View Full Version : replace wheel lug stud without removing the wheel?
I am not sure how, but one of my rear lug studs/nuts seized up today while removing the tire and they sheared off together, leaving me with one less stud on my rear wheel (newer FFR supplied IRS). It looks like there might just barely be enough room to push out the damaged lug stud and pull in a replacement without taking off the hub, but it appears too close for me to be certain. Anyone know if I need to remove the hub from the car and disassemble things or is it possible to replace a lug stud while the hub/rotor are on the car?
Thanks
JJ
cv2065
12-07-2024, 12:12 AM
I suppose if you can get the damaged lug stud out without banging on the hub, then yes, but I would probably pull the assembly and have it pressed out and a new one pressed in. It really doesn't take all that much time. Or at least get it on a bench or press where it is supported and then use the impact wrench/g8 nut/stacked washers/grease method to reinstall the stud. Don't forget to use a thread restorer and run it up and down the stud a couple of times afterwards.
danmas
12-07-2024, 12:43 AM
I have tried the washer trick with my studs and spent over an hour with bad results. My 20 ton press made this stupid easy. Pull the hub. Use a press or take it to a shop that has a press.
MB750
12-07-2024, 07:13 AM
I have tried the washer trick with my studs and spent over an hour with bad results. My 20 ton press made this stupid easy. Pull the hub. Use a press or take it to a shop that has a press.
This, all day long.
I just did the studs on my front hubs. I could bang the old ones out with a brass mallet, but that draw-thru method hit a wall in the last 1/16" so I pulled the hubs and the 20 ton press made quick work of it.
If you're really desperate, there are tools that exist to draw a stud thru the hub that use bearings to direct more of the load linearly, but they're not cheap.
Blitzboy54
12-07-2024, 08:33 AM
My friend Scott (namrumps) has a coupe. He came over and helped me put the studs in. He has a rotating bearing specifically designed to draw the stud through the hub with a nut. I don’t have the PN but I can get it. I had the same problem as everyone else with the first one then we knocked out the rest in 30 minutes. For those that don’t have a press
MB750
12-07-2024, 09:10 AM
Yea, this thing:
https://www.amazon.com/Lisle-22800-Wheel-Stud-Installer/dp/B000ETUD22
I would use a sacrificial lug nut though.
Edit: I just ordered one myself. I may put wheel spacers in my rear axle just to bring it out a bit and I do NOT want to remove the axles to use my press.
CraigS
12-07-2024, 10:13 AM
I have had good success w/ the washer method on many cars. You use 3-4 hardened washers, even better are something like head bolt/nut washers, w/ plenty of bearing grease on every surface including the splines on the lug. I also throw out the nuts after 1-2 studs. Plain open all the way through 1/2-20 lug nuts are cheap at most parts stores. They are softer steel than the lugs which is why the threads don't take this punishment for too long. Hand thread the nut onto your next stud. If it won't go on by hand, toss it. Flat side against the washers.
I agree there are a few ways to press the lug studs (or pull them through), but my question is if there is enough space to replace one on a rear axle with irs while it is on the car or if I need to disassemble the hub from the spindle to have enough room to completely remove the lug stud and slide another through the hole.
cv2065
12-07-2024, 01:55 PM
I agree there are a few ways to press the lug studs (or pull them through), but my question is if there is enough space to replace one on a rear axle with irs while it is on the car or if I need to disassemble the hub from the spindle to have enough room to completely remove the lug stud and slide another through the hole.
Just pull the hub and remove the guess work.
FFinisher
12-07-2024, 08:34 PM
No need to pull the hub, it will come Out. Pound it out then pull it in with the tool below. Generally they are avail at Napa stores , or Amazon as below. Should take about 10 minutes if the have the wheel and rotor off already.
I used the tool mentioned above, and it worked well. But my preference is a press when the hub is removed.