wheel stud replacement

[batchley13]

hey guys,
I got a broken wheel stud on an 03 pontiac vibe. I noticed that the nut holding the hub on isn't a regular socket nut. Does anyone know what socket I need to have to remove it. I also noticed that there is a crimp in the nut itself to keep it from coming off. How do I "uncrimp" it? I imagine there is probably a tool for that too. Looks like you could get a special chisel or something and bang it out but I have no idea how to return it to its original state when I put it back together. Any information would be great.

[kumquat]

Go to Autozone or Advance Auto and tell them you have a broken wheel stud. They'll rent you a tool (free, you only pay refundable deposit) to remove it. It's pretty straightfoward. Part slips over the back, then there's a large bolt-style pusher that pushes on the stud from the front. Pick up a new stud while you're there. You don't need to remove the hub.

[batchley13]

well that sounds a lot easier. thanks man!

[kumquat]

No problem. To get the new stud on, just insert it from the back and give it a few taps with a hammer to seat it a bit. It won't go in all the way, so don't wail on it. Put the wheel on and install the other nuts snug enough to hold the wheel in place but not very tight. Put the nut on the new stud and crank down on it pretty good. Then back it off, check the hub from behind to make sure that it's fully seated, and tighten all the lugs in proper order to proper torque.

[batchley13]

I'll check it out when I get home. I really didn't think that their was enough room off the back of the hub to do all of that. It looked pretty tight.

[kumquat]

I haven't seen the hub for your particular car, but there's often a sizeable hole on the back of the hub the stud can slip through. Just need to rotate it around to line it up. Be sure the other wheel is off the ground (and the parking brake firmly pulled with the rear wheels chocked so it doesn't roll).