Need Help in Understanding the Technicians Recommendation

[fq007]

So I got snow tires installed today from costco on steel rims that I purchased a few days ago.

There were few things on the statement the technician recommended and I don't know really get what he means because I am a noob when it comes to cars .

Anyways he says, "Recommend Replacing L-Nuts For Steel Rims. Hubs were coated w/anti-seize, NOT recommended, may affect torque"

Okay I get the replacing lug nut, but what does he mean by anti-seize coating...I know I should have asked him this and clarified it with him but I was in a hurry today so I just left after getting the car.

And what do I have to get done on the rims, other than replacing lug nuts? And where should I go to get all of it done? Is canadian tire (since its close to my house) okay for all this to be done or will they really be that expensive?

Thanks!

[Pete_Coach]

This can be debatable topic but in my years as a mechanic, the statement he made is useless, except I now have doubts about whether this guy did torque the lug nuts properly. Bottom line is that the torque on the nuts (studs) is supposed to be dry, meaning no lubricant on it.
The fact that there is anti seize or any other compound between the wheel rim and wheel hub is of no consequence whatsoever. That just prevents the wheel from rusting onto the hub.
Whenever a mechanic puts such riders on their work, I am immediately suspicious of the credibility of his work and the integrity of that tech. Why on earth would anyone, especially a mechanic, even consider doing something that would jeopardize the safety of the vehicle or the people driving that vehicle.

[tebore]

Anti-seize on the hubs shouldn't affect torque in anyway. It just makes it easier to take the wheels off.

[mr_raider]

Disclaimer: we bear no responsibility for substandard workmanship whether planned or unintentional!

[fq007]

This can be debatable topic but in my years as a mechanic, the statement he made is useless, except I now have doubts about whether this guy did torque the lug nuts properly. Bottom line is that the torque on the nuts (studs) is supposed to be dry, meaning no lubricant on it.
The fact that there is anti seize or any other compound between the wheel rim and wheel hub is of no consequence whatsoever. That just prevents the wheel from rusting onto the hub.
Whenever a mechanic puts such riders on their work, I am immediately suspicious of the credibility of his work and the integrity of that tech. Why on earth would anyone, especially a mechanic, even consider doing something that would jeopardize the safety of the vehicle or the people driving that vehicle.

hey thanks alot for the information...in your opinion what should I do next? get them checked maybe?

I am so confused lol

[l69norm]

.....And what do I have to get done on the rims, other than replacing lug nuts? And where should I go to get all of it done? ...

If it's a concern then buy a spray can of "brake cleaner". Use on your existing lug nuts and wheel studs. It will dissolve the anti-seize like it was water. Take the lug nuts off one at a time and clean. Put the cleaned nut back on, then do the next.

CT will charge you $6 a lug nut just for the replacement part.

Frankly, I wouldn't bother about it. Lots of people use anti-seize on wheel stud. Costco did this as a CYA in case of an insurance claim.

At some point in the past, one of your wheels must have become stuck on the hub (due to corrosion). The mechanic who put the anti-seize on was doing you a favor because he was making sure you could get the rim off in case you had a flat tire. I would take my car to that guy for any work from now on.

[Pete_Coach]

hey thanks alot for the information...in your opinion what should I do next? get them checked maybe?

I am so confused lol

I would go someplace (if you cannot do it yourself) and have the wheels re-torqued. Just to be sure that they are on properly.
You can, as someone else said, take some cleaner and wipe off all the anti seize they put on but it is really not worth it. Just make sure the nuts are on tight.

[jed]

Which is something one should do whenever rims are put on a vehicle - retorque them after about 200 miles.

[fq007]

thanks everyone...I'll get them re torqued