I was just wondering what people's thoughts are on aluminium wheel nuts over steel ones? I have after market wheels and was wondering what the benefits or pitfalls are as I want to replace my steel 'tuner nuts' that are now going rusty inside? I don't care one bit about the stupid 'weight saving' of aluminium wheel nuts as lets face it, all you have to do is eat a Big Mac and it negates that benefit immediately.

I was mainly considering them so that I don't have the rust issue in the future.

 

I see no problem other than making sure that no-one else tightens up your wheel nuts unless they are using a torque wrench. You may also need to check them periodically to make sure they are fastened correctly.

 

I'm sure I read that Ali expands and contracts at different heat rates then steel. As Rich says, it might mean you'll need to tighten them more often.

 

Personally i would avoid aluminium wheels nut. It does corrode and goes powdery, take a while but it does happen. Steel is tried and tested and a decent socket stops the damage that causes the rust.

 

Avoid like the plague.

 

They do slacken with a lot of heat - check them regularly on a trackday, and they also fatigue with use, so they will fail, one day.

 

Pretty sure the story behind this video was that he used some kind of Aluminium lug nuts... the threads just stripped causing this outcome.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b7KDNfgTnBo

 

Used both, steel for racing as thems the rules! Ally ones you have to keep an eye on as they don't seem to last and are obviusly softer than the steel inserts in the wheel.

 

As most will probably advise, steel is the safest option. This is mainly due to material incompatibility between the steel and ally. Galvanic corrosion can set in and end up causing more harm.
If you decide to run ally nuts, just loosen them from time to time and re-torque. And as some have already mentioned, keep an eye on the torque over time.

 

Ali ones twist and are softer (ones i've used are anyway...) Stick with Steel imo