Stripped wheel stud

[texascanuk]

One of my wheel studs is partially removed, I can see some threads. It came off that far very slowly with the air gun then stopped, then the stud came loose/stipped in the hub and now the stud spins when force is applied to it. I see that I have two options.

1. Grind off the nut and stud enough to get off the wheel, then remove hub and replace stud with a new one.
2. Grind off end of stainless hub protector and remove hub from spindle. Then from inside of brake drum, drill out stud. Will this work? The steel is probably soft enough to drill isn't it?

I expect that there could be damage to the brake drum/hub if the stud has spun inside it's hole. I expect that the cast iron hub/drum is harder than the stud and it is probably the stud that is stripped and the hub/drum once cleaned will accept and hold a new stud.

Any opinions appreciated.
Thanks.

[Wingeezer]

I'd go for #1 provided there is enough rom to get a grinder in there without messing up the wheel.

Do the lug nuts have those decorative metal covers on them? If so, and if you could cut of the metal cover with a dremel or some such, would there be enough room to get a nut splitter onto the lug nut? might be another option?


Brian

[clancy_boy]

Grinding will work and be messy. Try controling the die grinder in that tight of space - very tough.

I would opt for a nut spliter. Typically used on regular open ended nuts, they will work on wheel nuts but may require two applications to get it to split all the way off. Seen it done, you can get one at Sears or good tool stores, not very expensive. You apply torque with a socket wrench or wrench. The stud should pound right out. If not apply light heat to the drum in a circular motion around the stud but not directly on the stud, give it a good smack.

[easyride]

Just make sure you tape you wheel off good,so those sparks don`t ruin the wheel.I think a few small drimmel cutting wheels should cut the stud.Then replacing should be fine,I doubt the spline in the hub are bad. Dave

[Jammer]

I'd put wet towels on the tire and wheel and cut the lug nut and stud off with a torch. Much more predictable in tight quarters than a grinder.

[texascanuk]

Thanks ya'll. I hadn't thought of the nut splitter (not something you do off of the high diving board). I think I'll try that, plus I'll have an extra tool hangin' around after that. I have to find a new stud too, probably a local parts store will have one.

The wheel nuts are solid. Any sources for the exact ones?

[Jim Foster]

Any good tire shop should have the correct lug nut.

[Action]

The stud and nut should be harder metal that the drum.

If the stud has spun in the drum the metal in the drum can be built up and a new stud inserted. Only do that if the drum is in very good condition. If not in good condition replace the drum.

Then don't use the service that installed the wheel prior to this event.

>>>>>Action

[crispyboy]

I would also try to wedge something between the wheel and drum that will put pressure on the lug nut. Then try to turn the lug off.

If that didn't work then I would get a Dremel and several cut-off disks.

[rock60]

replaced many on autos,years past. get the lug nut off what ever way that you can. take drum to auto repair shop if you don't have a press and they will press the old one out and a new one in. auto parts store have most replacement studs. studs have groved oversize shoulders and are pressed back into the drum.
also you can cut them off with a tourch,done that.

[texascanuk]

I need a source for the wheel lug on my '91. I've looked at several parts stores and specialty bolt distributors but cannot find a close match. Does anyone have a source or an extra they'd part with?

Lug is 1/2 in thread pitch 20 , knurled shoulder diameter 0.603 +/-

several parts catalogs at O'Reilley auto parts and Napa autoparts were checked but they don't have the shoulder at 0.60 diameter??

Thanks in advance.

[overlander63]

Originally Posted by texascanuk

I need a source for the wheel lug on my '91. I've looked at several parts stores and specialty bolt distributors but cannot find a close match. Does anyone have a source or an extra they'd part with?

Lug is 1/2 in thread pitch 20 , knurled shoulder diameter 0.603 +/-

several parts catalogs at O'Reilley auto parts and Napa autoparts were checked but they don't have the shoulder at 0.60 diameter??

Thanks in advance.

Any Airstream dealer or trailer repair shop either has them, or can get them for you.

[clancy_boy]

I would look into a more trailer specific supply store - RV, work trailer, etc.... They may be more of a help here than a general auto supply store. Of course you could always go to an Airstream dealership but be prepared for price shock. The hubs are notAirstream specific and therfore should be available without that big a search - just the right source.

[Wsmith]

I would use a wafer cutting disk and just cut a slot until you get close to the end of the nut and then use a chisel or screwdriver and spread the sides of the nut.

I just bought axles for a utility trailer on I-45 5-6 miles north of downtown. They have all kinds of axles hubs brake magnets They carry Dexter parts.

Trailer Wheel and Frame
8222 N. Freeway
Houston, Texas
281 931 7777