How To Replace A Lug Nut Stud

Ever broken a wheel stud while repairing the vehicle? It is unsettling to drive around with a broken wheel stud. Wondering how to replace a lug nut stud on a budget? Lug nut studs can break if the torque used when tightening wheels exceed the recommended levels.

The lug nut studs keep the wheels well-positioned to ensure driving safety. Knowing how to replace a broken lug nut stud saves money and prevents other wheel-related problems. Driving with broken or missing lug nut studs can cause vibrations while driving, making it hard to steer, and can increase the wear and tear of other car components.

How can one replace a lug nut stud, and what tools do they need? Here is a comprehensive guide for replacing damaged lug nut studs and some crucial tips for seamless repairs.

Tools and parts required to change a lug nut stud

Replacing a lug nut stud takes a few minutes to hours, depending on your skill level and knowledge of wheel repair. The driver assembles different tools ranging from:

• Jacks and jack stands
• Lug wrench
• Impact sockets
• Torque wrench
• Tie rod end removers
• Wheel chock

The driver should also purchase the following materials

• Set of washers
• Replacement studs

Removing a damaged stud lug nut

Park the vehicle on a flat surface, use a jack to lift it, and secure the vehicle on jack stands. Place the wheel chocks on the unaffected wheels to prevent them from moving while working. Loosen the lug nuts using the socket to remove the wheel.

After removing the wheels, detach the brake assembly (this can be the brake caliper or the drum disc). Removing the brake assembly fully exposes the lug nut studs and their attachments to the wheel hub. You can detach the wheel hub from the wheel for easier stud removal. In some cases, you can remove the lug nut stud without unmounting the wheel hub.

Most drivers use a hammer to remove the broken stud. However, this is inappropriate since it can cause additional damage to the wheel hub. The impact from the hammer may affect the wheel bearings, leading to more repair problems. To effectively remove a broken lug stud, drivers should use the right tools. The best choice for this task is a stud removal tool.

Even with this tool, drivers might face difficulty removing the lug nut stud due to rusting and dirt around it. It may require you to soak the affected lug nut in some oil for some time. Rust removal sprays can do a better job.

Use the lug nut stud removal tool to steadily pull the broken lug nut from the hole in the wheel hub. After a few pulls, the lug nut stud should detach and rotate with ease from its position. You can use your hand to pull it out from the recessed hole. With this done, get prepared to install the new wheel stud.

Installing a new lug nut stud

Replacing a lug nut stud at this stage is now easier. The space for installing a new stud is already created, and less effort is required to replace the stud at this moment. Verify that the newly acquired lug nut stud is of a similar dimension to the existing studs. Using the wrong lug nut stud will cause installation challenges as it may not fit perfectly on the wheel hub. Driving with a wrongly-sized lug nut stud is similar to using a broken or damaged one.

Insert the replacement lug nut from the rear of the wheel hub. Remember, you can detach the wheel hub or leave it in place if the space available is enough to work on the damaged lug nut stud. If the wheel hub was removed, a replacement will be easier to replace the lug nut stud. Place the lug nut stud in the recessed hole and push it with your hand. The force delivered by the hand may be insufficient. Extra force is required to secure the lug nut stud in the recessed hole on the wheel hub. Drivers can use a press or a manual vice to exert more pressure and fit the lug nut stud.

Recall we mentioned in the list of materials that you need some washers when replacing a lug nut stud. You can use a nut that is larger than the lug nut in place of washers. Once the lug nut stud has recessed into the lug nut hole, use the washers for wheel simulation. They also help to tighten the lug nut stud and secure it tightly on the wheel hub. Place the washers over the threaded sections of the stud and fit the lug nut. Use the lug wrench to tighten the lug nut - it helps to draw the lug nut stud in position.

Once satisfied with the alignment of the lug nut studs, proceed to fix the wheel hub in its correct position. Reassemble the braking system. Be cautious when replacing the lug nut stud. Improper handling may cause damage to unaffected lug nut studs. Avoid damaging the threads of the other lug nuts that do not require replacement.

Conclusion

Replacing a damaged lug nut stud may sound like a tedious task. In reality, one can replace a damaged lug nut in a matter of minutes provided one has the right set of tools for the job. While it is easy to replace a lug nut, drivers should be cautious to avoid damaging other components. You may need to put on some personal protective equipment to avoid injuring yourself. Also, ensure you purchase all required consumables before the job.

FAQs

How difficult is it to replace a lug nut stud?

Replacing lug nut studs is simple. A skilled driver can replace a broken lug nut stud within an hour or less. Replacing a lug nut stud by yourself will also save you plenty of money. The process will cost you $50 or less, depending on where you buy the replacement parts.

Why do lug nut studs break?

Lug nut studs can break easily due to improper installation or exceeding the torque needed to tighten the lug nut. Sometimes, although less frequently, the lug nut stud may break due to old age.