So i was replacing my wheels today and i have a stripped stud. Probably due to a f*cked up lug nut. I was wondering how hard it would be to replace one of these or is it possible to have it rethreaded? Don't know if this should be here or the maintenance forum. I was also wondering how detrimental it would be to run on four lugs (left rear tire)?
You won't have it rethreaded. Changing it is easy. I'm assuming you've got the nut off it. Basically, you can tap it out the back with a hammer and then pull the new one through with the lug nut.
They cost a buck or two. Get a new one.
have a tire shop drill it out if you cannot get the lugnut off
Weasel is correct. Drilling is not necessary, and can damage your hub. IMHO, if you can't get the lug off, try harder. You'll be amazed what a tire-iron and a 4-foot piece of 1" pipe can do. If you snap the stud, who cares? It's bad anyway.
Take the biggest hammer you have and hit the stud as hard as you can (hit it straight, or you'll have a hell of a time getting it out)(also if you're particularly stong don't hit it as hard as you can, just very hard).
Go get a new one. Take the old one with you to compare size. You wouldn't believe what those places don't keep in their computers. I've found Napa (my prefered general parts store) doesn't keep that data in the computer, nor lug nuts.
On the rear, put the new one in the same way the old one came out. Use a touch (very little) of wd40 IF it's very rusty. Use the lug nut to pull the stud all the way in.
On the front, you'll need to pull the hub (sometimes you can get around this, but not ususally). You'll have to undo the 3 hub retaining bolts, most times you can keep the half-shaft attached, if not then the half-shalf has to come off. Remember that the half-shaft can streach a bit, but not very much, do not pry it out. Follow directions for the rear from here.
These directions apply to almost all GM cars.
What if you have to replace a stud on the front of the vehicle? What then?
I snapped a stud on the front wheel of my car. I went to AutoZone (where they proceeded to sell me too skinny of a stud.. idiots), and once I got the right stud it was simple. Just jack up the car and take the wheel off. There should be what some people call a "sweet spot" where you can hammer the stud out from the front and it won't hit the caliper on the backside of the rotor. Then just pound the new one in from the back until you can't get it anymore, and use a lugnut to pull it the rest of the way on. Whole process took me probably 20 minutes once I had the right stud.
Rob
Sold 2/2/05
