lug nuts minimum thread engagement

[trad64]

I just received new winter tire/wheel package from tirerack.com. Upon installation the new painted steel wheels do not allow as much wheel stud to protrude for the lugnuts(new also). I can only get 6 3/4 turns to proper torque. The manual says 6 1/2 turns minimum. Is this safe? I called tirerack and they just recited what the manual says. I don't want to be driving on the edge. Thanks!

[northvibe]

as long as the rim is flush against the hub and you tighten the lugs to 75lbs your good.welcome to genvibe!!

[Raven]

Retighten them after driving for a day or so and you'll have more threads buried. The rims will seat in a bit by then. Did you get 15" snows, 195/65/15?

[Sublimewind]

Did you used the provided lugs (TR always send new lugs) or your stock lugs? I know that the Vibe uses a different style of lug than, say my Subaru, which is a tapered seat lug... hmm, it's got me wondering, do some carefull driving, if you feel anything out of the ordanary, get home and look it all over again more carefully... Maybe take some pics if you can and post them..

[moonstonemike]

Usually in machining practice, for steel the the minimum recommended length of engagement is between 0.75 to 1X of the bolt major diameter.Since the thread is 12mmX1.5 it would take 6 turns (1.5X=9)to get that amount so anything more would be a plus and FYI thread reaches maximum shear strength at 1.5X the bolt diameter which would take 12 turns.

[trad64]

moonstonemike, By your formula I get a min number of turns at 9 not 6. Now I'm not sure about this anymore. I did drive the car a short distance a couple days ago but was very careful. I will keep checking the torque often till I see everythings ok. Thanks everyone for the replies.Mike

[moonstonemike]

Sorry, should have explained my math better12MM bolt X .75=9MM6 turns X 1.5 pitch=9mm12mm bolt X 1=12mm8 turns X 1.5pitch=12mmSo minimum recomended lenth is between 6 and 8 turns. 6 Being on the lowest minimum but still in the bolts tolerance.