Removing lug bolts - Tips or hints?

[SillyLittleBoy]

I've got a couple lug bolts that have broken off at the lug nuts (long story) and have new ones to replace the old ones, but I first need to get the old lug bolts out or at least what is left of them.

Any good hints or tips on how to pound these out or get them loose? I tried last night for a very short time to pound one out, but to no avail. It was very cold with frigid winds and getting dark, so I've left it for later today, when I'm going to give it another try.

I'm assuming that getting the new ones in won't be so bad, since I can crank down the lug bolts to help pull them through, but any hints or tips on removing and installing would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
John

 

[Donner]

Quick question...

Are you saying the studs have broken off?

 

[SillyLittleBoy]

Yes, the studs have broken off. I had a spare time on my truck that the lub nuts could not get seated completely on, so it ended up grinding around the wheel studs or lug bolts (whichever they're called) and broke two of them off.

I have since replaced the tire and put the original rim back on the truck, so the lug nuts seat fully and properly, but I still need to replace ALL of the studs and especially two of them to start.

ANY hints or tips on easily getting the old ones knocked out or new ones installed would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
John

 

[steves99]

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=182346here's the link!

 

[dogfriend]

The thread on wheel studs is good, but I recommend trying to press the old studs out instead of pounding them out with a hammer. You risk bending the hub flange if they are stuck.

I used to have a tool that was good for doing this: it was like a c-clamp except the non moving side of the clamp was split so the stud could be pushed out.

It looked sort of like this:

http://www.etoolcart.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=6480

except mine did not cost $135.

You might be able to borrow something from Autozone or use a regular c-clamp with a hollow spacer to allow the stud to be pushed thru the spacer. You really just need to get it moving a small amount, then you can hit it with a hammer lightly to get it the rest of the way.

 

[SillyLittleBoy]

Is it any easier or harder to do the front wheel studs then the rear? I have 4-wheel drive and it is the front passenger side studs that need replaced.

As long as I don't pound too hard, will it be okay? Do I need to remove anything besides the tire to replace the front studs?

The information in the link was for the rear wheel studs, so not sure if the procedure is the same and if it does involve removing a lot of items besides the tire, then I may have to resort to a professional. I'm not that much of a mechanic and the weather is just too dang cold to do too much outside.

Thanks,
John

 

[BrooklynBay]

No matter how frustrated you get, don't try this: http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=199577

 

[SillyLittleBoy]

How difficult is it to remove the parts in the front of a 4-wheel drive '94 Explorer to get it stripped down to where I can remove and install wheel studs?

I'm not very handy and I'm ready to take it up to the shop to have them do it, though they've quoted me $125 plus towing....UGH!

 

[dogfriend]

http://www.autozone.com/az/cds/en_us/0900823d/80/0b/c9/25/0900823d800bc925/repairInfoPages.htm

On the front wheel, you may need to remove the rotor for access to the back of the stud. If you take the rotor off the truck, you could take it to a automotive machine shop where they could press the old one(s) out and press the new one(s) it.

I don't recommend using firearms.