how do i loosen lug nuts that have been torqued?

Question

i have a 2002 dodge stratus and need to change my battery, unfortunately the brilliant minds at chrysler decided to put the battery in the most inconvenient place ever... in front of the driver's side tire, under the fender... fml. BUT anyways whoever changed my tires when i got them replaced used a torque instead of hand tightening them... thanks idiot. so now i have to loosen them, but its almost impossible... does anyone have any suggestions besides renting a torque drill? If that's the only way to do it, I guess I must, but if there's anything else please let me know! Thanks!!

Answer 1

Frank en Stien, you look strong enough to push the jack handle to loosen lug nuts no matter how tight, however, if your Icon is misleading, use a cheater bar....a piece of pipe slipped over the end of a 1/2" ratchet and socket. You must remove the driver's side tire to open an access panel in the front of the splash shield to reach the battery.



These cars make regular battery maintenance very difficult....Hm mm, style over practicality.

Answer 2

There should be a way to access your battery from inside the engine compartment but if not then you just need a large ratchet or Single socket lug nut wrench and a long pipe to slide over the handle for a cheater bar.

Answer 3

make sure to disconnect the negative earth cable first and replace it lastly to avoid damage to your electrics do you have the radio code?cos ya gonna need it it on refit