Wheel Stud / Lug Nut: Description and Operation

STANDARD

NOTE: Aluminum wheels and several steel wheels must use special "bulge" type metric (M-12) lug nuts with enlarged chamfers or distortion of the aluminum wheel hub bolt nut seat will result.

All vehicles have metric (M-12) lug nuts. Replacement of lug nuts must be of the same type and thread size. All metric (M-12) lug nuts are identified by the word METRIC stamped on the top of the lug nut.





ANTI-THEFT
Aluminum wheels are equipped with anti-theft lug nuts (one per wheel) that are installed during vehicle pre-delivery. The key is attached to the wheel lug nut wrench stowed with the spare tire.
^ To allow vehicle service in the event the customer's key has been misplaced, a Rotunda Master Service Tool Set 164-R3104 or equivalent is available at most Ford and Lincoln/Mercury dealer service departments.
^ The key has an irregular raised pattern that is matched to the female slot in the anti-theft lug nut.
^ To remove or install the anti-theft lug nut, insert the key into the slot of the lug nut, place the wheel lug nut wrench on the key and while applying pressure on the key, remove or install the lug nut.