HELP - Cragar SS Lug Nut Washers Keep Crushing - Need Alternatives!

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MobileCustoms

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I searched and have seen this problem discussed before but have still not found a definitive solution. Called Cragar just now and got no help from them.
I have the small bolt pattern 5 x 4 wheels which use the smaller 7/16" stud. The lug nuts have an 11/16" size hex. My washers keep crushing even though I've been careful to use a torque wrench and not over-tighten them. The wheels constantly loosen up because the soft washers just crush down. I've tried searching for Stainless washers but can't find them in the smaller size (.60" inner diameter).
Planning to have the car back on the road this Spring and need to find a good, safe solution for this. It's gotta be a pretty common issue...?
Thanks for any help!
-Doug

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Never had that issue in 40 years of using Cragars! Did those washers come with the lugnuts? The one's I bought 40 years ago are still flat...

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I'm sure you already know the concave side goes toward the wheel
I have seen some thicker washers for mag wheel lugnuts
Try Lugnut King, or ez accessory I'm sure they can find a solution for you
 
They only made one size lug nut for the small bolt pattern Cragar. I believe they were all 11/16".
 
It look like you should be using a conicle lug nut that would center the rim on the studs, seems like there is way to much play. I am guessing that the washers are way to soft.
 
It look like you should be using a conicle lug nut that would center the rim on the studs, seems like there is way to much play. I am guessing that the washers are way to soft.
The rims are flat-faced though. The lug nuts fit tight in the holes so the wheels don't have nay play once all the lugnuts are started.
 
It look like you should be using a conicle lug nut that would center the rim on the studs, seems like there is way to much play. I am guessing that the washers are way to soft.


No, the small bolt Cragar lugs are what he shows, they have always been that way and are very tight. The original washers were hardened steel and I can remember a batch that were chromed.
 
No, the small bolt Cragar lugs are what he shows, they have always been that way and are very tight. The original washers were hardened steel and I can remember a batch that were chromed.
I torque my Cragar lug nuts to 75 ft lbs. Never had them loosen up..."yet". Back in the day (70's) when Cragar washers were captive to the nut on some of their wheels, they were a better grade lug nut and I could torque them higher than that. But these "new" repops will crush and I had one or two nuts actually split at the threads if I try to torque them any higher. Called Cragar the first time it happened and they told me to not go higher than 75 lbs or I'll risk damage to the lug nut or washer. They said "it's only a 7/16 stud, no need to go any higher" Seems light to me, but hey what do I know. Chinese crap.
 
The rims are flat-faced though. The lug nuts fit tight in the holes so the wheels don't have nay play once all the lugnuts are started.
The bad part is with the washers becoming loose the wheels are able to move in the lug nut which at some point is going to cause wear to the rim and the lug nut. Have you mic’d the hole and lug nut to see what the clearance is?
 
Cragar says they have what they have. some reviews show others have complained about the softness of the new stuff. I'm sure the old ones were probably great! I ordered some a couple different times over the last few years and same soft crap.
 
I now have a new, nicer torque wrench from Snap-On, and will make sure I don't go above 75-80 lbs max, next time I install them. Also trying to line up a couple other options for better washers and will update with my findings when I have more info.
 
I have never seen a 7/16 left or right hand lug nut have an 11/16 head on it. Ever. Ever. I have probably 25 solid year in tires/wheels/balancing/alignment and suspension. Never seen this problem before, either. Appears that the washer is not fitting into the recess and as the nut is tightened down it is pushing the inside of the washer down against the recess. Did you test fit the washers first to make sure that they do fit completely into the recess where they are suppose to go?
 
I have never seen a 7/16 left or right hand lug nut have an 11/16 head on it. Ever. Ever. I have probably 25 solid year in tires/wheels/balancing/alignment and suspension. Never seen this problem before, either. Appears that the washer is not fitting into the recess and as the nut is tightened down it is pushing the inside of the washer down against the recess. Did you test fit the washers first to make sure that they do fit completely into the recess where they are suppose to go?

OUTSIDE DIA OF WASHER IS TOO LARGE
 
I have never seen a 7/16 left or right hand lug nut have an 11/16 head on it. Ever. Ever. I have probably 25 solid year in tires/wheels/balancing/alignment and suspension. Never seen this problem before, either. Appears that the washer is not fitting into the recess and as the nut is tightened down it is pushing the inside of the washer down against the recess. Did you test fit the washers first to make sure that they do fit completely into the recess where they are suppose to go?

The problem is multi-part.... The washers should fit a little tighter to the lugnuts and they should also have a little larger surface area. The smaller bolt pattern Cragars also have a smaller lug hole drilled in them. It's only .60" diameter. I can find 7/16 lugnuts with a 13/16 head, but then they also have a bigger diameter shank. There's not much extra room in the wheel for a larger lugnuts but I kind of think the wheels could be drilled out to accept the larger diameter lugnuts and matching washers. There's not much more room for a washer with anything more than a 1 inch outside diameter though, which is what they currently are.
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I think you may be correct. My wheels don't have any relief cut in them for a conical lug nut but maybe that's just how they are. I'd be a little concerned about cracking the wheel from trying to seat them. They also offer some other conical nuts with a little shank on them which I think would be even better. I would still probably need to install longer studs either way.
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On a side note: I bought this set of wheels slightly used several years ago, so i can't be sure they are still the same part # as shown now on Summit's site. They came with lugnuts then and some were in bad shape so I ordered more of the same style. Maybe that's my entire problem!
Gotta run some errands now but thanks to everyone for all the input!
 
Hard to tell in the picture he posted, but is there a conical taper inside the lug hole? It looks like a flat surface for a flat washered lug nut, but I see what you're saying Rusty.

It's just hard to confirm that he has the 60 degree conical tapered wheel.
 
I think you may be correct. My wheels don't have any relief cut in them for a conical lug nut but maybe that's just how they are. I'd be a little concerned about cracking the wheel from trying to seat them. They also offer some other conical nuts with a little shank on them which I think would be even better. I would still probably need to install longer studs either way.
View attachment 1715272860

Yes, those will be better yet. More thread engagement.
 
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