GenVibe - Community for Pontiac Vibe Enthusiasts

I noticed that when I tighten the plastic lug nuts that keep the hub cap on, they reach a certain point then release. Almost as if they were stripped. Nothing looks like it is stripped. I am wondering if they are designed to work that way so you can't over tighen them or if I have a real problem most likely caused by the impact wrench happy animals at the tire shop. Anyone else notice this?

Yes, that's the way they're made. I use my steelies with hubcaps in the winter. What I do is tighten them until they release and then snug them to just before the release point. I find you get fewer rattles that way.

I think they were made to be only hand-tightened. I never even tried using a wrench on them. Yours may be stripped, but they'll probably be fine unless you like hitting potholes at insane speeds.

yup sounds like if you over tighten them they get pushed back out a turn (thread). Do what raven does or until they are tight (right before "release".)

I do that all the time.Quote, originally posted by Raven »Yes, that's the way they're made. I use my steelies with hubcaps in the winter. What I do is tighten them until they release and then snug them to just before the release point. I find you get fewer rattles that way.I agree (except I'm year round on steelies&covers)

Thanks guys. It's good to know that nothing is stripped on mine and it is working as designed. Actually, I guess it's a good idea. It keeps some tire guy with an impact wrench from stripping out your plastic lug nut.