Rear Bolt Stripped

[RoyDaGeneral]

I took my truck today to Costco for tires balance and rotation, They informed me rear left wheel had a stripped bolt and lug nut (both). I can't imagine how that happened as Costco has always done this task which comes with all tire purchases. When I confronted technician, they/he denied responsibility and manager played innocent. I'm now driving with only 4 lug nuts on that wheel. At any rate, I've never taken off the rear wheels, so not familiar with where that one bolt is attached. Do you have to remove the wheel hub and what is bolt attached to, or do I have to change the entire wheel hub? All I know is rear wheels have drum brakes. Maybe a pic or diagram could be helpful.

[AZhitman]

A few thoughts:

At this point, it won't matter who screwed it up, it's done. You should have 6 lugs per wheel on a QX4.

If the lug stud and nut is stripped, they can be replaced, and it's not too hard. However, based on what you've said, I'd say take it to a local tire/wheel shop.

Basically, they'll pull the wheel, pull the brake drum, and press out the bad stud. The new one will be pulled through from the backside until the plines seat it against the hub, and the brake drum and wheel go back on.

Here's how it works: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A3dM_zg-fYk

[RoyDaGeneral]

Thanks a lot for that youtube. I didn't realize there's a total of 6 lugs per wheel, Yes it's no biggie, off to AutoZone to get that stud and lug. Hope stud will stay put once I mount drum back on.

[Mike W.]

Thanks a lot for that youtube. I didn't realize there's a total of 6 lugs per wheel, Yes it's no biggie, off to AutoZone to get that stud and lug. Hope stud will stay put once I mount drum back on.

They're splined, so it's something of a forced fit. Even if it was only 5 lugs per wheel it would be safe to drive down one, at least short term. Bouncing off rocks, low range 4WD might be an issue, but pavement for a few days is no big deal.

[AZhitman]

^ Correct.

Make sure you do the install correctly, Roy. Not a task you want to wing it on, if you know what I mean.

You can pull the stud through and seat it properly using a stack of washers, a spacer, and a sacrificial lug nut.

[RoyDaGeneral]

Thanks for great coaching, gentlemen. It was a straight forward job. I used a few thick washers and one of the used lugs to seat stud. I got Stud & lug from Auto Zone for $6. Will be read next time this happens.

[AZhitman]

Nice work, Roy! You're not a rookie anymore!