There are two ways to replace stripped trailer lugs (wheel studs), depending on the trailer's hub configuration. The first consideration is if the trailer has a drum brake or no brake configuration. The second is if the trailer has disc brakes.
Make sure the trailer is secured while the wheel studs are being replaced. This can be performed by mounting the trailer hitch to a vehicle and block the opposite side tire, front and rear. Jack the trailer up until the tire is off the ground. Place the jack stand under part of the frame, close to the area being worked, or under the axle to ensure your safety against the trailer falling while work is being performed.
Remove tire and rim. The nut that is on the stripped bolt, you may need to run it back and forth until the stud breaks or the nut comes off. Take the large pliers and carefully remove the grease hub. You will be presented with a large axle nut that has a cotter pin running through it. Remove the cotter pin and the large slotted washer and slotted nut. Wiggle the hub and remove it from over the break shoe, being careful not to drop or lose the slotted washer or wheel bearings.
On a clean hard, surface remove the wheel stud by using the dead blow hammer. It may require you to use a long punch to remove the stud if it is broken off. If you can put a lug nut back on the very end of the wheel stud this will increase your aim by hitting a larger target. Remove all the wheel studs. Only if extraordinary circumstances are involved, like putting the lug nut on with the impact hammer and the nut being cross threaded, it is advisable to replace all the wheel studs and nuts. This will make your job where it will not have to be done again any time in the near future. Take the wheel studs to an auto supply, tractor supply or hardware outlet and purchase new wheel studs and new lug nuts. You might want to take the hub along to make sure you get the correct size.
This is a good time to insure that the brake shoes are in good condition (if applicable), and they do not require replacement as well.
Stud and Drum Assembly
One by one, place the new wheel stud in its place, put over-sized nuts over the bolt and put on the new nut on backwards. This will give a flat surface against a flat surface, and not distort the lug nuts angle in securing the rim. Tighten the lug nut onto the wheel bold until the wheel bold is fully seated against the back of the drum. Do this for each wheel bolt.
Clean out the old grease from the back of the hub, and apply an ample supply of new grease to the rear bearing. Supply the front bearing with an amply supply of new grease. Put the bearing on the axle and then the slotted washer. Make sure the angle of the bearing is the same as the bearing seat of the hub. Putting the bearing on backwards will cause it to fail in short order. Run the slotted nut up against the washer for just a firm fit. Make sure the nut is firmly tightened against the washer and back it off to the first slot you can get the cotter pin through. Bend the ends of the cotter pin to ensure the slotted bolt will not move. Replace grease cap. Put the tire and rim back on. Jack up trailer and remove jack stand, lower trailer to ground.
This step is only if the trailer has drum brakes. Using a brake adjustment tool (a screwdriver will work but is not advisable) tighten the brake until the tire starts to become hard to turn. Back off the brake adjustment where only a slight sound of the brake is heard running against the drum while turning the tire.
Disc Brake Wheel Bold Replacement
Much of the same work described in the replacement of wheel studs above will apply to the replacement on the disc.
Secure the trailer. Jack up the trailer. Put the jack stand in place. Take off the tire and rim. Remove the brake caliper and rotor by removing the two bolts on the rear of the rotor. Put the nut on the wheel bolt you want to remove and using the dead-blow hammer, beat out the bolt. Again it is suggested you remove all the bolts and use new ones. Put in a new bolt through the disc and then the nut. Screw the nut down until the bold is firmly seated against the disc. Repeat the process until all the wheel bolts are in place.
Replace the tire and wheel. Jack up the trailer so the jack stand can be removed. Lower the trailer to the ground.
