Is this rusted piece dangerous or replaceable?

[classychris92]

I'm sure this is a stupid question to car guys but this is the first car I've owned since my early 20s (just getting my life together) and this piece in the middle is super rusted. Should I change it? Is that even possible? Also I'd like to rotate my own tires, when tightening lug nuts how do I know if it's 129lb ft torque.?

 

[Sophias_dad]

They definitely USED to sell them. I even have a set(never used!) that I'd be willing to sell if I can find them, including center caps. All I see direct from Tesla on their site is https://shop.tesla.com/product/model-3-aero-wheel-cap-kit, which would still cover your lug nuts and rusty axle bolt.

I'm sure a SC would sell you replacement lug nuts, but they wouldn't be closed end.

I vaguely recall that I'm mistaken, and what they were selling was lug nut CAPS and a wheel center caps, all made of plastic.

 

[android04]

They definitely USED to sell them. I even have a set(never used!) that I'd be willing to sell if I can find them, including center caps. All I see direct from Tesla on their site is https://shop.tesla.com/product/model-3-aero-wheel-cap-kit, which would still cover your lug nuts and rusty axle bolt.

I'm sure a SC would sell you replacement lug nuts, but they wouldn't be closed end.

They never sold lug nuts on their online shop, but a Tesla service center will sell you the OEM lug nuts. You will only want those if you plan on putting the black plastic caps over them or some sort of wheel cover over them, otherwise the exposed end of the lug bolts will start to rust.

As for length of the lug nuts, it only matters if they are closed end. And they only need to be the minimum length of 1.6“. there's no problem with being longer. If the lug nuts are open end then their length doesn't matter.

As for rust on the center hub -- that's normal on all cars. Don't recommend using chemicals to remove it, but you can brush it off with a steel brush and apply a light coating of grease or some paint to keep them from rusting a lot.

 

[classychris92]

They definitely USED to sell them. I even have a set(never used!) that I'd be willing to sell if I can find them, including center caps. All I see direct from Tesla on their site is https://shop.tesla.com/product/model-3-aero-wheel-cap-kit, which would still cover your lug nuts and rusty axle bolt.

I'm sure a SC would sell you replacement lug nuts, but they wouldn't be closed end.

What does closed end mean? Do I want closed end?

 

[Cce32]

The factory lug nuts are open end, closed in look better, if you don't like seeing the studs:

2012-2019 Dodge Ram 1500, 14x1.5 Original Style Black Lug Nuts - Set of 20

2012-2019 Dodge Ram 1500, 14x1.5 Original Style Black Lug Nuts - New Set of 20. Shop on lugnutguys.com for all your lug nut, spacer, adapter, wheel and tire needs with Fast, Free shipping. 5308DGBK

lugnutguys.com

 

[classychris92]

They never sold lug nuts on their online shop, but a Tesla service center will sell you the OEM lug nuts. You will only want those if you plan on putting the black plastic caps over them or some sort of wheel cover over them, otherwise the exposed end of the lug bolts will start to rust.

As for length of the lug nuts, it only matters if they are closed end. And they only need to be the minimum length of 1.6“. there's no problem with being longer. If the lug nuts are open end then their length doesn't matter.

As for rust on the center hub -- that's normal on all cars. Don't recommend using chemicals to remove it, but you can brush it off with a steel brush and apply a light coating of grease or some paint to keep them from rusting a lot.

They never sold lug nuts on their online shop, but a Tesla service center will sell you the OEM lug nuts. You will only want those if you plan on putting the black plastic caps over them or some sort of wheel cover over them, otherwise the exposed end of the lug bolts will start to rust.

As for length of the lug nuts, it only matters if they are closed end. And they only need to be the minimum length of 1.6“. there's no problem with being longer. If the lug nuts are open end then their length doesn't matter.

As for rust on the center hub -- that's normal on all cars. Don't recommend using chemicals to remove it, but you can brush it off with a steel brush and apply a light coating of grease or some paint to keep them from rusting a lot.

Thank you for the info. I do have one more question (so I don't have to make a post) I bought my car used and it came with these 2 cords one has a small plug ones has a big, and some sort of adapter cord plug thing. Do you know the difference between those 2 plugs and what the adapters for? 3 Picture included lol

 

[classychris92]

They never sold lug nuts on their online shop, but a Tesla service center will sell you the OEM lug nuts. You will only want those if you plan on putting the black plastic caps over them or some sort of wheel cover over them, otherwise the exposed end of the lug bolts will start to rust.

As for length of the lug nuts, it only matters if they are closed end. And they only need to be the minimum length of 1.6“. there's no problem with being longer. If the lug nuts are open end then their length doesn't matter.

As for rust on the center hub -- that's normal on all cars. Don't recommend using chemicals to remove it, but you can brush it off with a steel brush and apply a light coating of grease or some paint to keep them from rusting a lot.

I have purchased more lug nuts than I am willing to admit, mostly because I have a wheel/tire addiction, here are some resources in addition to Amazon:

• 20 PC 14x1.5 OEM TESLA REPLACEMENT OPEN END LUG NUTS 21MM HEX TESLA MODEL 3 ZINC | eBay
• Easy Shopping for Lug Nuts, Wheel Locks, Tires, Wheels | Lug Nut Guys
• BONOSS Forged Steel Locking Lug Nuts For Tesla Model 3/Y
• MSI "Give Me The Ugga-Duggas" 19mm Hex Lug Nuts (Set Of 20)

Thank you SO MUCH for the links bro. That will ease my worry. Also do you know if put windows have a coating on them? Idk if the chemical guys glass cleaner screwed them up or if it was like this before hand but look at these little circles they're everywhere

 

[Sophias_dad]

Thank you for the info. I do have one more question (so I don't have to make a post) I bought my car used and it came with these 2 cords one has a small plug ones has a big, and some sort of adapter cord plug thing. Do you know the difference between those 2 plugs and what the adapters for? 3 Picture included lol

One of them is a 14-50 plug, the other is a 5-15 plug. The 5-15 will plug into a standard wall plug at virtually any home in America. The 14-50 is sometimes found at campgrounds and at places that have installed plugs just for EV charging. The latter will be MUCH faster at charging.

