Using the method suggested below in the comments, I too used the tire as a "pry bar" by first removing all the removable lug nuts. Then I pulled the tire away from the hub in an effort to jam the suspected "lug nut to hub compression interface failure." The lug nut came off but my lug didn't fail at the "lug nut to hub compression interface" as addressed by your video. I discovered that the lug nut had actually spun off of all but the last 5 or so threads of the lug. Those last 5 lug threads were completely sheared allowing the lug nut to spin freely but not come off the damaged lug until I used the tire as a "pry bar" to apply pressure behind the lug nut to coax the lug nut off. I was relieved that I didn't have to drill the lug nut off as you did, but I still had to replace the damaged lug.
The truck I'll be working on has 3 of 5 left on. 2 freely spin, I believe from the knurls stripping in the hub. Hoping I can manage getting them out without too much hassle.
Thank you for this advice, I was contemplating taking it to the dealership but you gave me the tools to be my own man as a self taught and very much still learning amateur mechanic.
dude you are a lifesaver. I was about to give up and call a mechanic - and possibly have my car towed - when I tried that wedge technique that you mentioned. And that did it. Before that, the nut was just turning in both directions with no effect
Life saver, I couldn’t find any other videos on solving this. I saw one video about drilling them out but he didn’t show cracking the lug by drilling on a angle like that. Definitely earned a subscription, I Would be at the shop with out this video lol
On my cars in the past I’ve changed my studs out before this happens. I got a used Acura that was probably serviced by the dealer it’s whole life and those dudes over torquing lugs on and off over and over gave me a loose lug before I could even do the cars first tire rotation after I bought it. Seeing the full process from a normal dude that cares and takes his time helps a lot. Good video man.
Alot of techs at the dealership use torque sticks. Problem is, if you just go in for an express service, the techs that are inexperienced and hard headed don’t think a torque stick is important, or that torques matter even on something as simple as a oil drain plug. ‘Fast’ mechanics don’t see the importance of a new oil drain plug gasket as well. Those fast mechanics will have you buying a new oil drain pan one day.
Thank you for the video. I'm dealing with the same thing. And I had someone tell me the only way to do. It is cut the rim off. I knew better than that. Then I found your video thank you.
Thanks for the wonderful idea to drill the heck out of the stud. The flying debris was hot so got to be careful but after 2 hours the lug nut split apart. Thank you!!
I used your idea but modified the process a little. I first cut off the head of the wheel nut with an angle grinder, then drilled at an angle outwards from the stud. Result was that I was then able to finish splitting the wheel nut with a sharp chisel and removed it easily without damage to the stud. The problem was that the stud was not properly seated in the hub casting and a little persuasion cured that. Only new nut was needed. No more than 5 minutes altogether.
Thank you for sharing the helpful tip for everyone Thomas. If someone has those tools and skillful enough that works too. You are braver than me for sure as I would be worried about the grinder and chisel getting away on me and damaging the wheel itself.
Thank you thank you thank you!! I’ve encountered this for the first time on my car when trying to rotate my tires. I’m not the last person to touch the back wheels, so I know for a fact it’s not due to my stupidity, but I feel that if a mechanic has a job working on cars, they should do the job RIGHT the first time around rather then causing extra damage that I won’t notice til later down the road
I have a question, do you think i could freeze the lug nut with upside down computer duster and split the brittle cold nut with a chisel? If you aren’t sure I am gonna try it and let you know.
Thank you for the advice, difference on mine is that is a truck e250, 8 lug nuts two studs sping got one out cut it with a grinder,second one not possible nuts are conical against the rim can not get to it, but will try you method drilling it, i am sure this is caused by over torqued the nuts at the tire place, when i take it for balancing i see they use this big ass power impact gun, suck! an easy job replacing breaks resulted a nightmare 🤬
I used DIABLO diamond 41/2 metal cutter, is red color , cost about $16+ but does the job, don’t use that other thin metal cutter disc “will break” also get a few good drill bits and a hammer to hit stud back and forth once bolt snaps you will have better chance to remove the nut also get a flat tip chisel Good luck
VGG Nation! This looked painless. I have a truck that I am about to do work on that has two spinning lugs on one wheel. Want to try and get the hub off with the wheel to see if I can manage it that way. Replacing hub anyway. Might be able to get in there grab the knurl with grips.
@@SlippingTime I have actually sold him parts when he worked on the Bricklin. That was a cool experience, he's just like he is in his videos. Humble and goofy. Thanks for the encouragement.
I had the same problem on the front wheel of an older Camaro. First, I got a long HF pry bar and placed it between the center of the wheel and the hub. Pressure was applied to the bar to create friction between the stud and wheel. Next, I turned up the air pressure on the compressor and hit the lug nut with the air gun. It spun off. No drilling. Five minutes of work.
have a stripped lug nut on the stud on my car 2014 Nissan Altima SV the stud is just turning. I took my car to so many shop and not one shop was able to take the stud off I'm really in need of help taking this stripped stud off I'm trying to put a new tire and replace three new studs I need help getting this stud taken off are you in Birmingham Alabama I'll be so happy to get this stud taken off and my tire replaced I took my car back to the tire place I bought the tire from they couldn't remove the stud they were the ones that stripped the stud
My question is, what do you do when the stud has turned so much that the stud hole is oversized to the point that a new stud also spins? Are over size stud bolts made to address this problem?
That is unfortunate. Usually the hub is stronger metal than the stud so the damage is on the stud when it turns. The only fix I can think of in your case is to replace the hub.
Sound like the new studs aren’t compressing in the hole they mount in. It is possible the hole reamed out from the old one spinning. In that case the hub will need replacing I think.
When I was looking for an answers on TH-cam, I found your video. My question or concern would be if the spinning stud has widened the hole? Hence in future the stud might be more prone to spin? How did it feel when you have pulled it in? Do you think it was tight enough?
That is a great question. Although some material might be scored on the hub, I believe the stud itself is of weaker material which is why it is able to compress fit in the hub when new. For this reason the hole in the hub is likely not changed much, where the stud is what was worn down causing it to turn. When I compressed the new stud in the hub it was quite tight.
Coat the rim with high temp grease.( a very thick coat) around the area of the rim near lug nut to be removed. Get a acetylene cutting torch and simply work it in small circles on the lug nut . Takes two minutes and the grease will protect the rim . Done it this way for decades
It will depend on what mess you have to begin with. If I recall, for this one I started with around 7/64” and worked my way up from there. I find the smaller the better for control of the bit as you go up in size later.
I have a question , I had tires put on n the tech comes out n says my stud is loose but the new tire is on my car I can't get tire off because the stud keeps spinning
@@SlippingTime yea well the serv tech did it while putting the new tires on after all tires put on he came out n said that now I can't even change my tire if God forbid I get a flat , I have a 16 Accord it's the same wheel u were working on back passenger side
There are different ways to address the problem for sure. The thread extractor tools I am familiar with are for bolts. This scenario is when the stud is turning in the hub.
Wow how long did this process take? My local tire shop did this when I went in for a tire rotation. Went across the street and the mechanic there said he would have to use a torch to cut it out, break the hub cap, and ruin the wheel hub in the process 😶
The best way to start with tools is just get ones you need for the job ahead. Eventually the collection builds as you do each task ahead of you. If you are interested you won’t have any trouble learning it. Have fun!
All my tire service are rotated and balanced at tire seller discount tire a national chain. They are responsible for cross threading my stripped out wheel stud.
You never have to remove the hub even on rear drum type parking brakes just take a chunk of metal out and make that puppy slip. And if possible, use an impact when installing the stud. You will crossthread if you keep doing it by hand.
if it stripped once it will strip again since the outer sleeve is now ruined. you should have replaced the hub and new studs. that is just poor work ethic.
The stud is a compression fitting meaning it is purposefully a lower grade steel to the hub. The lesser grade steel is what shears. If you are concerned the hub stud hole has been affected then check it with a caliper.
Using the method suggested below in the comments, I too used the tire as a "pry bar" by first removing all the removable lug nuts. Then I pulled the tire away from the hub in an effort to jam the suspected "lug nut to hub compression interface failure." The lug nut came off but my lug didn't fail at the "lug nut to hub compression interface" as addressed by your video. I discovered that the lug nut had actually spun off of all but the last 5 or so threads of the lug. Those last 5 lug threads were completely sheared allowing the lug nut to spin freely but not come off the damaged lug until I used the tire as a "pry bar" to apply pressure behind the lug nut to coax the lug nut off. I was relieved that I didn't have to drill the lug nut off as you did, but I still had to replace the damaged lug.
