QA

Question: What Causes Lug Nuts To Shear Off

Ray: Actually, it could have been lug nuts that were too loose or too tight. They could loosen up and fall off one by one over 3,000 miles, but that is a long time. More likely, the lug nuts were overtightened.

Why do lug nuts shear off?

It is hard to control the torque (twisting power) of air-powered impact wrenches. And – as you would expect – most mechanics preferred to err by making them too tight rather than too loose. But as you and Mom learned, too tight isn’t so good either.

Can a bad wheel bearing cause lug nuts to loosen?

They could. When the nuts are done up tight it is difficult to loosen them BUT a small shock with a hammer and they come undone. If the wheel bearing is causing high frequency vibration then it could shake the nuts free. This can happen with a pitted or spalled bearing surface.

How much does it cost to replace lug nuts?

The Best in Auto Repair The average cost for wheel lug stud replacement is between $73 and $89. Labor costs are estimated between $61 and $77 while parts are priced at $12. This range does not include taxes and fees, and does not factor in your specific vehicle or unique location. Related repairs may also be needed.

What are signs of bad wheel bearing?

Top Warning Signs Your Wheel Bearings Need Replacement Humming Noise. The most easily identifiable and common symptom of bad wheel bearings is audible. Squealing, Growling. Clicking Sound. Wheel Wobble. ABS Failure. Uneven Tire Wear. Vehicle Pulls to One Side. Steering Wheel Vibration.

How do you fix a lug nut that keeps coming loose?

Typically the part that comes off the car is softer. Meaning it should stretch first. If someone used a high torque gun and put them on tight, they are easily stretched, replace them. You may have a loose hub, bad bearing or both and the vibration is causing them to come off.

Can you drive a car with broken lug nut?

If you are missing a lug nut, it is important to have it replaced as soon as possible. It is potentially dangerous to drive around with a missing lug nut because of the extra pressure exerted on the wheel. This pressure can damage the wheel bearings, studs, and cause other lug nuts to fall off.

Do wheel lug nuts wear out?

These studs go through the back of the brake rotor and through the rim of the tire where they are tightened down by lug nuts. The wheel studs that go on your car are made of metal, which means that they should last a lifetime. Due to wear and tear over the years, a wheel stud may have to be changed out.

How long does it take to replace a lug nut stud?

If you’re just like everyone else, you’ve tightened the lug nuts on your car without using a torque wrench. You’re an “all the muscle you can put into it” kind of guy, and now you’re staring at a broken wheel stud. You can fix tire bolts yourself in about an hour and for less than $50.

How can you tell the difference between bad CV joints and bad wheel bearings?

If it moves back and forth, the wheel bearing is bad. A CV joint will make a clack, clack, clack noise, most often when turning. A wheel bearing will make a constant droning noise while you are moving. CV joints clunk or make louder noises on tight turns.

How long can I drive on a bad wheel bearing?

As to the distance covered on a bad wheel bearing, you shouldn’t exceed 1000 miles regardless of your speed. Driving distances over 1000 miles could lead to more severe complications and also puts your safety in jeopardy. Moving at a slow and steady speed of 40mph would be a good idea.

Can you drive a car with 4 out of 5 lug nuts?

You can safely drive at legal speeds with a missing lug nut; however, you should head to your nearest tire shop as soon as possible. Car wobble and the additional stresses placed on the vehicle as it turns, brakes, and accelerates can cause other issues: the remaining lug nuts can loose, and the wheel studs can break.

Can you drive a car with 3 out of 5 lug nuts?

NO there is a safety reason for the lug nuts on a car. Any missing lug nuts will make that tire out of balance and loosen the other lug nuts. Then could damage the wheel studs, breaking them off. Turning will put uneaten pressure on the wheels.

Can I drive my car with 3 out of 4 lug nuts?

it’s ok, but don’t make unnecessary trips just in case. 90lb/ft torque sounds about right. it’s a lot of work, hope you can work indoor garage, as it’s raining out there. although not recommend, your wheel can be safely held on by two opposing functioning studs for a temporary emergency period.

How often should you check your lug nuts?

Automobile clubs recommend checking the seating of the nuts after 50 to 100 kilometres and retightening them whenever necessary. The reason for this is that the wheel bolts can loosen over time, meaning the wheel is no longer seated as tightly as it should be.

Can you replace lug nuts?

If you’re missing a lug nut, you should have it replaced as soon as possible. A missing lug nut could lead to dangerous driving conditions because of the extra force exerted on the wheel.