wheel lugs

[trebor66]

2012 Frontier Discovered lug nut stud spinning. Preventing removal of lug nut any suggestions on how to remove this nut.

[centralcoaster33]

Well, if the lug spins, then the threads are toast. Whether it's the stud threads, the hub threads, or both won't be known until they are separated. If this were me, I'd consider drilling out the stud with a bit equal to the inside diameter of the stud and just smaller than the threads. Then, all you have to do is clean out the threads from whatever remains of the stud. You can run a tap in there and see if the threads are still good on the hub. If the hub threads are shot, I don't think you can helicoil in this location. I think you have to replace the hub. Another options to remove the old stud, if it's loose in there, is to maybe use a 3 jaw puller and try to "yank" the stud out. If any of the threads are still good, you could take two lug nuts, put them both on and bind them up against each other, then use those to "un-bolt" the stud from the hub. Please let us know what ends up working for you.

[trebor66]

Let me say been a maintenance/machinist/forklift mechanic for over 30 years. The lug nut itself is tight on the stud.
This is my first Nissan. It's a rear stud. Are they similar to the studs in a chevy that are pulled in from the rear? Just purchased the truck used 12 days ago. Found this issue when checking to make sure lugs could be removed with the behind the seat lug wrench.
You stated "the hub threads". If there are threads in the hub and they are gone wouldn't the stud come out?
Haven't attempted to remove the wheel at this point. Was going to remove the other lug nuts and then apply outward pressure to the backside of the rim. Hopefully this will hold the stud in hub enough to remove the nut.
Your thoughts.

[trebor66]

Did some checking centralcoaster33. The studs are M 12-1.25 serrated wheel studs (same as a Chevy) will try to remove the lug nut and post results.

[centralcoaster33]

Hey, good looking and finding. I did misunderstand what was stuck where in your description. Furthermore, I went off on threaded studs in hubs (actually had a visual of the dang water pump studs), but yeah a lot are pushed in from the back. Sounds like you're on the right track despite my comments. For the stuck nut, if it won't unscrew, can you cut it off? I guess you have a big wheel in the way. At that point, I might then drill into the lug nut center and not worry about threads (obviously), just to get the nut off, then with the wheel out of the way, cut and press out, then replace. One trick I have is cutting a grove into a bolt or whatever using a 1" cutting wheel on a dremel, then using a flat head driver to turn or hold it still. Perhaps you can use that on the back side of the hub. Put a groove in the back end of the stud and use a screwdriver to keep it from spinning while you unscrew the lug nut.

[trebor66]

I am going to use a 1/2 drive deep socket (3/4 in ) and weld a piece of flat stock to it . By doing this I can ,
1)Hold the lug nut from turning and use the end of the socket after adding a welded plate with the proper size hole as a drill guide. Drill the stud with a bit slightly smaller than the threads. Thin wall should then snap off by prying on the wheel .
I hope.

[Q451990]

I think you might be dealing with a situation like the guy in this video describes, where the outer skin of the lug nut has separated from the inner steel nut. He keeps calling it a bolt, but you'll get the idea.

https://youtu.be/Ey8EC9TfWpY

Spoiler alert... He manages to get the last one off without shattering a knee cap, or breaking his jaw. Word of the day is "breaker bar"

[centralcoaster33]

Access to welding is something I've never had. More power to that idea! ... plus the video...

[trebor66]

To Q451990 : Been working on cars since I was 10 I'm 51 now. Breaker bar will not help .Stud is not retained in the hub.
To centralcoster33: I will take some pictures of my modified holding socket/drill guide if it works. Going to try it this weekend. Will post how it goes.

[Q451990]

I look forward to seeing your fix then... Sounds like you'll end up replacing the hub assembly. I'd be surprised if a press fit stud wouldn't strip out the hub if it's spinning so freely.

Oh, and my comment about the breaker bar was about the guy in the video, not your particular case...

[trebor66]

Understood Q:
Update the lug nut size is a 13/16. There is plenty of room to place a "C" clamp through the rim.
So if after removing the other nuts and applying pressure to the back side of the rim doesn't secure the stud so the nut will unscrew . I will take a split shaft collar with a section of flat stock welded to and "C" clamp it to the rim. Then it's drilling time. Thin out the stud thin a crow bar through the rim and snap nit off.(found some split collars the right size ID in the shop today. No need to weld my socket).

[trebor66]

If someone could tell me how to post pictures from my desk top. You could see my socket /lug retainer/drill guide I fabricated today.

[trebor66]

Update and last post on this subject:
Was prepared for the worst case of difficulty. Had drill bits ready. Removed lugs and was able to drive a pry bar between the wheel and brake disk. Used a impact wrench to back of the lug wheel came off no problem.
Installed new stud work complete.

[centralcoaster33]

Congrats on getting through another PITA milestone!

[Q451990]