Inside lug nut stripped
Thread Starter
7th Gear
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
From: Newmarket NH
Inside lug nut stripped
Hello,
Went to take the rear tire off to get at my antenna and the last nut kept turning and turning without coming off. It just keeps spinning in place...won't go back on or come off. Tried vice gripping it and pulling it off...no go.
Any suggestions? Thanks in advance.
Tom
Went to take the rear tire off to get at my antenna and the last nut kept turning and turning without coming off. It just keeps spinning in place...won't go back on or come off. Tried vice gripping it and pulling it off...no go.
Any suggestions? Thanks in advance.
Tom
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 815
Likes: 0
From: Richmond VA
Your'e going to have to try and turn and pull at the same time. I don't think you are going to have enough room to get a nut breaker in to the lug nut. That being said here is probably your best bet. You are going to have to replace the stud, so don't worry about damaging the stud. Using a punch, mark a spot near the inside edge of the lug nut. Then use a small (1/16) drill to drill through the lug. Put a drill stop on the bit so you don't go into the wheel!!! Then go up another size on the drill once you get that done, take a metal chissel and drive it into the spot where the hole is. That should break the nut.
Then you can get the stud pressed out and replace it!
Then you can get the stud pressed out and replace it!
Thread Starter
7th Gear
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
From: Newmarket NH
Thanks for your suggestions. I did try to "turn and pull" at the same time, but it won't budge. I will dry drilling off the nut as you suggested. Also, is it difficult getting the stud pressed out and replaced? It sounds like I'll have to mess with the brakes to have it fixed. Is this do-able for a novice mechanic like me?
Thread Starter
7th Gear
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
From: Newmarket NH
Inside lug nut stripped
Thanks for your suggestions. I did try to "turn and pull" at the same time, but it won't budge. I will dry drilling off the nut as you suggested. Also, is it difficult getting the stud pressed out and replaced? It sounds like I'll have to mess with the brakes to have it fixed. Is this do-able for a novice mechanic like me?
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 815
Likes: 0
From: Richmond VA
It should be doable, you will have to remove the caliper and rotor. I am not sure if you will have to remove the axle or not. I have not had my back wheels off yet. On past cars a large C-clamp was all I needed to press the stud out, and I used some regular hex nuts to pull the new stud in.
