Lug Studs

[cavmansdad]

I am looking for info on how to replace the lug studs on a 2003 alero. The original studs are stripped. Also, The kid wants to put 18in rims on it and was wondering if he needs to put special studs and or nuts. He bought longer nuts which he needs for the larger rims but the flaring on them seem small (not as large as the originals). Is there any concerns regarding the size of the flaring on the nuts? You help is always appreciated.

[BNaylor]

How many studs are stripped? Best thing to do is install a new hub since it will have 5 new wheel studs. However, the old studs can be replaced by pressing the old one out and pressing new one in. It is recommended to remove the hub and do the work off the car. Also, exercise caution beating on the studs with a hammer because you may damage the ABS wheel sensor.

[cavmansdad]

well, all 5 were stripped. we were able to tap them out and rotated the wheel till we got to a opening to pull them out. Now I dont know if this is recommended but the way we are getting them in is to put a nut over the lug studs and keep tighting them till we draw them in tight to the back side. I was told to try double nutting it to draw the studs in but I dont know how to do that or what they mean

[BNaylor]

That will work. I did another GM car in a similar fashion but it was only one stud. Because of the length of the stud and where the threads start you may need to double nut to get the stud secure onto the hub. I used one of the stock wheel lug nuts but got a bigger nut (like a spacer) to fit over the stud before it. As you tighten, it will draw the stud in. Be sure to properly torque the lug nuts to 100 ft-lbs once the wheels are back on. Good luck.

[cavmansdad]

dont have a torch wrench. I just us my air impact wrench. Any ideas about the flarings on the lug nuts? The longer lug nuts he got, the flaring on them is considerbly smaller the the original ones. could this pose a problem? I told him "yes". But I beieve he does too but I think he don't want to spend another $30 for the proper size.

[xeroinfinity]

If they are to small, of coarse they wont work right. The wrong size could also result in them breaking off and causing a wreck or damage to the wheels/rims.

Another thing, an impact on the lugs or hubs is a VERY bad idea.
The WHS isnt made to take all that vibration and shock , it will cause them to fail quickly, and the hubs are not cheap.
Just my

[cavmansdad]

if impact wrenches are a bad idea then why do service stations and dealers use them?

[xeroinfinity]

Job Security !

Most of the time lugs arent a prob.
The hub bolts and the large hub Nut thats what will ruin your Hubs sensor(s).