Broken wheel lugnuts

[sixpack_sid]

Hi I have a 68 charger Im working on I took both back wheels of and snapped half the studs off on both sides.
I got new ones and tried to put them in using a c clamp and a socket. That just bent the clamp. Any ideas on how to get them in?
How hard is it to pull the axles ? Do I need special tools to do that?

Thanks For Your Input
Sid

[mikepmcs]

It's very easy to pull the axles, just loosen the 4 bolts on the backing plate and they should come right out.  You shouldn't need any special tools except maybe a puller if the axles don't come right out easily. Hopefully you can get the drums off with no problem to get to those bolts but if you snapped lugs off then i'm guessing you have some rust issues you are dealing with.

Once you get the axles out then you should be able to hammer the new studs in.  Good time to change rear bearings if needed or at least grease them.  If you were thinking of changing rear gears then this would be the time to do it as well.

The passenger side axle will have a big nut on the back of the axle, that is for end play adjustment.  when you put the axles back in adjust the nut so you have almost no movement when you pull and push on the wheel.  i believe you want to adjust it in(righty tighty) as that will pull the other side and take out the play.

good luck
v/r
Mike

[sixpack_sid]

HI
Im not sure about the 4 bolts on the backing plate. Do I get to them at the wheel or must I open it at the punkin? Im not familiar with   rear ends. So any small detail will help.
Thanks
Sid

[kab69440]

You don't need to pull the axles to change wheel studs. A firm "love tap" from a ball pein hammer will take what's left of the broken stud out. Rotate the axle to the hollow, push the new stud through, and line up the splines. Then take a 3/4" nut or a stack of washers to use for a spacer, and use a lug nut to pull it through.

[mikepmcs]

Kenny(kab69440) has a better idea, try his method first before you go pulling the rear apart.

anyways if you have to go the axle route.  When you remove the rear brake drum in the center of all the brake hardware there are bolts that hold the axle in.  Loosen and remove the bolts and the axle should come forward, maybe you might have to pry it a little but it should come right out.  Just jimme it out amongst all the brake hardware and stuff and pull her right out.  nothing holds it in near the pumpkin(center section).

r/
Mike

[TylerCharger69]

That's a good idea, Kenny....I wish I incorporated that when I did mine!!!

[kab69440]

That's a good idea, Kenny....I wish I incorporated that when I did mine!!!

Hahahaha. My, how often these simple solutions elude us, eh?   The technique is not new. I can remember my old man doing  it to his Polara after the local tire shop broke one of his studs. And, crimeny... I was barely out of diapers back then.

[TylerCharger69]

I removed my axles..(not difficult at all)    and used a hydraulic press to to put the new studs on.    I could've saved lots of time by doing it that way.

[jaak]

I agree with KAB69440, thats how I always replace broken studs on all vehicles.

Jason

[andy74]

I agree with KAB69440, thats how I always replace broken studs on all vehicles.

Jason

same here, did all 10 rear ones this way and had time left over to dribk beer before the wife got home from work!

[TylerCharger69]

I was just too afraid of bending the hub itself in pounding out the old ones.   I replaced the left handed threads with regular ones  is why I needed to do it.

[sixpack_sid]

   Hey guys as always you guys came thru for me again. I got them in with Kennys idea. I was surprised how nicely it pulled them in. So thanks to all for all the helpful info! You guys ROCK.
Sid :ps Happy New Year  cheers:

[rt green]

hammering out the old studs will not bend the axle. if you took a hammer and tried to bend it on purpose, you would probably break a sweat, and look for a bigger hammer. these things are pretty tough

[Steve P.]

I use an air chisel to remove the old ones and a greased up stack of flat washers and a nut to install them. Works very well and never a problem..