2002 wheel studs & lugs GONE! Difficulty removing bearing assembly!

[mikeythemechanic]

Unbelievable...lugs must've loosened I found the rim leaning on the axle with no lug nuts, and snapped off studs...wheel was about to fall off. Now I can't get the bearing assembly (which holds the studs) off to put the new studs on. NIGHTMARE~ Did the wheel bearing go? ANyone run into this? I'm off to get a HAynes manual...Tried a wheel puller (hammer pull) crow bar, sledge! ARGH~ Emergency brake totally in the way too. I had the wheel bearings and emergency brakes replaced last year. (L & R)128,000 mi.
I got the assembly off enough to replace the studs - but I am quitting for the night. Am wondering why this happened? THe threads are gone on the rim...scary! I have to get a new rim now as well...

[shorod]

So was it a rear wheel that came off? I assume so since you mention the emergency brake assembly gets in the way. Is this an AWD model?

I doubt the bearing was the original cause, more likey the lugs were not properly torqued and/or the torque was not checked 25-50 miles after the wheels were last installed. With alloy wheels, the lugnuts should be re-torqued after being installed.

Have you removed the rear axle hub retainer nut? Better yet, what have you removed to attempt to get the rear hub off?

It sounds like with all the prying and hammering you've done so far, you probably need to plan to replace the wheel bearing when you do finally get the hub off.

-Rod

[mikeythemechanic]

Hey Thanks for the info...I bet the lugs loosened after I did the brakes a few months ago. I got it repaired, and now need a new rim (I've got the spare on it.) Now I've got a grinding noise from the front L wheel!

[shorod]

Is the grinding sound there all the time, and does it change with speed? How about when the brakes are applied, does the noise go away then? Does the noise change on turns at all?

-Rod