Replacing lug studs in hubs

[smaples]

Has anyone replaced the lug studs on their hubs? I trailed my boat with the lug nuts loose and it damaged the studs to the point I think they need replaced. Any advice would be appreciated.

 

[LippCJ7]

Re: Replacing lug studs in hubs

Pretty simple deal, remove the wheel from the trailer and spray the lug nuts with wd40 or another penetrating oil and let it set for a few minutes, I use a 3.5 or 5 pound sledge and smack the lug nuts out, if they don't want to pop out it make take a torch to heat them up and then smack them with the sledge. They really should come out pretty easily and will most likely fly out the backside.

Installing them

insert the lug bolt from the back side and tap them with a hammer you may need a punch to reach them, you only need to tap them in far enough to get a lug bolt attached from the front, at that point tighten the bolt until the lug stud is seated completely and move on to the next lug bolt until complete, replace the wheel and torque the wheel down.

I will revisit the wheel with a torque wrench each month for the next couple months just to make sure the studs are seated properly

 

[Chewey]

Re: Replacing lug studs in hubs

The only things I would add are that I prefer to take the hub off the axle to do it so I don't booger something up banging on it while its still on the spindle. It makes it easier to get to anyway. Also, I buy a nut and 2 washers to fit the new lug stud and use that to draw the lug stud into place. That keeps me from messing up (or weakening) the lug nuts. Pretty simple job. Good luck.

 

[DJ]

Re: Replacing lug studs in hubs

Good advice, so far.

If your wheels were that loose, you may have damaged the wheel lug holes. If they are damaged, you will never reach needed torque.

Take a good look at them.

 

[dingbat]

Re: Replacing lug studs in hubs

By the time you figure in the cost of new lugs, your time and effort to replace, you would be further ahead spending the $35 to replace the entire hub.

 

[Gun Dog]

Re: Replacing lug studs in hubs

As an auto mechanic I replaced many lugs in my time. A good sharp blow with a 3 lb sledge will do the job. To give you a bigger target thread a old lug nut on the lug backwards just flush with the end of the stud. No need to remove the hub unless they are really frozen in tight which will require you to use a more aggressive approach like a press. More importantly inspect the rim very closely. What usually happens, with a lose wheel, is the mounting holes usually elongate and when reinstalled in this condition they will never be safe and should be replaced.

 

[DuckHunterJon]

Re: Replacing lug studs in hubs

Good advice, so far.

If your wheels were that loose, you may have damaged the wheel lug holes. If they are damaged, you will never reach needed torque.

Take a good look at them.

If thee hubs were damaged, you can replace with oversized lugs. The threaded portion is the same, but the knurled end that presses into the hub is larger. I've replaced them several times on drag cars. Each time they are replaced, I drill out the holes in the hub and go to the next larger size.

One more tip, a bit of grease on the lug nut face (that will rub against the hub) will make sucking the studs in much easier.

 

[NYBo]

Re: Replacing lug studs in hubs

He's referring to the lug holes in the wheel, not the hub, Jon.