Having trouble torquing lug nuts

When tightening my lug nuts, after they start to get snug, a few of them start to get stiff and sound like grinding metal.

So it trips my torque wrench before i believe it reaches the actual correct torque.

Its an older vehicle so maybe the threads or lugs are rusted.

Is there a way to clean the threads to address this so they go on smoothly?

 

If you think your lugs are a little messed up, you might as well replace them. They're cheap and easy-ish, and you'll have peace of mind on what's holding your wheel on the truck

 

what kind of torque wrench and what's it set at?

 

Use a wire brush to clean the threads if there is light rust present. I've seen some guys use anti-seize on the threads of the lugs. Also if you have lug nuts with the acorn-style base and aftermarket aluminum wheels, you might want to use some white lithium on the angled base of the lug nuts. That sound might be the lug nuts rubbing against your wheels..

 

I guess i should verify if its the lugs or axle threads.

Using a ft-lbs at 80lbs (98 Tacoma)

Its about half of them that start to bind and grind on the way on which makes it difficult to tell how tight they actually are. The other half go on smoothly.

 

They should all be able to run on with just your fingers. Easy peasy.

 

X2 antisieze!!! Absolutely use it! Prevents galling and allows for proper uniform torquing.

 

I've even greased the threads for ease of removal

Don't judge me lol

 

Affects torque rating. Be sure to adjust accordingly

 

Just change the studs for piece of mind. The threads could be stretched too.

 

I don't judge and don't hate.