Miata Mailing List: February 1999, Message #186

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"Michael J. McIntyre" wrote:
> 
> Is it true that aluminum wheels require aluminum lug nuts and
> that steel wheels require steel lug nuts? If so, why? (I have
> steel wheels for snows and aluminum for regular).

Aluminum is neither very dense nor usually very hard.  I would not
want aluminum lug nuts under any conditions, for fear of galling or of
the threads stripping out of them or the hexes rounding off when
properly torqued to spec of 80 ft-lbs.  Also, they would quickly
acquire a marred external surface, ruining their appearance.  IMHO,
you want steel lug nuts (preferably plated) under all conditions, no
matter what the wheel alloy.  I don't believe I've ever seen aluminum
lug nuts, either as original equipment or available for sale.

--
Bill Gusky and Petunia
Red '91, license "MOMENTS"
http://www.totcon.com/users/moments
DeLand, Florida
"Too soon oldt, und too late schmart!"