Tires: lug stems, auto parts store, splash shield

Question
Do you have any advice or tricks to removing lug stems?  Thanks

Answer
Joe,

Normally, the studs are pressed in, so the technoque is to hammer them out, but the trick is finding the location so when they come out there's nothing interferring with the extraction.  Sometimes, the stud will just barely fit through the space.  Sometimes the splash shield has to be removed.

The first thing I would do is take off the wheels and see what might work.  If there is some question about clearance, then go to the local auto parts store and buy a stud or 2 and see if they will squeeze through.

But the real trick is getting them in.  Use a lug nut that is open ended and put a few washers on the stud once it has been started and thread the lug nut on smooth side towards the washer.  Then tighten the nut until the stud is completed seated.  this requires a strong arm or some leverage (like a breaker bar).  This might be a good excuse to buy tools.

Hope this helps.