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Quick Answer
Yes, there are several tools designed specifically for removing wheel studs. The most common tools used are wheel stud extractors or removers. These grip onto the stud and use leverage to unscrew the stud from the hub or brake drum. Other tools like slide hammers can also be utilized in some cases. Having the proper wheel stud removal tool makes changing studs much easier.
Wheel Stud Extractor
A wheel stud extractor is likely the best tool for removing studs. It grips onto the flange of the stud protruding from the wheel hub or brake drum and allows you to unscrew it by turning a nut or sliding T-handle. There are a few different types of stud extractors:
- Screw-type extractor – This type has a threaded screw that digs into the stud. As you turn the slide T-handle, it slowly backs the stud out.
- Split-collet extractor – This style has two or more collars that tighten down onto the stud when you turn the nut. This gripping action lets you then unscrew the stud.
- Bolt-grip extractor – Here a bolt is threaded down onto the stud to grip it firmly. Continued tightening of the bolt will gradually work the stud loose.
Stud extractors come in different sizes to accommodate the different diameter studs. It’s important to match the extractor size to your vehicle’s stud size for proper gripping and removal. Using an improperly sized tool increases the chance of slippage or damage to the stud.
Using a Stud Extractor
To use a wheel stud extractor:
- Select the proper size extractor for your studs.
- Slide it over the protruding stud and tighten the nut or collar to grip the stud.
- Attach a wrench, breaker bar, or sliding T-handle to apply leverage and begin unscrewing the stud.
- Take care to keep the extractor square to the stud to avoid slipping.
- Turn steadily to back the stud out of the hub/drum. Stop periodically to re-grip as needed.
Going slowly and keeping the extractor firmly seated on the stud flange will allow it to do its job and smoothly remove the stuck fastener. Make sure to also have a spare stud ready to install once you get the old one removed.
Slide Hammers
While not as convenient as a dedicated stud extractor, slide hammer pulls can be utilized to yank stuck studs out in some instances. A slide hammer has a heavy metal weight that slides on a shaft. You hit the weight with a hammer and the inertia slides the weight forcibly towards the stuck part, pulling against it.
To use a slide hammer on a seized stud:
- Thread a spare nut onto the exposed stud.
- Thread a slide hammer attachment onto the nut.
- Slide the weight back and forth, striking it with the hammer.
- The repetitive force will work to gradually pull the stud free.
This technique works best when there is enough exposed stud to get a nut on. The drawback is that it can damage the threads if you are not careful with the force applied by the slide hammer blows. Used judiciously though, it can break loose a really stuck stud.
Removing Broken Studs
Having a stud break off when trying to change a wheel can make removal difficult. If just a small bit is left protruding, a stud extractor may still be able to grip and back it out. But if it breaks flush or sub-flush, other options are:
- Use an extractor drill bit – This specialty bit drills into the stud and extracts it.
- Use a rotary file – Carefully filing a notch into the stub lets you use a flathead screwdriver to turn it out.
- Weld a nut on top – Tack welding a nut onto the remaining stud gives you something to grip.
- Remove the hub/drum – Sometimes it’s just easier to take the whole component off the vehicle to deal with the broken stud properly.
Removing a broken or seized stud takes patience. Apply penetrating oil and let it soak in to help loosen the threads prior to trying to remove it. And be careful not to damage the threads in the hub/drum when extracting the stubborn studs.
Wheel Stud Installation
Once you have the old studs removed, the new ones need to be installed properly to ensure safe wheel mounting. Here are some tips for smooth wheel stud installation:
- Make sure the threads in the hub/drum are clean before installing new studs.
- Check the new studs have the proper length, diameter, and thread pitch.
- Start studs by hand if possible to prevent cross-threading.
- Tighten studs to the specified torque – do not over or under tighten.
- Consider using thread locker, especially on older vehicles.
- Check for raised edges around stud holes and file smooth if needed.
- Always double check proper wheel centering before final lug nut tightening.
Taking extra care during the stud change process will result in a wheel that seats flush and allows proper torque values to be achieved for the lug nuts. This leads to optimal wheel security and safety on the road.
Conclusion
There are specialized tools like stud extractors and slide hammers designed to remove seized or broken wheel studs. Using the proper technique and tool for the situation makes removing stubborn studs much easier. Patience and care is required to avoid damaging the hub or drum metal. Upon installation of new studs, taking the time to prep and tighten according to specifications ensures the wheel will mount properly. With the right tools and process, changing damaged or rusted wheel studs can be completed smoothly.
Tool | Description | Pros | Cons |
---|---|---|---|
Wheel Stud Extractor | Specialty tool that grips the stud tightly to unscrew it | Works well when stud is intact Relatively easy to use Minimal risk of damage |
Needs enough exposed stud to grip Improper size can slip or damage |
Slide Hammer | Pulls the stud out using a sliding weight and hammer force | Good for really stuck studs Uses sheer force to break loose |
Can damage threads if not careful Needs exposed stud to attach nut |