QuestionI have a 62 newport, and on the rear driver side the lugs are opposite thred.The problem is that four out of five are broke off. So what can I do to pull the hub off, to get inside the drum to replace the wheel lug studs. The only other option in my mind is to replace the hole rear-end. Anything you could suggest would be great. thanks
AnswerMany cars used left hand threads on the left side of the car - for a very good reason, that stopped the old problem of wheels working themselves loose.
In your case, you'll need to remove at least two of the broken parts so that you can get new lug bolts to thread into the drum, in order to install the special puller that these cars require to get the hub and drum assembly off the car. The reason for this that the tool you HAVE to use to remove the hub bolts to the hub using 3 of the bolt holes, and they have to be strong and clean.
Then the whole assembly needs to have the rest of the broken parts removed and replaced by new ones.
It might be cheaper and easier to replace the whole rear end, but you'd have to rebuild the brakes on that also, which will have the same need (the special puller tool) so it might come out the same as fixing yours.
Next time you take it to a tire shop or an alignment place, stand there and watch the mechanic to make sure he knows the front rear wheels are held on with left handed bolts. That is why the end of your lug bolts have a big "L" on the top of them. I also write "LEFT HANDED THREAD" right on the wheels of my older cars in bright yellow paint to prevent this problem.
Once those bolts got broken, you are in for a big expense to get this car back on the road, there is no easy way.
The special puller is another problem, but a brake shop that has been in business for 20 years or more will have one somewhere in a bottom drawer - if you can talk them into working on your car, they might have more luck getting the broken studs out.
I'm sorry, but you're in a world of hurt with this car now!
Dick
