Changing flat tire, lug nut removal?

[tom3]

Looked down at a rear tire and see a drywall screw in it. Head to Discount Tire and got it fixed. Got me to thinking. How do I get those lug nuts off if I'm on the side of the road? At 140 ftlbs I can't imagine having anything in the factory equipment to get those off. Anyone ever have to change a flat on the side of the road?

 

[swathdiver]

Looked down at a rear tire and see a drywall screw in it. Head to Discount Tire and got it fixed. Got me to thinking. How do I get those lug nuts off if I'm on the side of the road? At 140 ftlbs I can't imagine having anything in the factory equipment to get those off. Anyone ever have to change a flat on the side of the road?

My daughters have done it with the folding lug wrench I keep in the truck. I bought the Gorilla brand but it can be had in a dozen different brands and at less cost.

Even in my weakened state I can still crack them loose with it. Thankfully, we haven't had a flat in years, just tire rotations at home.

 

[tom3]

I wondered about something like that just in case. Even at the house with the big torque wrench hitting that 140 takes some muscle. Sure seems like a lot for bolting on aluminum wheels, especially with six lugs.

 

[OR VietVet]

If you didn't hang out at construction sites, you would not have the problem.

Plan on the worst and hope for the best.

 

[wjburken]

I’ve never had an issue breaking them loose with the factory lug wrench.

140 ft-lbs with an 18” wrench, 100 lbs or so applied to the end of the wrench should break it loose just fine.

Taught my kids, including my 15 yr old daughter how to put the tool horizontal and step on it while making sure they kept their balance.

 

[Doubeleive]

Looked down at a rear tire and see a drywall screw in it. Head to Discount Tire and got it fixed. Got me to thinking. How do I get those lug nuts off if I'm on the side of the road? At 140 ftlbs I can't imagine having anything in the factory equipment to get those off. Anyone ever have to change a flat on the side of the road?

it can be done there is lug wrench in the back drivers side panel and a jack and the adapter pieces to get the spare down.
How to do it is shown in the owners manual.
if you get it out and try it (practice run) and for some reason just can't get it to break loose then grab yourself a breaker bar and keep it in the same storage space as the jack.
a good choice is about a 12-14" long piece of 2" galvanized pipe (found at any hardware store)
problem solved forever.....
because when the time comes and you actually have no choice but to get out there in windy, freezing, raining, mud, miserable as any person could be your going to want it to work.
pro tip: toss a rain jacket or poncho in that same compartment. you can thank me later.

 

[k_arnold72]

it can be done there is lug wrench in the back drivers side panel and a jack and the adapter pieces to get the spare down.
How to do it is shown in the owners manual.
if you get it out and try it (practice run) and for some reason just can't get it to break loose then grab yourself a breaker bar and keep it in the same storage space as the jack.
a good choice is about a 12-14" long piece of 2" galvanized pipe (found at any hardware store)
problem solved forever.....
because when the time comes and you actually have no choice but to get out there in windy, freezing, raining, mud, miserable as any person could be your going to want it to work.
pro tip: toss a rain jacket or poncho in that same compartment. you can thank me later.

This plus throw some gloves in there too

 

[gooffeyguy]

Why worry about it, get a AAA membership. They're everywhere and will be there within minutes with dozens of sized spare tires, one sure to fit your vehicle. Let them do the work

 

[clogan2]

A more difficult chore for many would be lifting the heavy spare, and mounting it on the hub. That's the hardest part for me.

 

[wjburken]

Why worry about it, get a AAA membership. They're everywhere and will be there within minutes with dozens of sized spare tires, one sure to fit your vehicle. Let them do the work

Not always.

My wife had a flat tire on her Yukon a few years ago after she had shoulder surgery and couldn't do it herself. Onstar called AAA and it took them 1-1/2 hours and when the guy got there, he could figure out how to release the safety catch on the spare so I had to walk him through it over the phone.

 

[steiny93]

Looked down at a rear tire and see a drywall screw in it. Head to Discount Tire and got it fixed. Got me to thinking. How do I get those lug nuts off if I'm on the side of the road? At 140 ftlbs I can't imagine having anything in the factory equipment to get those off. Anyone ever have to change a flat on the side of the road?

are they really torqued to 140ft/lbs, that's a lot

 

[Tahoe14]

I carry a 1/2” breaker bar and correct size socket.

 

[Jeff_]

I keep a 1/2" breaker bar under the backseat and a correct size socket in the glovebox.
Breaker bars can come in handy for many things other than its intended use.

 

[clogan2]

In my experience, AAA has been worthless. Final straw was when I waited 2 hrs for a tow, and was finally told by AAA on phone that they did not have any "authorized" tow services in my area, and that I'd have to find one on my own. I called the guy that the sheriff's deputy had recommended 2 hours before, and he was there in 20 minutes.

No more AAA for me.

 

[ZEUS1]

If i am planning a road trip, i pack my aluminum jack and my Dewalt impact. If i am home that's what i grab when i go on a rescue mission. My wife calls me about twice a year normally.

 

[Tonyv__]

I just keep a $20 harbor freight breaker bar and 7/8 deep socket in the truck. That’s more than enough

 

[wjburken]

are they really torqued to 140ft/lbs, that's a lot

That's the torque spec on these vehicles, so they should be.

 

[89Suburban]

My daughters have done it with the folding lug wrench I keep in the truck. I bought the Gorilla brand but it can be had in a dozen different brands and at less cost.

View attachment 416291

Even in my weakened state I can still crack them loose with it. Thankfully, we haven't had a flat in years, just tire rotations at home.

I have had this kit for years, I LOVE IT. Got them for my kids cars too. And if you tow a lot like I do with the boat, having those combo sockets are another nice benefit for the different sizes lug nuts.

 

[gooffeyguy]

Not always.

My wife had a flat tire on her Yukon a few years ago after she had shoulder surgery and couldn't do it herself. Onstar called AAA and it took them 1-1/2 hours and when the guy got there, he could figure out how to release the safety catch on the spare so I had to walk him through it over the phone.

I wasn't serious. It was a bit of sarcasm vaguely referencing another recent similar thread talking about spare tires

 

[Seamus]

^^^^ LOL I was taken back too!! We just renewed reluctantly! I have waited 3-4 hours for AAA!!! I'd never waste my time waiting unless I was really stuck...anything I can muster will be done avoiding that wait. Mainly keep it for the wife in case i am out of town.