stipped lug nut posts

[elementx440]

Hey guys, got a prob...

1998 Chevy Blazer 4WD
85k miles
Rear driver's side wheel

3 out of 5 of my lug nut posts are stripped and I can't get a nut started. I'm going to have to replace it/them somehow...

I've seen some posts that can be pounded out and replaced by themselves, anyone know if this is the case with this vehicle? Or do I have to replace the whole assembly... what's the technical name for this piece? Thanks

[nikkistarr]

I don't have any more than 1 year of experience with passenger cars (I work on HD diesels) but is it possible to use a tap & die on the lug studs?

[alblogg]

Are yours drum or disc brakes?

[nikkistarr]

Honest question (new to the industry all together)... why would drum or disc brakes make a difference on what to do about stripped lug studs?

[elementx440]

all four wheels are DISC breaks.

[alblogg]

Originally Posted by nikkistarr

Honest question (new to the industry all together)... why would drum or disc brakes make a difference on what to do about stripped lug studs?

Because being a auto body man I don't work on that many cars except my own and by the picture I could not tell.

Can you see the back of the hub where the lugs studs go in?

[elementx440]

unfortunately I ran out of day light and didn't get around to pulling the brake assembly off. Just wondered if anyone knew off the top of their head. I'll post back tomorrow with more info and pics.

[alblogg]

If you can get to the back and have room to work yes they just drive out. When you put your new one in use your new lug nut or nuts to pull the stud into the axle.

[alblogg]

Originally Posted by nikkistarr

I don't have any more than 1 year of experience with passenger cars (I work on HD diesels) but is it possible to use a tap & die on the lug studs?

Not unless you are going to cut them down to the next size because if you recut them to their original size it is possible there will not be enough thread depth to hold the lug on at torq specs.

[muzzy1maniac]

I haven't done this on a Blazer but I have done it on other GM's. If you can access the back of the hub all you need is a BFH, block of wood and some penetrating oil. Spray some oil on the stud and come back in 15 mins. Take the BFH, use the block of wood to support the back of the hub and give the stud a good whack. Insert the new stud through the back and use your lug nut to seat it.

[alblogg]

Originally Posted by muzzy1maniac

I haven't done this on a Blazer but I have done it on other GM's. If you can access the back of the hub all you need is a BFH, block of wood and some penetrating oil. Spray some oil on the stud and come back in 15 mins. Take the BFH, use the block of wood to support the back of the hub and give the stud a good whack. Insert the new stud through the back and use your lug nut to seat it.

That's what I told him I just wasn't sure if you could get to it and all. Being a body man I don't do much mechanic work except on my own stuff and you know how GM likes to make simple things hard to work on.

[534BC]

Originally Posted by nikkistarr

I don't have any more than 1 year of experience with passenger cars (I work on HD diesels) but is it possible to use a tap & die on the lug studs?

The stud looks like it had a loose wheel at one point, but running a die on it would be the first thing to try along with a new nut.

[elementx440]

Ok guys, I'm about to pull the wheel and brakes off and try to pound the post out, I'll see what happens and let you know

[alblogg]

OK just soak it good wit some penetrating oil for awhile then whack it with a big hammer.

[elementx440]

alright... all done...

pulled the wheel off, took the brake assembly and rotor off
sprayed the posts with some wd-40, let it soak for 5 minutes,
gave it about 5 blows from a normal hammer and they pop right off,

autozone doesn't carry that sort of hardware anymore,
napa had them for $1.52, part # 641-1621

thanks again guys.
-john