Recently, my golf cart’s lug nuts have been coming loose on their own. I’ve tightened them multiple times, but they just won’t stay tight. Can someone help me out?
Response
Oh boy, I’ve been there! It took me a while to work this one out but one thing that really helped me was using a torque wrench to tighten the lug nuts to the manufacturer’s specifications.
Solutions that worked for users
| Solution | Users Who Found Success | Personal Experience | Estimated Cost (USD) | Time Needed (Minutes) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tighten to Correct Torque | 5 | Torque wrench did wonders | $0 | 5-10 |
| Use Loctite on Studs | 3 | Loctite kept them in place | $6-10 | 15-20 |
| Check for Stripped Lugs | 3 | Replacing lugs worked | $10-20 | 30-60 |
Symptoms
- Lug nuts come loose after driving
- Wheels wobble
- Unusual noise from the wheels
Possible Causes
- Incorrect torque
- Damaged threads
- Elongated wheel holes
- Use of incorrect or mismatched lug nuts
Solutions that Worked
1. Tighten to Correct Torque
What I Did:
Tightened the lug nuts to the correct torque using a torque wrench.
Outcome:
The lug nuts stayed in place and didn’t come loose.
Personal Experience:
I used a torque wrench to tighten the lug nuts to 85 ft. lbs, and since then, they haven’t come loose. It was a game-changer for me.
Estimated Cost:
$0 (assuming you already have a torque wrench)
Time Needed:
5-10 minutes
Steps:
- Preparation: Before you start, make sure your golf cart is on a level surface and the parking brake is engaged.
- Gather Tools: Obtain a torque wrench and a socket that fits your lug nuts.
- Check Manufacturer’s Specifications: Look up the correct torque setting for your specific golf cart model. This information can usually be found in the owner’s manual.
- Set Torque Wrench: Adjust the torque wrench to the correct setting (e.g., 85 ft. lbs).
- Loosen Lug Nuts Slightly: If the lug nuts are already installed, loosen them slightly so you can retighten them accurately.
- Tighten in Star Pattern: Tighten the lug nuts in a star or criss-cross pattern to ensure even pressure.
- Final Tightening: Use the torque wrench for the final tightening to ensure you’re applying the correct amount of force.
- Double-Check: After driving a short distance, it’s a good idea to recheck the torque.
Expert Tip:
- Handy Tip: Always use a torque wrench for the final tightening to ensure you’re applying the correct amount of force. This reduces the risk of the lug nuts coming loose or the threads getting damaged.
- Unique Info: If you find that the lug nuts are still coming loose despite correct torque settings, consider using a thread locker like Loctite as an additional measure.
2. Use Loctite on Studs
What I Did:
Applied Loctite on the studs before tightening the lug nuts.
Outcome:
The lug nuts stayed in place and didn’t come loose.
Personal Experience:
I applied Loctite on the studs and tightened the lug nuts. They haven’t come loose since.
Estimated Cost:
$6-10 for a bottle of Loctite
Time Needed:
15-20 minutes
Steps:
- Clean the Threads: Use a wire brush or cloth to clean the threads on the studs and lug nuts.
- Apply Loctite: Apply a small amount of Loctite on the threads.
- Tighten Lug Nuts: Tighten the lug nuts to the correct torque.
- Allow Time: Allow time for the Loctite to set before driving.
Expert Tip:
Loctite can be a great additional measure, but make sure to use the removable type (usually blue) so you can take off the lug nuts in the future if needed.
3. Check for Stripped Lugs
What I Did:
Checked the lugs for any signs of stripping and replaced them if needed.
Outcome:
The lug nuts stayed in place and didn’t come loose.
Personal Experience:
I noticed some of my lugs looked worn, so I replaced them. Problem solved.
Estimated Cost:
$10-20 for new lugs
Time Needed:
30-60 minutes
Steps:
- Inspect Each Lug: Inspect each lug for signs of wear or stripping.
- Remove Damaged Lugs: Use a lug wrench to remove any damaged lugs.
- Install New Lugs: Install new lugs in place of the damaged ones.
- Tighten Lug Nuts: Tighten the lug nuts to the correct torque.
Expert Tip:
If you find that your lugs are frequently getting stripped, it might be a sign that you’re over-tightening the lug nuts. Always use a torque wrench to avoid this issue.
Golf Cart Models Where This Worked
- 2016 RXV
- 2015 EZGO TXT48
- 1996 TXT
- 2007 PDS