For a while I've wanted to swap my OE chrome wheel nuts to something better as they are starting to look tired. After seeing the write ups about alloy nuts sheering off I knew I wanted quality. The only ones to go for are McGard - obviously IMO.

When I went to the International Autosports show at the NEC earlier this year I came across the*McGard stand,*where I soon asked about their wheel nuts for my Subaru STi 330s which I wanted in Black.

A deal was hammered out for a FULL set (inc wheel locking nut) of the Black Edition that were subaru fitment.

Today I've had chance to fit them.

So here you go with an idiots guide to swapping your OE ones for the new Black Edition's.



Start with removing the OE locking nut


to be on the safe side use some lube/oil so you can get them off either next time round


1st one fitted.


2nd one will be the opposite side, then the 3rd opposite to that one.


4th & 5th again done as opposing sides like doing the ones previous


Don't forget to*Torque*them up to just a shade under 100Nm



I just need to full detail my car now ready for the show season

 

Yeah, you really let the side down with those dirty wheels
Good guide though; do they do just the locking nuts on their own?

 

car was washed once they were fitted. I wiped them out as I removed each one of the old OE nuts

you can buy just the locking nuts.
http://www.halfords.com/motoring/car...l-nuts-24152su

 

https://www.performancealloys.com/mc...t-kit-84862sub

you can still get these nutts

 

Hey @salsa-king how are these holding up after 18 months + of wear and tear?

 

@Rusti Like new, they still look shiny black gloss.

Unlike cheaper ones on my Forester that seemed to go a flat dry matt finish.

 

The real question is how many miles have those nuts driven? I'm betting not more than 1000.

 

The benefit of McGard wheel nuts is that you have a lifetime guarantee.
Register the items at McGard Europe and if any corrode you can return them for replacement.
I had half a set of Chrome spline drives on my previous Forester replaced FOC.
Both my "Black Chrome" spline drive sets (one plain set - winter use, and one set branded STI - summer set) are almost like new still, having been purchased back in 2011/12
Car now at just under 63k miles.

The only visible sign of corrosion I've seen is with the security nuts, where the lock pattern is cut into it for the locking nut tool and then it's only light surface rust.

 

That is great customer service and faith in their product, If only I could get hold of the STI ones in the UK cant seem to find them anywhere!

 

The days of the £99 set is long gone - surprised Scoobyworld still have them on their website.
The slightly more expensive ones in either black gold or blue are still available, as are the full kits (with locking nuts and box ST28170ST060) but not in the UK.

https://www.japanparts.com/parts/detail/11657




https://www.sti.jp/en/parts/wrxsti_v.../ST28170ST000/
https://www.sti.jp/en/parts/wrxsti_v.../ST28170ST060/

 

Thanks Don, I will probably get a set through Japanparts, not sure I understand the need for the more expensive ones with a locking wheel nut, surely the splines are enough of a deterrent?

 

Belt and braces relatively easy to get hold of the spline adapter.
https://www.performancealloys.com/se...uners-25354sub

Maybe worth enquiring with Scoobyworld as to what/when/if available from them.
http://scoobyworld.co.uk/catalog/pro...2rp2nnmrjt8m15

 

Yes, I thought them expensive until I considered that my £80 generics rusted in a year, so they're good value

 

still looking like new

 

I wouldn't put oil on the thread of the wheel nuts.

 

I got a set of these about 16 months ago and they've already gone flat looking and lost their gloss. There was no mention of a guarantee either when they came. Not impressed considering the price.
Oil on lug nuts at 100nm is questionable as well, as you should torque 10% less, and 100nm is already quite high.

 

Re: Guarantee

I purchased a chrome tuner installation kit back in March 2005 for my Forester and had all 16 nut replaced under guarantee in 2008.
The final part of the email conversation with McGard.de.......



HOWEVER, reading their current website info it looks as if the "lifetime" guarantee may have now been reduced to 2 years for individual purchases ( assuming you have registered the purchase with McGard).

Not sure what you are intimating with "100nm is already quite high"

100Nm - standard torque setting for MY08 onwards. Earlier models 90Nm.

 

I need to buy some wheel nuts fpor my Sti Hatch to replace the tacky, colour flaking off ones that the previous owner installed. I was getting interested in these McGard ones until Hedge said they are now flat looking and have lost their gloss, plus it doesn't seem like they have a lifetime warranty anymore from the posts above.

Are the OEM wheel nuts any good ?

 

Not sure what you are intimating with "100nm is already quite high"
Quite right Don, apologies, posting late on Fridays never a good idea.

But just to add, mine were marked from new solely from rubbing on the plastic packaging, had to be replaced by Japanparts, so they certainly aren't tough.

 

Yes the OEM nuts are good, it just depends on the wheels you have fitted.
Some require the smaller diameter "tuner" nuts.
Have both a set of the "STI marked black chrome spline nuts (summer wheels) and a set of the plain black chrome spline nuts (winter wheels) purchased in 2011 and both sets are still in good condition.

 

Hi Don, the wheels i'm using are Prodrive GT1, 18 inch, 114.3, 8.5J and i think the ET is 53. Do you have a part number on the OEM nuts for my setup below, thanks

 

@The Joshua Tree , as posted https://www.scoobynet.com/scoobynet-...heel-nuts.html
McGard ones, and a bargain price!
I recently accidentally damaged 2 of the wheel locking nuts as I didn't place it correctly and I bought a replacement set (4 locking nuts and a key) for £30 from McGard (with the same code)
These are the ones I have:

 

Standard OEM wheel nuts are currently 28171AJ000



Standard fit UK (manufactured by McGard) lock nuts are SACC2160