How hard is it to replace old and missing wheel studs on a Maxima? Whats the procedure? Also I was thinking, what happens if you use washers and a lug nut to tighten the stud into place but instead the stud is loose and you cant get the washers and studs off? Thanks, I would like a detailed explanation please.

 

It's not very hard at all. Procedure? Uhmm...remove wheel, bang out old stud, put in new stud...tighten it down with an open nut.

I don't understand what you mean as far as the washers go. You use a bunch of washers and the lug nut to tighten the stud, but the stud doesn't actually tighten? You can't get the lug nut back off because the stud turns? Sounds like you didn't use enough washers.

 

No no, I didnt do it yet...what I'm saying is what happens when you have the stud loose and the lug nut tightend? How you i get the lug nut off the stud?

 

All your doing essentially is using the threads to pull the stud through the hole. When you turn the lug back the other way to get it off, it won't loosen the stud. If thats what you mean It's a very very simple process. One tip though, if you have metal behind your rotor (i think they are dust covers but dont quote me on that) turn the hub around to where there is nothing behind it so the old stud will come out easily. Took me a min to figure this one out. Had to put both sides of the car up on jack stands

Hope this helps!
bluemaxdriver4

 

What exactly holds the stud in the hub though? Is it like a cairrage bolt or does it rely on friction? The tire shop tried to pull the stud that was loose back into the hole and it didnt pop into place?

 

If the tire shop couldnt get it, I think your pretty much f&cked. I have know idea how that could have happened. That sounds like the hole was made bigger or something. The stud is just held in there by the force of the lug pulling it through the hole. The part of the stud where there is no threads should be just slightly smaller than the hole. Then when you put everything back together, the lugs just hold everything together. Try investing in a Chilton's or Haynes manual, very very useful for fixing stuff by yourself.

bluemaxdriver4

 

Ok, I dont think what you said many any sense. I have a chiltons but its a little vague. What you said is its held in by the lugs. So in theory when you take the lugs out the stud isnt supported, and you wouldnt be able to loosen lugs. Theres gotta be something that hold it in. Anyone else know?

 

The stud head fits into a "hole" that is the same shape. This prevents the stud from turning.

If the tire shop couldn't get it to "pop in", I'd recommend hitting it with some WD40 or some other type of penetrating agent. If it's still giving you problems, line it up right and tap it in with a hammer and a long punch.

 

Ok, should I remove the hub? If so, how is it done?

 

No, definitely not...IIRC, I didn't even need to remove the rotor. (Don't quote me on that, tho )

 

The stud is friction fit in the hole. On the spline of the stud near the hat end, there are many little ribs that are slightly larger than the hole. Note: If you need to remove a stud, use a presser. It is much gentle on the wheel bearing and CV joint than a hammer.

 

Yeah... exactly what he said!!! I used a sledge hammer and just tapped it out, so far no damage as a result from it. But UncleMax98 is correct, I just didnt know how to describe it

bluemaxdriver4

 

So what do you do if a stud is loose with a closed lug nut on it?

 

Get some pliers, clamp down on the stud, and turn the lug off.

Failing that, cut the stud just below the nut. Buy a new stud and lug nut.