My 2003 XJ8 just had new tires fitted. The shop told me i needed to replace all my lug nuts for they have swelled and cannot be removed. Any leads on replacements? has anyone else experienced this?

 

That's confusing. How did they replace the tires if the lug nuts can't be removed. I wonder if they messed up the plastic by using using the magic air wrench.

 

The "swelling" is deformation of the stainless steel lug nut cover, which usually occurs when someone uses either an incorrect socket size or a 12-point socket instead of a 6-point socket.

Several owners in the S-Type and X350 forums have replaced their original two-part lug nuts with inexpensive solid lug nuts purchased from, among other places, Amazon. I don't know if the X308 uses the same size lug nut as those models, but there probably are solid ones available that will fit. Search the forum for "broken lug nut" or "lug nuts" for more information.

Cheers,

Don

 

The X300/X308 use 1/2-20 like most classic generation Jaguars.

The problem with replacements is that the shank diameter and length need
to be dead on for maximum safety. That's why I'm partial to the originals.

 

I'm not sure if I would trust amazon to have the best replacement (they might) but when I needed to get another set for the little woman's mini (butter soft BMW wheel hardware) I ordered thru Tire Rack. Agree with Plums you don't want the wrong stuff here but this is Tire Rack's business so they should be able to be counted on for a correct replacement.

 

For the record, I prefer the appearance of the OE lug nuts and, by using a quality 6-point socket, I have never had to replace one. Even our '93 XJ40 is still fitted with its original two-piece stainless-covered lugs, though I've had to carefully re-shape a cover or two after a tire shop was a little careless.

As far as the Amazon seller goes, I believe this is the one that several of our members have used and as far as I can recall, their reports have all been positive. The reviews at Amazon also seem to be positive:


The same company also offers lug nuts to fit the earlier XJ40s/X300s and the later X350s, and they offer a fitment search that appears to actually work. I have not used these lug nuts myself, so before anyone orders these, please search the forum for what some of our members have to say about them.

Cheers,

Don

 

I warn my local shop each time I bring them one of my Jaguars -- otherwise most places toss them around ........not understanding that they have a SS cover.

You must use the proper tool made to remove lugs ...

They dent if dropped.

 

SNG Barratt and Coventry West have them. I always keep a few in my trunk. I also stopped using the air wrench at home when I change from summer to winter tires. The old cross wrench is almost as fast and saves the covers. I find it doesn't matter what you tell the tire installers, but I only have to see them when I get new tires. I didn't know you could reshape them, I assume this is by judicious use of a hammer?

 

I use a 6-point impact socket with the DeWalt electric impact driver. No problems so far.