It's true that lugs have a finite life cycle, but I
would guess legal worries would make them among the
most overengineered parts on a car. One of these days
I'll check the specifications on a few to confirm that.
Anti-seize helps to extend their life because you can
use slightly lower torque for a given clamping force.
(example: Miata spec is 65-83 lb-ft, I use 60-65 with
anti-seize) Scary as it sounds, motor oil can also be
used, though it's too messy for me!
It is possible to use too much torque, stretching the
lug to yield, and I wonder how many wheel launching
incidents can be traced to this. Too little torque is
also bad because it imposes fluctuating loads on the
lug and fatigues it _really_ fast.
BTW Jan you will not see it when the lugs wear out.
The only way to detect that is to torque it and measure
the stretch with a ruler. That, or when it goes
BANG...
Craig Blome, wondering if he can sneak ARP wheel studs
through impound :)
Texas Spokes SCC, Austin, TX
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