I snapped a lug stud!

[LavaMyVibe]

So it has finally happened. I wasn't paying attention to the setting on the torque wrench (put on the summer wheels for my Focus a week ago which requires 94 ft/lbs) and I thightened the lug nuts. One lug nut just kept turning and turning... grrr... So now I have to replace the stud. Does anyone have instructions on how this is done? Does the rotor have to be removed first? HELP!

[scherry2]

only 94 ft/lbs. *shakes head* thats nuts!

[Mavrik]

yet another one that snapped off around 100lbs... I'm not understanding how they are overtorqued.

[LavaMyVibe]

Quote, originally posted by Mavrik »yet another one that snapped off around 100lbs... I'm not understanding how they are overtorqued.Am I missing something? Is 100lbs some kind of a magic mark? Is this a common occurance? Or do we just get fed too much mad cow in Canada ?

[Raven]

Yes snapping at 100 lbs seems to be very common on the Vibe, kind of sensitive when 76 lbs is recommended. I've heard of it many times.

[JustinVGT]

I guess I'm lucky my studs didn't snap when the shop torqued mine to over 150 lb/ft. It broke the meter on my torque wrench which had a max of 150 when I was trying to remove the lug nuts.

[LavaMyVibe]

So after running around saturday trying to get a shop to fix the broken lug stud, I gave in and went to my local Toyota dealer (Pontiac dealer was closed for Easter weekend ) and picked up 2 studs in case I mess one up. Grand total of C$12. Popped off the front wheel, removed the caliper, hammered out the broken bolt using a socket wrench extension. Then I had some fun with putting in the new bolt. It took a bit of convincing with a hammer but finally managed to get the new stud into place. Used 4 keystone washers and one of the lugs to pull the stud through. Got all the installation details from this Focus site->http://www.focushacks.com/index.php?modid=44 ...except of course step #10. Torque to 76LBS! 76LBS!

[Raven]

Good job Nothing like the satisfaction of DIY.

[matteldridge]

thanks i just snaped a stud and your instructions were a great help

[nygiantzz1]

Don't feel bad, 94lbs is a little too much, but not entirely the cause of the problem. I snapped 4 of them over a 5 year period on my Ford Explorer. cheap lug studs.

[Mario]

Quote, originally posted by JustinVGT »I guess I'm lucky my studs didn't snap when the shop torqued mine to over 150 lb/ft. It broke the meter on my torque wrench which had a max of 150 when I was trying to remove the lug nuts. Why would you use a torque wrench to REMOVE anything?

[Vibr8tr]

The good news, even though they have a tendancy to snap... it's a cheap fix. I mean, at least you don't have to buy anyrthing major, just a large bolt, lol.Good DIY explination, now I know how easy it s.

[Sublimewind]

One of the MAIN contributing factors in stretching or snapping a lug stud is, improper torque wrench setting (if your using one, which is VERY good for your brake rotors) NOT using a TW, or LUBING the threads with anti-seize or some other lubricant.. I made up a post regarding this in the Handling, Suspension, & Brakes area, it's well worth the read....