Every now and then, the process of tightening lug nuts with a torque wrench can result in issues such as broken wheel studs. But never fear—replacing a broken wheel stud doesn’t have to be a difficult, laborious process!
Here’s a quick overview of the procedure that we follow at our auto repair shop in Madison, TN for replacing broken wheel studs:
- Removing the broken wheel stud: The first step is, of course, to remove the broken wheel stud. This process is actually relatively simple. Place the remover around the head of the broken stud, just behind the hub. Then, center the driving screw right over the stud, and tighten it with a ratchet until the broken stud pops out the back end.
- Replacing the wheel stud: As soon as the head of the wheel stud sits flush with the back of the hub, you should stop tightening. You can then install the second lug nut on the new stud, and it should go on with relative ease. Tighten that nut with a torque wrench, and then you’re done!
Intimidating, but not complex
That’s really all there is to the process—it can be intimidating to have to deal with any kind of broken part on your vehicle, but most of the time the solution isn’t anywhere near as complex as you might expect it to be. If you do it yourself, the process should take you less than an hour and not cost a whole lot of money—all you’ll need to purchase is a tie rod end remover, if you don’t already have one (you can also rent one from a nearby auto parts store). Then, of course, you’ll also need to purchase a new stud and a pair of new lug nuts, as well as some washers with a hole just larger than the threaded part of the stud you’re installing.
If you want to avoid further complications, be sure to avoid hammering out the broken stud—this is a good way to cause further damage, as the hammer blows could wreck your wheel bearings and force you to make much more significantly and costly repairs. The important part of the process is squeezing the stud out with the remover tool, rather than trying to blast it out with a hammer. As soon as the stud starts moving, you’ll find the rest of the process will go quite easily. It might take a little bit more time than just whacking away at it, but it’s much safer for the integrity of your vehicle and its parts.
That’s really all you need to know! But if you have any further questions about removing broken wheel studs or how you can take on any other types of simple auto repairs from the comfort of your home (or, more accurately, your garage or driveway), we encourage you to contact Madison Muffler & Auto Repair or visit our auto repair shop in Madison, TN and we’ll be happy to assist you.