One of me rear wheel studs is broken and I'm wondering how to go about fixing it. I've heard that it is diffcult to do without air tools. Does the axle have to be removed? Is this something that a repair shop (Goodyear, etc...) could fix? Should I replace more than the broken one? Lastly, does anyone know a part number for the replacement hardware? Thanks for any suggestions you can offer.

Kenny

YOU CAN DO IT !!! No, you do not have to remove the axle to change it. I suggest that you drill the broken wheel bolt and knock it out with a punch. Thew new one will be pulled into place by putting it into place and installing a lug nut and tightening it until the new bolt is in place.

Usually take a hammer and give it a good whack and it will pop out. Take the old piece and a lug nut to a local NAPA or other old style parts store and they will match it up. Not too many variations of these. tom

I just finish replacing my front wheel studs. I didn't have any problems. I think that you should replace all 5 they only cost $1 something so, you should replace them all while you have it apart. One other thing is repack the wheel bearings.
waive

For my .02 I tend to avoid something that is cheap to fix but a real pain to do yourself. Any wrench monkey can fix the stud for you cheap, kinda hard to screw up. Without air tools etc that could take a afternoon to do. I hate to let anyone touch my car, but sometimes it doesn't make sense to do everything yourself. My time is more valuable swapping trannys or junkyard wrenching.

Frank

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Sorry but there is no way it would take an entire afternoon to change wheel studs.. if you can change your oil, and have a hammer, you can do it.. if the stud is broken off flush, you will need another stud, bolt the same diameter or less, or something to use as a punch to drive the one out.. if at least a 1/4" or more is still left, just wack it with the hammer and it WILL come out.. I have done many and sometimes a light tap will pop them out sometimes you have to hit it a few times but it will come out... Its virtually impossible to break anything around that area so let her rip. (watch the fenders) http://www.chevelles.com/forum/smile.gif

I have also used a large (12") C-clamp and an old socket on the backside over the head of the bolt to force them out but the hammer way is much faster and easier.

as for the replacements try to goto Pep Boys.. they will have them all hanging on a rack and a book to reference which one you need. I had to get 1-2 at Kragens once and it was a hassle looking through the stupid little hardware drawers and they were like over $3 a peice!! Dunno what Napa would charge for them.... I say do all 5 on that axle/rotor.

Mike Reeh
Gold #34