broken bolts/ Lug nuts

I have a bolt broken off of each front tire. The break is clean. Any idea on what could cause this?

I have a bolt broken off of each front tire. The break is clean. Any idea on what could cause this?


Most likely the over torque and use of air impact wrenches. Don't reccomend impact tightening. Torque in secquence pattern by hand. Dale :banghead:

When I had a stripped lug nut I had to drill it out.
Then I had to take the front wheel off and remove the brake hub to punch out the broken end. Use a big hammer and punch. Purchase a new one at your local parts store and put it in the slot. Install the tire and tighten it down. Make sure that you tighten it tight and it's replaced.

If you have aluminum wheels, your better off to use a spacer and standard hardend nut to pull the new stud into the hub. Acually, its best to do that either way.

I say replace All the studs. There a good chance that many of the studs have been over stressed. Studs are a harden metal and don't take well to being over torque. You may have more cracked studs just looking for a reason to give it up.
When you have the wheel off using the only the best jack stands. Have a good look around brakes, steering, oil leaks, bent or dented anything? It's could be a lot less work to do it all at ones. LUCK

R Robinson

I have a bolt broken off of each front tire. The break is clean. Any idea on what could cause this?

ALWAYS use a torque wrench to seat the lug nuts....use a criss cross pattern....start with 50 lb./ft then increased to 75 lb./ft or whatever it says in your owner manual.

Cause: who cares...someone over did it with "air gun" or lugs were rusted on and they tried to take off with "air gun"....or (I was an auto instructor at CC) and my student had "air gun" running in the wrong direction and broke two studs off before we figured out what was wrong.

I use an anti seize or rust inhibitor on studs but there is controversy on this...anyway don't use OIL.

I have read some of the replies..but I have done this job professionally.
Just remove the brake mechanism (calipers and pads). Then if the rotor are loose enough...You can use an air hammer with a pointed bit to get the broken stud out. Use WD-40 to penetrate the rust.

If this fails (bad luck)....remove hub....take to a place with a hydraulic press and do it there......or drive Jeep to a shop. Or buy tools....you'll need them sooner or later.

To install put replacement stud in from back and pull in using a nut and a 3/4 dr. socket as a spacer. Use hand tools and not a "air gun" (impact wrench). Use a torque wrench to finish this job properly.

I say replace All the studs. There a good chance that many of the studs have been over stressed. Studs are a harden metal and don't take well to being over torque. You may have more cracked studs just looking for a reason to give it up.
When you have the wheel off using the only the best jack stands. Have a good look around brakes, steering, oil leaks, bent or dented anything? It's could be a lot less work to do it all at ones. LUCK

R Robinson

Can't agree with replacing all the studs...got to weigh the Cost-Benefit or the ROI (Return on Investment issue).

In Cali(fornia)...the law requires 3 lug nuts on the wheel (not consecutive) or it is considered an illegal mounting of the wheel.

Of course the studs are cheap...but the installation is kinda of a pain.

they also could have broke off it the lug nuts came lose and the tire was shimmying that happend to me broke 2 studs. Just replace all of them its safer that way and its not much work

I also was an ASE master certified tech for over 10 years and AlohaBra and I are of the same mind.

To the point of all stud replacement however, we differ a little. Depending on vehicle age and ownership intention, it may actually be benificial to go ahead and change the hubs...they will come with new, pressed-in, studs. No matter how carefull you are with pulling in the studs, they will strech some.

If you have 100,000 + and your going to keep it a while, spend the $$. I would / did.