We have a stuck lug nut stem on a 1996 Ford Escort Wagon LX
It's stuck in the front wheel disc. Help
Thank you Kris

 

Most lugs are driven in studs with a flat head in board. Is that what you mean? Or a stuck lugnut?

 

Probably a crossthreaded lug.

Most lugs and nuts are made of gum these days. It will probably yield (break).

Put a socket on it and twist it off. It will break.

Jack up the car, take the wheel, brakes, and rotor off. Pound out the stub of what's left with a lump hammer.

Go to the parts store, get all new studs and nuts, and get a few extra. Get the studs with the grooved base so they will slide into the hub without grinding them down (often has to be done).

Use the nut to draw the stud into the bore all the way. Now put back everything and all done.

Common on FWD cars like this to break the studs/nuts....especially if they have been crossthreaded or barrelled on with an impact gun.

 

Joe,
Help me out on this gum Lug & nut. What is this gum composed of? Marturo

 

Marturo:

The last time you broke a lug nut on a rear driver like what we own, I was probably three years old . Not to say you're an old timer , but chances are it's been a while. All original studs and nuts on all my GM cars!

Fact is, you don't snap 'em on rear drivers like you do on the newer stuff.

Because:

1) The newer lugs are exposed to the weather on most wheel designs.

2) The studs are not as durable as years ago.

3) When's the last time you saw a guy HAND torque your lug nuts? Most guys barrel them on by impact gun. That is not good, the nuts make their own threads this way

I have broken the studs a few times on my grandparent's 89 Cavalier, but never on my rear driver GM cars

 

Hey Joe, what's wrong with torqueing by impact gun, just count the "baps", right?

BAP = 25 FT LBS
BAPBAP = 50 FT LBS
BAPBAPBAP = 75 FT LBS
BAPBAPBAPBAP = 100 FT LBS

[Not my material; shamelessly plagiarized]

 

Lol.

Or count the amount of shavings you remove the next time

 

Yes I see what you mean

I just take my tires/wheels into the tire shop, and have them mounted and balanced. Then I drive them back home, and hand torque them back on in an X pattern. Count the Baps I like that tow-guy that's funny We did have a family from NY City, just open a Tire, Custom Exhaust & Hi Performance shop, here in Hooterville. Do you know that they wipe their tools off, and put them back after each days work, then throw down some kitty litter on the floor. Well they must have a cat somewhere LOL.

The locals don't quite know what to make of this place just yet. The Father and three Sons tell me, they have never seen the likes of some of the, re-engineering work, some of the local shops have come up with. It takes a bit of getting used to. The first little town we moved to back in 1980 I met a machinist at the local NAPA who could not read a mic or a VC. He told me he just dun it by feel. If you can drive a Tow truck you will always have a steady job here.

 

There you have it Marturo.

I used to buy rebuilt alternators. Then I started working in the "trade" (I work for a parts company) and I met up with a guy that offered to show me the "right and old time" way to rebuild alternators...do it yourself.

I realized it wasn't that hard and nets nice results. The parts are readily available and GM alternators are a snap to rebuild and service.

I generally choose my "outsourcing" carefully based on the guys I know in the trade. I outsource very little and usually have a handle in whatever I outsource.

My neighbor did one better: Mopped the floors every night and always work work gloves when working on the cars. His rationale was that when he turned 50 he didn't want "mechanic's skin". I agree. I use hand cream on my hands all the time. People would never know I work at this stuff for a hobby .

There are good and bad independents & retailers. All depends on your experience.