peteyboy310

00 GA SE 3.4L auto.
Hey fellas! I was rotateig my wheels the other day. I guess i overtighten or must crossthreaded the bolt on my left rear tire. I have custom rims that has a lock on 1/5 lugg nuts. My question is how long can I drive around w/ 1 of the 5 nuts missing on one tire? I mean its straight sheared off ! And do i have to replace the intire hubb thingy?

gmack221

I would replace the stud as soon as possible, like now! Yes you may be able to drive it for a while, but your not only wrisking your life, but also anyone thats driving near you, so keep in mind its not just you playing Russian Roulette you may be bringing some stranger into the pic. Fix it now please.

You can just replace the stud, stop by any auto parts store and tell them you need a wheel stud for your car. You will have to press the old stud out, this can usually be accomplished by using a c-clamp in some creative way to press only on the stud and allow clearance for the stud to push out the back of the hub. This may take some creativity or you can remove the hub and have it pressed out somewhere. To install the new one use a cheap lug nut with a flat on the one side, with the flat side facing the hub & maybe some washers to space it out you can simply tighten the nut to pull the stud into the hub. Make sure the stud is all the way pressed in, or you will get a lugnut that doesn't stay tight.

You may be able to get the old stud out with a hammer & punch, but I don't recomend doing it that way since its real hard on the bearings, but it is possible to do it that way.

vtjvt

you need to get it changed asap, but it is not a life or death situation, your tire is NOT going to fly off if the other four are tight.

chrisbmechanic

it's could be if you drive to fast or hit a pot hole