Thanks for sharing your story and method with everyone. It is nice to hear you had a little easier time with it than mine.
Only works if most of the lug nuts come off. If only one lug nut comes off and the other four are spinning, this is not an option.
The truck I'll be working on has 3 of 5 left on. 2 freely spin, I believe from the knurls stripping in the hub. Hoping I can manage getting them out without too much hassle.
Thank you for this advice, I was contemplating taking it to the dealership but you gave me the tools to be my own man as a self taught and very much still learning amateur mechanic.
That is great news. Good luck!
dude you are a lifesaver. I was about to give up and call a mechanic - and possibly have my car towed - when I tried that wedge technique that you mentioned. And that did it. Before that, the nut was just turning in both directions with no effect
I love hearing success stories like this one. Thank you Keil for sharing it with us!
Wow, this is the best video I found on this support. Nice job.
Life saver, I couldn’t find any other videos on solving this. I saw one video about drilling them out but he didn’t show cracking the lug by drilling on a angle like that. Definitely earned a subscription, I Would be at the shop with out this video lol
I am very happy to hear it helped you out Jakob. I appreciate the sub too!
@@SlippingTime Jheez quick reply😂
I’m Going to try this on my Lexus tomorrow.
@@jakobsmith3772 best of luck 🤞
On my cars in the past I’ve changed my studs out before this happens. I got a used Acura that was probably serviced by the dealer it’s whole life and those dudes over torquing lugs on and off over and over gave me a loose lug before I could even do the cars first tire rotation after I bought it. Seeing the full process from a normal dude that cares and takes his time helps a lot. Good video man.
Thanks you Cody. What a great idea for preventative maintenance is changing them out or older vehicles. Good tip!
Alot of techs at the dealership use torque sticks. Problem is, if you just go in for an express service, the techs that are inexperienced and hard headed don’t think a torque stick is important, or that torques matter even on something as simple as a oil drain plug. ‘Fast’ mechanics don’t see the importance of a new oil drain plug gasket as well. Those fast mechanics will have you buying a new oil drain pan one day.
Thank you for the video. I'm dealing with the same thing. And I had someone tell me the only way to do. It is cut the rim off. I knew better than that. Then I found your video thank you.
That’s great news! So happy to hear it helped you out.
I'll be trying this in the morning. Great video
I launched my 2003 Chevy Tracker off the Alaskan Glacier Car Launch. That popped that pesky spinning lug nut right off. 😂
Thanks for the wonderful idea to drill the heck out of the stud. The flying debris was hot so got to be careful but after 2 hours the lug nut split apart. Thank you!!
You are very welcome. I am so happy to hear you successfully got it off.
Nice shot Sir !!! Thanks for sharing!!!
You are very welcome.
I used your idea but modified the process a little. I first cut off the head of the wheel nut with an angle grinder, then drilled at an angle outwards from the stud. Result was that I was then able to finish splitting the wheel nut with a sharp chisel and removed it easily without damage to the stud. The problem was that the stud was not properly seated in the hub casting and a little persuasion cured that. Only new nut was needed. No more than 5 minutes altogether.
Thank you for sharing the helpful tip for everyone Thomas. If someone has those tools and skillful enough that works too. You are braver than me for sure as I would be worried about the grinder and chisel getting away on me and damaging the wheel itself.
Thank you thank you thank you!! I’ve encountered this for the first time on my car when trying to rotate my tires. I’m not the last person to touch the back wheels, so I know for a fact it’s not due to my stupidity, but I feel that if a mechanic has a job working on cars, they should do the job RIGHT the first time around rather then causing extra damage that I won’t notice til later down the road
Sorry to hear they messed things up. Good luck in the fix!
Mhaaa man! You've got yourself a new subscriber 🎉 thank you.
@@majordog85 thank you. Much appreciated.
I have a question, do you think i could freeze the lug nut with upside down computer duster and split the brittle cold nut with a chisel? If you aren’t sure I am gonna try it and let you know.
I am confused yet enjoyed that odd beginning.
