Dangerous?

Let's get one thing sorted. I have all the respect for automotive techs when it comes to working on vehicles, whether they be the old carb systems, EFI's or today's gadget and computer-laden DDs. I'm in a different kind of tech - cloud infrastructure & security to be specific. So when someone comes to me about the sky is falling, I don't get panicky but wear that calm, comfortable, we'll-get-it-sorted demeanor that keeps people from covering their heads and jumping under tables. I stopped servicing my own vehicles years ago. Then I discovered HSF, this forum and plenty other DIYers and wanted to get in on the satisfaction of turning my own wrenches again - especially where the ST is concerned. I know most of you feel the same way! Having said all that...and this is the first time I've touched my own vehicle...

I was replacing the OEM lugs on my (21 ST) with the McGard black cone ones (see separate thread - I still have to post the pix). I completed the pass. side just fine and moved to the 3rd wheel, rear driver side. As I took off that last lug, the wheel (and the ST itself) moved ever so slightly. I'd say max maybe 1/4 an inch toward me. Made my heart jump for a second. Went to the garage, got my floor jack (2 1/4 ton - that's another story - I should probably go bigger but to be fair, I haven't used it for working on my SUV and I've never climbed under a vehicle with just it alone), lifted it up, pulled the tire, examined the rotor, lug bolts, etc. Nothing there that I could see, no obvious damage. Tire back on, new lugs seated, dropped the ST, torqued the bolts and done.

Anyone ever experience anything like this? Concerns? The last time it was in the shop (Ford) was for an exhaust replacement (hit a log in the road and it destroyed the exhaust from the flex tubes back). I wished I'd have found the Thermals before I had that fixed

You using an impact wrench? For just taking off tires, I jack up one whole side at a time via the pinch weld, do the two wheels in the air to a reasonable torque, then drop the side and do the other two on the other side. At the end, I will torque all the wheels to spec with the car on the ground. Oh, and definitely start getting the proper tools if you don't have them. A floor jack to start.

Wait…you’re just swapping lug nuts and you removed them all at once with the weight on the wheel? If it didn’t occur to you to maybe do 3 then the last 2 you may consider sticking to computers. lol

Like everyone mentioned above, if you were trying to take all the lug nuts off the car before it was jacked then that obviously is not good. I know a lot of people slightly loosen the lug nuts before jacking it so that the wheel just doesn’t work against you when trying to take the lug nuts off, never has anyone recommended removing any/if even one or two lug nuts off without the full weight of the vehicle off the wheel. Curious to see what your explanation is.

I deserve that - I was rushing to get it done through my lunch hour. I'll take your response to my asking about 'Concerns'.
Thanks cdubya. Yes I used a regular torque wrench (not impact) at 150 to tighten the lugs with the car on ground. Yes, I need a bigger floor jack.

Thanks 2020. I still feel like a horse's a$s after unbroken's response but yeah, back-of-the-head slap felt.

Don’t feel too bad. In a hurry and beers might have been involved but I once used an impact wrench to remove the nut on a strut. Problem is I forgot to put the spring compressor on. Luckily the nut just shot into the drywall ceiling and not somebody’s skull. Never made that mistake again


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I appreciate that. As much as I'd like to remove my post out of embarrassment, I'll leave it up for the benefit of others

If you can’t laugh at yourself you’ll never make it in my circle of friends


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This was just a very good harmless lesson. Car didn’t fall off the wheel, no parts were damaged, it was just a scary lesson. No need to beat yourself up about it, just something to learn from.

I quoted your comment to my wife. I don't think she's ever laughed so hard at my expense.

We all need a little tough love every now and then. lol

Although not likely done by many, it is also recommended to retorque the lugs after about 20 miles of driving.

Thanks DaveG - 25 mi. actually - trip setting already started