best method to clean off the lug nuts and make them look like new, or at least not as bad... Can anyone suggest leaving them in some sort of chemical bath or anything?
Also, using the search feature got me more confused then ever. If I am right, the c350 4matic has staggered tires/rims, but the c300 4matic is symmetrical so I can rotate them front to back & side to side?
Thanks so much!
Before I rotate my tires, I would like to find out the best method to clean off the lug nuts and make them look like new, or at least not as bad... Can anyone suggest leaving them in some sort of chemical bath or anything?
Also, using the search feature got me more confused then ever. If I am right, the c350 4matic has staggered tires/rims, but the c300 4matic is symmetrical so I can rotate them front to back & side to side?
Thanks so much!
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 432
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From: Chicago
2018 E300 4MATIC Sedan
jctevere,
Not sure about the difference between the c300 and c350 staggered question, but regarding the question about the rusted lug nuts, I would just take it to the dealer. They should swap them out for non-rusted lugs nuts free of charge ( I just had the B service on my car and one of the wheels had rusted lug nuts and they replaced them free of charge no questions asked under warranty ). Otherwise, I have had luck using naval jelly to remove rust :
http://www.amazon.com/Henkel-553472-.../dp/B000C016OC
Good luck,
Nick
Not sure about the difference between the c300 and c350 staggered question, but regarding the question about the rusted lug nuts, I would just take it to the dealer. They should swap them out for non-rusted lugs nuts free of charge ( I just had the B service on my car and one of the wheels had rusted lug nuts and they replaced them free of charge no questions asked under warranty ). Otherwise, I have had luck using naval jelly to remove rust :
http://www.amazon.com/Henkel-553472-.../dp/B000C016OC
Good luck,
Nick
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Joined: Jan 2008
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From: Illinois
'08 C300 4Matic Sport, '02 530i
Easiest way to verify is to look at your tire sizes (printed on the sidewall). If they're the same front and back, then you don't have a staggered setup.
Super Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 702
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From: Illinois
'08 C300 4Matic Sport, '02 530i
That's pretty cool. Which dealer did this for you? Mine are very rusted, too.
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From: Illinois
'08 C300 4Matic Sport, '02 530i
There's a product called CLR (Calcium Lime Rust) Remover that you can soak them in to get rid of the existing rust, but if you don't paint the surfaces, the rust will probably come back soon enough.
As for using anti-seize, many shops advise against it as it screws with the proper torque. If you are going to use it, at least make sure it stays on the threads only and don't get any of it on the lugbolt seating surface.
As for using anti-seize, many shops advise against it as it screws with the proper torque. If you are going to use it, at least make sure it stays on the threads only and don't get any of it on the lugbolt seating surface.
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From: Long Island, New York
2013 C300 Sport Black Darth V3.0
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2010 C63
I guess I assumed it goes without saying....
The soaking in oil will make it very difficult for rust to form. even if it's already rusty.
the anti-seize should be applied to the threads only, and the only way it will mess with the torque specs is by making your torque wrench accurate. Without anti-seize, your lug bolts have to battle a lot of friction when you're tightening them. This friction will cause your torque wrench to register a higher torque and cause you to under-tighten the bolts. I'm not sure where you heard that it's bad but I've never seen a tire shop not use it.
I guess I'd have to say, do not visit any shops that use pneumatic air-wrenches on your lug bolts. Those places have no respect for nice wheels, and when the lug bolts snap off you'll be the one who's sorry.
good luck~
~mike~
The soaking in oil will make it very difficult for rust to form. even if it's already rusty.
the anti-seize should be applied to the threads only, and the only way it will mess with the torque specs is by making your torque wrench accurate. Without anti-seize, your lug bolts have to battle a lot of friction when you're tightening them. This friction will cause your torque wrench to register a higher torque and cause you to under-tighten the bolts. I'm not sure where you heard that it's bad but I've never seen a tire shop not use it.
