Swollen lug nuts

They swell because the nut under the stamped stainless shell corrodes, from salt/water getting behind the shell. I'm sure using an impact gun and/or improper SAE sockets isn't helping by wearing the coating off on the nut underneath, but let's face it... if you're in CA and a problem caused by corrosion isn't affecting you, it's not cuz you only use hand tools.

Toyota at least seems to use ones that are crimped pretty good around the whole base, the ones Jeep used that were just peened in a few spots were absolutely awful. You can buy odd-sized impact sockets that are 19.5mm for swollen ones and 18.5mm for the ones that the caps just fell off of because of those things.

 

Point taken, but most of the 'swollen' lugs I've seen have been due to deformity of the shell case from obvious signs of damage to the shells. In this case, we don't have a pic to see how the OP's swelled lugs look like.

 

Here is the swollen lug nut. 21mm stops at the tip. Visually it looks just like an unswollen lug nut. No sign of rust. My truck is pretty much rust free.

 

Yep, too many air gun hits. You can probably use a hammer to tap the socket onto the lug fully, but it may be a PIA to remove. If that a 12 or 6 point socket? A six point may slide on easier. You can also remove the shell with a grinder, but you will have boring looking lugs. May be time for some new lugs.

 

It’s a 12 point. Yep, I ordered a set of new 24 lugs and a 6 point deep socket.

 

Yeah this is a thing, a few companies make the lug nuts for most car companies and this trend started over a decade ago. I work at a ford dealer and the escape/fusion lug nuts and the F150 lug nuts are horribly (sometimes bad at 50K miles)and I usually recommend customers get solid metal lug nuts from Mr Lugnut, I specify that source since I have had noticed a few customers already replaced theirs and that seems to be the popular place to buy from.
Most of us have both 20mm and 22mm sockets right next to our normal 19mm and 21mm sockets for lug nuts.
I was lazy and got a new set from Ebay for about $30 when my truck was around 180K miles.

Its the penny pinches at corp who decide they dont want to pay the little bit extra for solid lug nuts but still want the "pretty" chrome look.

 

Never a good thing to have.....

 

Head to the nearest Costco Tire Center

 

They do swell up because of rust forming under the SST skin. Abuse can also be an issue, but the rust problem is real as said. They make a 21 X 21.5MM flip socket just for this reason- I have one.

$16 CTA Tools 1799 Flip Socket (21mm x 21.5mm)

https://www.amazon.com/CTA-Tools-17...1.5+mm+socket&qid=1556125421&s=gateway&sr=8-2

 

This is not my photo.
I bought a set of 24 Toyota factory 1-piece solid chrome lug nuts. Very happy.

 

This good preventive maintenance . Looks like the tire shop used your truck for NASCAR pit stop training. It looks like the trainee pulled the trigger before he had the socket all the way on the lug nut. Been down that road. My fix was to buy a set of take-offs and take only the wheels to the tire shop.

 

Been there done that. I R/R wheels myself, take wheels to/from wherever in wife's car. Only way to keep hub centric wheels installed properly and new lugnuts intact and torqued properly, and I can rotate them... and yes, it's a lot of extra BS I shouldn't have to do, but the idiots are running the asylum.

Years ago I used a small mom and pop shop that would let me R/R wheels in the parking lot. That was great! Now, no one will let you do that, some insurance BS or whatever.

 

Lol

 

What about over hand tightening them. Can that happen?

 

I had a bunch go bad on mine, one of was a real bitch to get off and another 6 or 7 were damaged trying to get them off.

Over torqued, air tools and corrosion. I have spline drive aluminum ones on there now.

You don't want to have one shear or round off on the side of the road when you get a flat and you're trying to put your spare on.

 

Yes. The torque spec guide for lug nuts on 1st gens is 83ft lbs...that's easy to achieve with a lug wrench by hand, not much strength needed.

Edit - sry thought you had a 1st gen, not sure what 2nd gen torque spec is for the lugs

 

How much did you end up spending on a lug nuts

 

Get a decent new set. Then either R&R your own wheels at whatever shop, if they'll let you, or put your old lugs on when you take it in. I know it's a PIA, but impact jockeys don't care. It's all about production, and once you leave, it's too late. I used to take my truck to a mom & pop shop that would let me R&R wheels in the lot. Those days are probably long gone, but you could ask.
If you know about this issue, and your originals are new, and you don't let anyone touch them, they will last.

 

manufacture? About the newer Tacoma 2019? Should my friend change all his out?

 

I paid $50 for a set of 24 from a new 4 runner off eBay.