Rusted Stripped out Lug.

[Token]

So I just picked up this car not too long ago, looking to change out the rear tires, and I find this **** on both sides.



It is completely stripped out and rusted on. How the hell am I supposed to get this off? lol The key doesn't even catch.

[AZhitman]

Ugh.

You're in for a little work.

First, those wheels HAVE to go. ebay them as soon as you get them off.

Second, I recommend getting access to the back of the stud. Car in the air, secure on stands, etc... turn wheel until back of that stud is visible through the access plate... Cutting tool will remove the back of the stud so you can pull it out from the front (or punch it out from the back).

Wheel studs are easy to replace.

Once you're done, throw those lugs in the garbage, they're crap.

[Token]

No joke. They are absolutely hideous. Would I be able to drill it out from the front instead of going in through the back?

[AZhitman]

Possibly, and not a bad idea.

However, if you do, you'll probably damage the knurled surface inside the wheel stud holes, which means you'll be replacing the hub.

[Token]

Meh. No fun to replace hubs. I'll see what I can do.

[AZhitman]

If the damn lug holes weren't so small, I'd say cut a groove down the center of the opening in the lug, insert a chisel and crack the nut in half.

Doesn't look like there's enough room for it to split open.

[AZhitman]

Another idea - But it's a stretch:

If you can get to the caliper bolts and remove them, remove the brake line, and have access to an impact wrench, you MIGHT be able to remove the cnter cap and remove the hub completely (rotor, hub, wheel and all).

[Token]

Lol, honestly, I don't much mind destroying the wheel, so I might go with that.

I have a nice set of freshly powder coated 5 lug SE wheels that I can daily with.

You should see the aftermath of the first wheel. 3 of the 4 wheels had a lug nut rusted and stripped on. I swear they pulled this **** on purpose.

[AZhitman]

Well hell, if you've already destroyed one....

Aluminum is selling for a buck a pound, so hop to it!

p.s. Welcome aboard.

[Token]

Haha thanks man.

Pics of the aftermath to follow.

[Token]

Well, there was no aftermath. Things actually turned out a lot easier than I expected.

Ended up hammering in a bolt, welding it, and breaking it loose with a breaker bar.

PB Blaster is the ****.

But now I've got my SE's mounted and we're good to go.

So if anyone ever as problem with rusted key hole lugs, just find a bolt and hammer it in, get someone to weld it, and pop em off.

[SmithSR]

Nice job.

That style of aftermarket lug nut turned out to be very short lived. Lots of them end up failing and always a ***** to get off.

Welcome!!!