Thread: Need help- Lug stem is stripped

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I will try and explain-

I think the lug nut got cross thread on the actual stem "wheel lug" (that sticks out from the axle with threads on the outer side of it). I try to remove the lug nut and all that happens is the whole thing turns! Even the whole wheel lug inside the axle area!

I have tried to put a pair of vise grips on the backside wheel stem but since it is round and very smooth there is no way for the vise grips to GRIP onto it enough for me to turn the lug. When I turn the lug nut it just turns inside the vise grip too!

How the hale can I get this thing off???

You are going to have to cut the nut off.(or possibly drill the stud out)..Depending on the situation it can be very hard not to damage the wheel.. If it happens to be on a front drum application you can pull the drum and torch it from the back side..sloppy but it will work...You have a bad situation there..

Originally Posted by bucs012

I have tried to put a pair of vise grips on the backside wheel stem but since it is round and very smooth there is no way for the vise grips to GRIP onto it enough for me to turn the lug. When I turn the lug nut it just turns inside the vise grip too!

Since you have access to the back of the stud, can you put a small tack weld on the stud to hold it while the lug nut comes off? Once the wheel is off, grind down the tack weld, install a new lug stud. Just a thought.

Mike

Got room to get a Nut-Cracker on it?

Originally Posted by C9x

Got room to get a Nut-Cracker on it?

I don't think so. i can barely gets the v-grips on there. The head is down/inside of the inner rotor opposed to flush access.

You are not going to be able to weld the stud to the hub and is not a good idea anyway. Weld a piece of scrap to the head of the stud that will hit on the rotor to keep it fron turning.

...You can drill the center of the stud and insert a bolt extractor. Hold the tool and spin the nut off. Then again...you can hold the nut w/ vise grips while you drill the stud with a half inch bit. Or you....

If I could only get a drill bit or anything in there!

this is a long shot but if you can get it to tighten up you might be able to break the stud..Maybe hit it forward with an air gun while trying to hold it..Just a thought

Originally Posted by Daffy427

this is a long shot but if you can get it to tighten up you might be able to break the stud..Maybe hit it forward with an air gun while trying to hold it..Just a thought

naa.... They only break when ya DON"T want'm to.....

MM64

As stated earlier a nut cracker,also if you have a dremel cut off disc you can cut the bolt or split the nut in two pieces and knock out the lug.

Originally Posted by MrMopar64

naa.... They only break when ya DON"T want'm to.....

MM64

4 feet of pipe on a breaker bar says it breaks if it wants to or not

It’s a job anyway you look at it. I had a nut that was rounded on the rear wheel of a 67 Nova you only have so much room to work. I tried just about everything but didn’t give up. I ended up using the air hammer, plus a sharp chisel with a 4-pound hammer to try to back it off.

Since the stud is turning I would also try to break it.

Depending on what kind of wheel it is, if it is a common wheel just waste it by cutting the rim, save your back.

Richard

Just start drilling the stud from the front---when you get up to 1/2 inch it will fall off as you get thru the nut---then drive out the remainder

if chevy and some other cars have them C clips lift the car up drop the rear end cover pull the C lip out pull the axle rigth out and every thing will come out the you can cut off the back side of the wheel stud if ford or as no C clip burn off the brake backing plate T bolts off and axle will come out. that way you do not screw the rim up.if not worry about the rim blow it off with a torch if you good with one?