 

[classychris92]

One of them is a 14-50 plug, the other is a 5-15 plug. The 5-15 will plug into a standard wall plug at virtually any home in America. The 14-50 is sometimes found at campgrounds and at places that have installed plugs just for EV charging. The latter will be MUCH faster at charging.

Do you know what that adapter cord is for?

 

[RayK]

@classychris92 For future reference, here's a table of commonly used receptacles used in the USA:

Note that the matching plugs would look like you viewed them from behind the receptacle. So a 14-30 plug (not one you appear to have) should look like this:

ref: https://shop.tesla.com/product/gen-2-nema-adapters
ref: NEMA connector - Wikipedia

 

[RayK]

Do you know what that adapter cord is for?

Follow the first link in my post above (shop.tesla.com) and there you will find the Tesla Mobile Connector's various adapters that can be used in many different kinds of outlets.

 

[Cce32]

Do you know what that adapter cord is for?

You can pull the adapter that is currently plugged into your mobile connector out and replace it with the other one depending on which electrical outlet you plan to use.

 

[classychris92]

You may be rotating them needlessly. Go by wear delta. Not miles. Buy a depth gauge. Cheap.

Unless of course you just like to tinker.

So I'm sure there is wear on the treads but how can I tell if it's the type of wear that needs rotation?

 

[RayK]

Both badly formatted link but I found what you're pointing to...

Description says they are for Tesla 3/X/S and it's Amazon so they should be able to accept returns if it doesn't fit.

Note, however, they are 22MM hex, not the 21 which I think are standard. Just means you have to have two sockets; one to remove the existing ones and another to install the new ones.

 

[classychris92]

Both badly formatted link but I found what you're pointing to...

Description says they are for Tesla 3/X/S and it's Amazon so they should be able to accept returns if it doesn't fit.

Note, however, they are 22MM hex, not the 21 which I think are standard. Just means you have to have two sockets; one to remove the existing ones and another to install the new ones.

Yeah can you tell me how to post a link? I must be an idiot cause I can't figure it out

 

[RayK]

Just put in the entire https:// string as is, no @ needed, nor any extra slashes at the beginning.

Here's the one I think you are talking about:

Amazon.com

Another note: Sometimes the forum software includes a preview of the page. Other times it's just a link (like above). Many times people post the ENTIRE string (URL) with all of the source site reference and crap that gets added on so companies can track where they are being linked from. I generally delete those and just post the basics.

 

[classychris92]

They never sold lug nuts on their online shop, but a Tesla service center will sell you the OEM lug nuts. You will only want those if you plan on putting the black plastic caps over them or some sort of wheel cover over them, otherwise the exposed end of the lug bolts will start to rust.

As for length of the lug nuts, it only matters if they are closed end. And they only need to be the minimum length of 1.6“. there's no problem with being longer. If the lug nuts are open end then their length doesn't matter.

As for rust on the center hub -- that's normal on all cars. Don't recommend using chemicals to remove it, but you can brush it off with a steel brush and apply a light coating of grease or some paint to keep them from rusting a lot.

Do you think these lugs would work? I worry about the height cause Tesla doesn't specify
https://a.co/d/3ffOtNb

 

[classychris92]

Both badly formatted link but I found what you're pointing to...

Description says they are for Tesla 3/X/S and it's Amazon so they should be able to accept returns if it doesn't fit.

Note, however, they are 22MM hex, not the 21 which I think are standard. Just means you have to have two sockets; one to remove the existing ones and another to install the new ones.

Yeah the 22mm is why I didn't wanna order it even tho they say Tesla. It's so hard to find a m14x1.45 21mm 40mm like the exact same ones are not easy to find.

 

[Cce32]

If you really want to use amazon, these look fine, 20 lug nuts for $23

 

[RayK]

Sorry for the slight delay.....

So I checked with one of the companies that exist to service aftermarket parts for Teslas (EVANNEX). This is an expensive locking lug nut set for Tesla but contains some good information*:

Gorilla Lug Nuts for Tesla Owners

Direct fit replacement lug nuts for Tesla Model S, 3, X and Y. The best Tesla lug nuts on the market. No inferior materials are used. Available chrome and black. Shop now.

evannex.com

(* Maybe it's me, or maybe it's both of my browsers (Firefox and Chrome), but maybe their web page designer didn't have their coffee for the morning. All text on the page appears to be rendered in a color which the same as the background. End result is that you can't read any of the standard text. Text that are in graphics display fine; just the other descriptions and wording is essentially invisible. Grabbing the entirety of the page and copy-paste into a word processor reveals all.)

These are closed ended nuts. They are supposed to be for any of the factory wheels and not for use with aftermarket wheels. The thread size is 14mm x 1.50 (not 1.45). The face is a 60 degree conical design. The specs say an overall length of 1.62". I'd say that as long as you stay at a length of 1.6", or slightly more, you're good. A 1.5" nut may work. It all depends on how much "headroom" there is inside the nut.

 

[android04]

Thank you SO MUCH for the links bro. That will ease my worry. Also do you know if put windows have a coating on them? Idk if the chemical guys glass cleaner screwed them up or if it was like this before hand but look at these little circles they're everywhere

Those are just water spots that form when water evaporates and leaves behind minerals or dust. Just clean the glass with a glass cleaner and then immediately dry it with newspaper or a clean, dry microfiber cloth.