Wheel simulators, but no nut removal tool?

[Bzerull]

That was my situation. These nuts are very large and takes an oversized socket that is hard to find and can be expensive. I found this “sink faucet” tool at Home Depot for $22. Lots of socket sizes to choose from, and strong enough for this purpose. Worked well for me and solved my problem.
I also had a wheel lug that had damaged threads so I could not get a lug nut on. I used one of these combined with a 9/16-18 die to clean the threads and made the stud useable again. Maybe this will help you if you are in a similar situation.

 

[Adventurous Traveler]

Bzerull, that's a good find. What size wheels do you have your simulators on? I have 22.5" on my DP, and the wrench that came with the rig is essentially worn out, thin aluminum, and I need to get a better socket to have on hand to remove them.

 

[davismills]

Great idea, Bzerull.

 

[Bzerull]

Bzerull, that's a good find. What size wheels do you have your simulators on? I have 22.5" on my DP, and the wrench that came with the rig is essentially worn out, thin aluminum, and I need to get a better socket to have on hand to remove them.

Mine wheels are similar, I think a little smaller. You will find these socket tools to be very strong and quite useful.

 

[grashley]

I have 19.5 tires and simulators. Like has been said, the removal tool is only useful if it was used to mount the simulator. I bought a 1 1/8" socket at O'Riley's which is a perfect fit.

MY QUESTION How do you know which nuts hold the simulator on? Two tires were no problem, given the correct socket. On a third, I have loosened 4 opposing nuts, but none are coming loose.

 

[John From Detroit]

Mine the Removal tool was same size as the lug nut.> Same wrench did both jobs.
The removal tool is very "low stregth" compared to a proper impact socket.

 

[Mark_K5LXP]

How do you know which nuts hold the simulator on?

They're stamped. Mine have a horizontal bar on one of the flats.

Mark B.
Albuquerque, NM

 

[8Muddypaws]

I went through that and removed them with a big pair of channel locks. Wasn't easy. Wish I'd had your sink wrenches back then.

 

[DonTom]

How do you know which nuts hold the simulator on?

Look for little markings, often just a small line, on four sides of the real nuts. The fake ones have no markings of any type.

They could be difficult to notice if you're not looking for them. But if you're looking, you will notice them right away.

-Don- Auburn, CA

 

[TheBar]

You have to be careful with inexperienced people removing your wheels. I take my wheel simulators off before letting someone else touch it.

On mine the tire guy didn't know it was a simulated wheel and used a crazy high rpm impact wrench on the first nut. That practically liquified the hollow nut and damaged the wheel simulator. Had a hard time finding the exact replacement nut and a harder time fixing the wheel simulator which was unobtainium.

 

[Mark_K5LXP]

the tire guy didn't know it was a simulated wheel

This is a "professional" that works with wheels and tires all day. A close friend of his must be the guy that put tires on my truck years ago. Hammered the lug nuts on so hard they turned into ovals - on a Ford Ranger pickup. Had to use an impact socket on a four foot breaker bar to get them off, and buy all new lug nuts. Thankfully didn't break any lugs or distort the hubs. Last time I got tires I delivered them off the truck, to which they offered they'd be happy to put them on for me. I don't need that kind of happiness. Recently helped a relative rotate his tires, figured it'd be a 30 minute job that turned into a 2 hour one, due to the same impact mentality used on his that distorted the lugs and I couldn't fit any socket or lug wrench I had onto the lugs. Ended up filing them flat one lug at a time. I noted on a recent trip to costco the tire shop was using a torque wrench, they just might get my business next time around.

Mark B.
Albuquerque, NM

 

[Babe2201]

This is a "professional" that works with wheels and tires all day. A close friend of his must be the guy that put tires on my truck years ago. Hammered the lug nuts on so hard they turned into ovals - on a Ford Ranger pickup. Had to use an impact socket on a four foot breaker bar to get them off, and buy all new lug nuts. Thankfully didn't break any lugs or distort the hubs. Last time I got tires I delivered them off the truck, to which they offered they'd be happy to put them on for me. I don't need that kind of happiness. Recently helped a relative rotate his tires, figured it'd be a 30 minute job that turned into a 2 hour one, due to the same impact mentality used on his that distorted the lugs and I couldn't fit any socket or lug wrench I had onto the lugs. Ended up filing them flat one lug at a time. I noted on a recent trip to costco the tire shop was using a torque wrench, they just might get my business next time around.

Mark B.
Albuquerque, NM

Just because they used a torque wrench does not mean they are not over tightening them and using the torque wrench for show. A lot of time lug nuts that are seized on are not from over tightening. Heat and rust have a lot to do with that.