Thank you for the advice, difference on mine is that is a truck e250, 8 lug nuts two studs sping got one out cut it with a grinder,second one not possible nuts are conical against the rim can not get to it, but will try you method drilling it, i am sure this is caused by over torqued the nuts at the tire place, when i take it for balancing i see they use this big ass power impact gun, suck!
an easy job replacing breaks resulted a nightmare 🤬
What kind of grinding bit did you use?
I used DIABLO diamond 41/2 metal cutter, is red color , cost about $16+ but does the job, don’t use that other thin metal cutter disc “will break” also get a few good drill bits and a hammer to hit stud back and forth once bolt snaps you will have better chance to remove the nut also get a flat tip chisel
Good luck
VGG Nation!
This looked painless. I have a truck that I am about to do work on that has two spinning lugs on one wheel. Want to try and get the hub off with the wheel to see if I can manage it that way. Replacing hub anyway. Might be able to get in there grab the knurl with grips.
Good luck in your approach! VGG is a treat to watch for sure.
@@SlippingTime
I have actually sold him parts when he worked on the Bricklin. That was a cool experience, he's just like he is in his videos. Humble and goofy.
Thanks for the encouragement.
Another life saved. You're the dog's dangly bits. That's a British expression of esteem, believe it or not!
@@michaeldanner5543 thanks for the compliment and teaching some British slang. We both learned something!
I had the same problem on the front wheel of an older Camaro. First, I got a long HF pry bar and placed it between the center of the wheel and the hub. Pressure was applied to the bar to create friction between the stud and wheel. Next, I turned up the air pressure on the compressor and hit the lug nut with the air gun. It spun off. No drilling. Five minutes of work.
That a great tip DS. I actually tried that method in this case and unfortunately it was too stripped to have the same affect.
I just used the tire as a pry bar and it worked perfectly! Took me 30 seconds, sooo glad I didn't have to start drilling. Tysm🎉
hahaha my face is glowing thanks for the laughs!
Glad you got a kick out of it. lol.
have a stripped lug nut on the stud on my car 2014 Nissan Altima SV the stud is just turning. I took my car to so many shop and not one shop was able to take the stud off I'm really in need of help taking this stripped stud off I'm trying to put a new tire and replace three new studs I need help getting this stud taken off are you in Birmingham Alabama I'll be so happy to get this stud taken off and my tire replaced I took my car back to the tire place I bought the tire from they couldn't remove the stud they were the ones that stripped the stud
I don't own this type of drill so will a standard drill will a good quality drill bit work
Most drill should work. The drill bits need to be quality though.
@@SlippingTime thanks
My question is, what do you do when the stud has turned so much that the stud hole is oversized to the point that a new stud also spins? Are over size stud bolts made to address this problem?
That is unfortunate. Usually the hub is stronger metal than the stud so the damage is on the stud when it turns. The only fix I can think of in your case is to replace the hub.
Great video.. so what do I do if while tightening the new wheel studs they spinning..? 😩😩 I’m using hand tools, ratchet and a socket.!
Sound like the new studs aren’t compressing in the hole they mount in. It is possible the hole reamed out from the old one spinning. In that case the hub will need replacing I think.
@@SlippingTime a ma try this again rite now, it’s my ATV a quad, not a car. If still spins you think is a good idea adding some welding.? 😂
@@santiagodavila1426 lol
@@SlippingTime some JB weld 😭🤦♂️😂🤣
I had the same problem. Do I just replace it with a new stud?
After drilling it out you will need a new stud.
Thanks for making this video. The image is a little blurry on my small phone, are you drilling between the stud and lug? Thanks again!
Yes. Using where’re they mate as the center point.
Great, thanks for the quick response. I will will like and subscribe
@@jimw.5654 thank you.
When I was looking for an answers on TH-cam, I found your video. My question or concern would be if the spinning stud has widened the hole? Hence in future the stud might be more prone to spin? How did it feel when you have pulled it in? Do you think it was tight enough?
That is a great question. Although some material might be scored on the hub, I believe the stud itself is of weaker material which is why it is able to compress fit in the hub when new. For this reason the hole in the hub is likely not changed much, where the stud is what was worn down causing it to turn. When I compressed the new stud in the hub it was quite tight.
@@SlippingTime Many thanks for this quick reply. Many thanks for this video as well and sharing this great idea!
