Brake disc

Is there any reason I shouldn't change out only one brake disc on an axle? The discs only have about 10-12k miles on them but while removing the lug nuts one of the studs broke off. I don't want to spend the $$ to replace both if I don't need to. I'm not sure I want only 4 lug nuts on either...

Is there any reason I shouldn't change out only one brake disc on an axle? The discs only have about 10-12k miles on them but while removing the lug nuts one of the studs broke off. I don't want to spend the $$ to replace both if I don't need to. I'm not sure I want only 4 lug nuts on either...

Are you sure you can't replace the broken Stud??? You might try taking the rotor disk to you local Automotive Machine shop. I could be mistaken, but aren't those studs just pressed in from the back? I haven't looked in a while, but it is worth checking into. If the studs are replacable, the cost will be nothing compared to the price of a new rotor.

To answer your question, you can replace 1 disk at a time if you wish. They are independent of each other.

you can replace just the studs. i did it on my 95 front. i was driving down the road and my car started shaking, i pulled over and i was missing 3 of my lugs. upon fruther viewing, i saw my lugs were gone too! so i ust replaced them. just hit them out.

Rick and cubanlorenzo are right, the studs are about a buck each, and are pressed in, they can easily be tapped out with a hammer, and the new one tapped in. Don't forget to get a new lug nut, too.

Yeah, easy fix... Grab the new stud from the HELP! section of your local autoparts store. Stick the rotor in the freezer for about an hour, take it out then immediately hit the stud with a hammer (hand sledge is better). Then lightly tap the new stud in and use the lug nut to pull it through. (may need to use some larger nuts as spacers while doing that)

Will this work on all discs? I should have clarified in my OP but this for my kids Grand Am. I decided to post it here cause the knowedge base is so great and there are many here I trust.

Will this work on all discs? I should have clarified in my OP but this for my kids Grand Am. I decided to post it here cause the knowedge base is so great and there are many here I trust.

Not necessarily, On my daughter's Sunfire, the studs are on the spindle/axle assembly (similar to a drum brake setup). But the process is the same. You do not need to remove any parts. Take a good look at the plate that holds the stud. By rotating the plate/axle/rotor etc, you'll come across an area that allows you to remove and install the studs from behind and away from the calipers. As stated above, just hammer the broken stud out, and re-install the new one.

The GA's studs are on the disc but I wasn't aware of they could be swaped out - never ran into it before - very cool.

New lug nut, LOL, I don't have much choice since the old one has half a stud stuck in it! Good thing you mentioned it though I probably would have forgoten it with my swiss cheez brain - lots of hole for info to fall out of!

I swear I have learned more important things on this site every day then I ever learned in 4 years of highschool and 4 years of college! That is a really neat way of saving some dough! Thanks guys

The GA's studs are on the disc but I wasn't aware of they could be swaped out - never ran into it before - very cool.

New lug nut, LOL, I don't have much choice since the old one has half a stud stuck in it! Good thing you mentioned it though I probably would have forgoten it with my swiss cheez brain - lots of hole for info to fall out of!
I mentioned not to forget the lug nut, because I've done it. :)

I swear I have learned more important things on this site every day then I ever learned in 4 years of highschool and 4 years of college! That is a really neat way of saving some dough! Thanks guys
That's the benifit of a place like this, 20 minds are better than one. No matter how much you know, there is always someone who knows something that you didn't or has seen something that you haven't.

That's the benifit of a place like this, 20 minds are better than one. No matter how much you know, there is always someone who knows something that you didn't or has seen something that you haven't.[/QUOTE]

Extremely true!

Rick and cubanlorenzo are right, the studs are about a buck each, and are pressed in, they can easily be tapped out with a hammer, and the new one tapped in. Don't forget to get a new lug nut, too.
Wow! That makes 2 out of over 500+ posts that I got right. LOL. :loser:

If your going to beat the broken stud out with a hammer, Wear your Safety Goggles. Thats why I suggested the Machine shop, they usually press them out.

Muzzy, got to thinking, are these the front or rear studs?

Wow! That makes 2 out of over 500+ posts that I got right. LOL. :loser:

If your going to beat the broken stud out with a hammer, Wear your Safety Goggles. Thats why I suggested the Machine shop, they usually press them out.

Rick, you have a good suggestion here, but.....

On a scale of 1 to 5 Busted Knuckles", this is a "1 Knuckler". Don't bother with paying someone to do it unless you have trouble (unlikely)

Just my :2cents: