QuestionQUESTION: Hello. Earlier today, I asked Compstall if it was safe to drive with two broken wheel stubs and two missing lugs. He said no and it could cause significant problems. The guys at the Sam's Club stated that it was not safe but they also said that the other four studs on the front wheels will keep it from falling off and felt that I "will not die" if it is not corrected right away. Several friends also echoed that sentiment from their own experiences with missing lugs/studs. What is your expert opinion? I am in no rush to get it done right away. I could not ask follow up with Compstall because he is on vacation.
ANSWER: Hi Sean,
I guess that would depend on how many lugs are still on. If you have a four lug wheel and are missing two of them, park the darn thing!
If however you have a heavy duty vehicle with six or eight lugs, missing two of them will only be an issue unless you are hauling something. Studs don't just hold the wheel to the hub, they add strength in the form of weight-capacity. Each lug/stud combo can carry a specific amount of weight and when that threshold is exceeded, the lugs will start to break.
In a 'limp-home' mode, I'd take the chance driving slowly to make it to my shop but unless you are prepared to fix allot more damage in the event that the remaining studs don't take you all the way home, I'd call a wrecker or replace the studs before going anywhere. Also don't forget, YOU may be ok with driving a dangerous vehicle, but the other innocent motorists have no idea how safe/unsafe your vehicle is so safety first, the vehicle you hit may be me and you don't want that.
Looking for a reputable service technician? My advice on finding a good technician is: Steer clear of the dealership and 'chain' stores like Firestone, Sears, Pep Boys, Monro Muffler/Brake, Midas, etc. as they usually only employ ONE ASE Certified Tech just so they can say they do and chances are, that guy is the asst. manager or manager and is not in the store to diagnose/repair vehicles anyway. Find a service location in the link below or get some names out of the yellow-pages and do a drive-by. Garages that employ ASE Certified Technicians will be marked with the 'Blue-Seal' insignia. If unsure about whether a place employs Certified Techs, just ask to see their credentials. ALL ASE Certified Technicians will be PROUD to show and display their certificate(s).
Thanks for the question, I hope this information was helpful to you.
Fred
Knucklebusters Used Auto & Truck Parts, Inc.
www.knucklebusters.us
570-453-0910
"Re-use is the best form of recycling" Help us recycle by purchasing used parts from us!
Looking for an ASE Certified shop near you? ASE Certified Technicians are the BEST of the BEST!
Click here: http://www.ase.com/bluesealsearch/locator.php
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Fred, I hear loud and clear what you are saying. Not only do I worry about the safety of others, I also worry about the safety of my daughter who I drive in the car every other weekend and the rest of my family. I have four out of the five studs on each front wheel but I will take care of it this Friday (11/14/08); I have a technician at an independent shop that I trust. I have also reserved the studs and lugs at my local auto parts store. I drive to the Hudson Valley from Long Island and do not want to take chances. Thanks for your advice and time. By the way, does $50 sound right for 10 studs and lugs? Seems to be decent price.
AnswerHi Sean,
Four out of five on each front wheel is nearing the danger-zone for sure. One really good pot hole and you could easily break another stud or two which would create a real dangerous situation.
My advice would be to find out how the broken ones became weak enough to break. Too much torque applied would be my guess. Everyone thinks that they need to He-Man the lug-nuts on and that is not the case. Your lug nuts should only be tightened to 80Ft-Lb (steel) and 105Ft-Lb (aluminum), any more than that and you risk stretching the threads which will cause the studs to weaken and break.
Looking for a reputable service technician? My advice on finding a good technician is: Steer clear of the dealership and 'chain' stores like Firestone, Sears, Pep Boys, Monro Muffler/Brake, Midas, etc. as they usually only employ ONE ASE Certified Tech just so they can say they do and chances are, that guy is the asst. manager or manager and is not in the store to diagnose/repair vehicles anyway. Find a service location in the link below or get some names out of the yellow-pages and do a drive-by. Garages that employ ASE Certified Technicians will be marked with the 'Blue-Seal' insignia. If unsure about whether a place employs Certified Techs, just ask to see their credentials. ALL ASE Certified Technicians will be PROUD to show and display their certificate(s).
Thanks for the question, I hope this information was helpful to you.
Fred
Knucklebusters Used Auto & Truck Parts, Inc.
www.knucklebusters.us
570-453-0910
"Re-use is the best form of recycling" Help us recycle by purchasing used parts from us!
Looking for an ASE Certified shop near you? ASE Certified Technicians are the BEST of the BEST!
Click here: http://www.ase.com/bluesealsearch/locator.php