I’m currently struggling with the same issue!!!
Coat the rim with high temp grease.( a very thick coat) around the area of the rim near lug nut to be removed. Get a acetylene cutting torch and simply work it in small circles on the lug nut . Takes two minutes and the grease will protect the rim . Done it this way for decades
Thanks had 2 on 79 Broncofreekin nightmare but got it thanks
Glad you got them out. Thank you for sharing your story.
What if the hub is the problem? Do I have to remove the hub??
Likely if the hub is causing it to spin, unfortunately it likely will need replacing.
@@SlippingTime Cool. Thanks for responding back!
My studs fell out on the road...that possible????
What size and type of drill bits to use?
It will depend on what mess you have to begin with. If I recall, for this one I started with around 7/64” and worked my way up from there. I find the smaller the better for control of the bit as you go up in size later.
I wonder what a dealership would charge to do all this -- I'm afraid to even ask!
... and then depression set in.
Thank you for confirming my fears.
Hey, Does loosen stud cause rattling noise?
Not usually. Only if the back of the stud comes out of the hub. That would make a hell of a racket. You'd definitely know!
I have a question , I had tires put on n the tech comes out n says my stud is loose but the new tire is on my car I can't get tire off because the stud keeps spinning
Sounds like the same problem. Usually they strip taking tires off and not putting them on.
@@SlippingTime yea well the serv tech did it while putting the new tires on after all tires put on he came out n said that now I can't even change my tire if God forbid I get a flat , I have a 16 Accord it's the same wheel u were working on back passenger side
what about using a thread extracting tool? Would that be easier for this job?
There are different ways to address the problem for sure. The thread extractor tools I am familiar with are for bolts. This scenario is when the stud is turning in the hub.
I’m at the point to where I have to drill out the stud because the stripped lug nut bolt is stuck and spinning on the wheel. Let’s see how this goes
Wow how long did this process take? My local tire shop did this when I went in for a tire rotation. Went across the street and the mechanic there said he would have to use a torch to cut it out, break the hub cap, and ruin the wheel hub in the process 😶
Lol. Don’t go to that mechanic. Get some decent drill bits and it doesn’t take long at all.
What kind of drill is this
wish i knew what tools to get, i’m new to all this car stuff
The best way to start with tools is just get ones you need for the job ahead. Eventually the collection builds as you do each task ahead of you. If you are interested you won’t have any trouble learning it. Have fun!
got the cosmetic cap off and everything was cool.
from what i can tell, i have to figure out about four of these spinning lug nuts across 3 wheels just to get a ruddy tire rotation done. FML
Thanks for sharing.
You are so welcome gRosh08And thank you for watching!
Why would studs fall out.then nuts fall off.??
Might have been able to fit a hacksaw blade behind, but same amount of effort
I actually think this is the only way to do it ive looked at several videos. 😭
Thank you for sharing your research BiggMarvv you found this video the most helpful.
I found a tool named lug ripper that wears down the stud.
wow! thanks. now l know.
Very happy it helped you out.
Awesome, thanks
You are welcome Frederick. I hope you found it useful.
@@SlippingTime yes, this method did. Awesome.
All my tire service are rotated and balanced at tire seller discount tire a national chain. They are responsible for cross threading my stripped out wheel stud.
You never have to remove the hub even on rear drum type parking brakes just take a chunk of metal out and make that puppy slip. And if possible, use an impact when installing the stud. You will crossthread if you keep doing it by hand.
If he got that much room !! Saw sal that bolt off for God sake ! Then replace the bolt and lug nut! He doing it the hard way !!
And they make long enough blades to do it with out hurting rim !!
🙌👏
Your wheel studs have resorted to stripping? You're neglecting them, get those cars running and go take them out racing.
After the snow we got today it would have to be ice racing. They are AWD so perhaps. 😃
Studs fell then nuts fell off
.
take the whole hub off and sit that tire an hub on a table drill and drill away
if it stripped once it will strip again since the outer sleeve is now ruined. you should have replaced the hub and new studs. that is just poor work ethic.
The stud is a compression fitting meaning it is purposefully a lower grade steel to the hub. The lesser grade steel is what shears. If you are concerned the hub stud hole has been affected then check it with a caliper.