I guess I'd have to say, do not visit any shops that use pneumatic air-wrenches on your lug bolts. Those places have no respect for nice wheels, and when the lug bolts snap off you'll be the one who's sorry.
good luck~
~mike~
There's a product called CLR (Calcium Lime Rust) Remover that you can soak them in to get rid of the existing rust, but if you don't paint the surfaces, the rust will probably come back soon enough.
As for using anti-seize, many shops advise against it as it screws with the proper torque. If you are going to use it, at least make sure it stays on the threads only and don't get any of it on the lugbolt seating surface.
As for using anti-seize, many shops advise against it as it screws with the proper torque. If you are going to use it, at least make sure it stays on the threads only and don't get any of it on the lugbolt seating surface.
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From: Illinois
'08 C300 4Matic Sport, '02 530i
From TireRack's tech section:
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tirete....jsp?techid=39
Basically, when you're applying AS, you are going to be over-torquing the bolts by some 30% because typically the torque figures are provided for bolts without AS on them.
Some car owner manuals specifically state not to use AS on lugbolts.
I don't think my local MB dealer uses it.
Once you have completed your test fit, we suggest removing the wheel and applying a thin coating of "antiseize" around the axle hubs to help prevent rust and permit easier removal when it's time to rotate your tires. Do not apply "antiseize" to the lug hardware or studs.
Basically, when you're applying AS, you are going to be over-torquing the bolts by some 30% because typically the torque figures are provided for bolts without AS on them.
Some car owner manuals specifically state not to use AS on lugbolts.
I've never seen a tire shop not use it.
Member
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From: Pensacola, Fl.
2012 US Edition C300 Luxury 4-Matic
I guess I assumed it goes without saying....
the anti-seize should be applied to the threads only, and the only way it will mess with the torque specs is by making your torque wrench accurate. Without anti-seize, your lug bolts have to battle a lot of friction when you're tightening them. This friction will cause your torque wrench to register a higher torque and cause you to under-tighten the bolts.
good luck~
~mike~
the anti-seize should be applied to the threads only, and the only way it will mess with the torque specs is by making your torque wrench accurate. Without anti-seize, your lug bolts have to battle a lot of friction when you're tightening them. This friction will cause your torque wrench to register a higher torque and cause you to under-tighten the bolts.
good luck~
~mike~
Member
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From: Pensacola, Fl.
2012 US Edition C300 Luxury 4-Matic
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2009
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2008 C350 Sport
MB lugnuts are crap for some reason...I've had several replaced under warranty already. You would think that they would start using better lugnuts after replacing millions of them. HELLO, there must be a problem with them... Seems like such a silly issue on a luxury brand who should be concerned with all the little issues that put them a class above. I've never had a problem with rusted lug nuts on other makes I've owned: Ford, Honda, Mazda.
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From: Southwest USA
Another round of ICE
Are you seeing the rust on the face of the lug nut as it sits in the pocket on the wheel? I've looked closely at both cars, and see no rust on the visible part of the lug nuts on any of the eight wheels.
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From: Illinois
'08 C300 4Matic Sport, '02 530i
I'm pretty sure it's related to heavy use of salt during winter in the snowbelt areas.
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From: North Jerzeee
Lexus IS 350 F Sport
My lugnuts were total crap 
rust on more than half of them but when I got my new wheels I had these changed out and thus far nooo rust yay !! Anyone with any kind of rusting should simply go to the dealer and complain that no car nowadays should have this regardless of salt or wheel cleaner use ???
rust on more than half of them but when I got my new wheels I had these changed out and thus far nooo rust yay !! Anyone with any kind of rusting should simply go to the dealer and complain that no car nowadays should have this regardless of salt or wheel cleaner use ???
MBWorld Fanatic!
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From: Southwest USA
Another round of ICE
Michigan!!! I would think my cars are likely candidates....at a year and a half, neither is showing any visible rust on the lug nut surface, although I did not remove one for closer inspection. BTW, I use Adam's Green Wheel Cleaner.
Super Member
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From: Illinois
'08 C300 4Matic Sport, '02 530i
Well, to be fair, I am not the first owner. I don't use any wheel cleaners (apart from just regular car soap), but I have no idea if and what the previous owner used.
