Seems to me there's no difference except for the rotational friction. Why
not, Bob? If it works on aluminum, why not steel?

bdub


-----Original Message-----
From: Gmclist On Behalf Of Bob de Kruyff
Sent: Monday, November 03, 2014 8:40 PM

midlf wrote on Mon, 03 November 2014 10:59
can Alcoa lug nuts be used on a steel wheel?

--------------
From an engineering standpoint these lug nuts have very different clamp
mechanisms. My answer is absolutely not. I suppose super glue may work but i
sure wouldn't do it!



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Would this be the correct lug nut for Alcoa wheels?
http://www.napaonline.com/Catalog/CatalogItemDetail.aspx/Wheel-Bolt-Nut-9-16-18/_/R-NDP6412029_0437519255

Randy

Randy,

The 9/16' x 18 TPI is the correct size and thread pitch, however, the spec says the NAPA nut is 1" high and if you look closely at
the washer you will see it is conical in shape.

Below you will find a photo of an OEM Alcoa lug nut and the washer is not conical:

http://www.southwestwheel.com/store/p-1807-139987.aspx

And the overall height of the nut is not that high.

As you can see from this photo when you install Alcoa wheels on the OEM wheel studs the studs do not go all the way through the
nuts:

http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/for-sale-by-owner/p29996-lug-nut-caps-for-sale-or-trade.html

History has shown that's not a problem, however, installing taller lug nuts would reduce the amount of thread engagement further.

Bottom line: buy OEM Alcoa lug nuts if you install Alcoa wheels.

Regards,
Rob M.
Sydney, Australia
AUS '75 Avion - The Blue Streak TZE365V100428
USA '75 Avion - Double Trouble TZE365V100426

-----Original Message-----
From: Gmclist [mailto:gmclist-bounces@temp.gmcnet.org] On Behalf Of Randy Meek
Sent: Tuesday, November 11, 2014 7:32 AM
To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] OEM vs Alcoa lug nuts

Would this be the correct lug nut for Alcoa wheels?
http://www.napaonline.com/Catalog/CatalogItemDetail.aspx/Wheel-Bolt-Nut-9-16-18/_/R-NDP6412029_0437519255

Randy
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We have a tool here at work that can measure actual clamp force of lug nut and wheel designs and materials. The nut and wheel surface and contour have to be designed as a system. The Alcoa nuts will interface on a different part of the steel wheel than the originals. Any deflection of the portion of the wheel that the lug nut sits on will cause a big loss of clamp force over time. On the Alcoa wheel that part is flat--on the steel wheel it is not--at least on the wheel I still have left.

Quote:

We have a tool here at work that can measure actual clamp force of lug nut and wheel designs and materials. The nut and wheel surface and contour have to be designed as a system. The Alcoa nuts will interface on a different part of the steel wheel than the originals. Any deflection of the portion of the wheel that the lug nut sits on will cause a big loss of clamp force over time. On the Alcoa wheel that part is flat--on the steel wheel it is not--at least on the wheel I still have left.

Although the Alcoa washer appears larger, the actual clamping area is the same diameter as the OEM nuts so I doubt there's any reason you can't use Alcoa nuts on steel wheeels.

And while I hate to divert business from those who support our coaches, the Alcoa nuts can be purchased online for as low as $2.40 each.

What does the surface of your steel wheel look like around the hole? Is it totally flat like the Alcoa or does it have a contour or raised surface/ridge?