Broken wheel stud. A failed attempt to remove the hub.

[GetStung_69]

Recently I broke off one of my wheel studs. I guess I cross-threaded the lug nut or something. I purchased the stud in hopes of trying to remove the broken stud and replace it with a new one. Apparently I had read somewhere in these forums that it could be done without taking the entire knuckle off. I tried it by removing the axle nut and the 4 bolts on the hub. Still wouldn't budge. Was too afraid of breaking anything else so I just gave up and now contemplating whether I should just take it to a local shop I know or a Kia dealership to install this nightmare of a fix. For now, I'm gonna just drive it on 4 studs. Is it safe to drive on 4 studs only? Does anyone have any experience with this issue?

 

[Volfy]

If it’s the front, then replacing stud is pretty straightforward. See here: Wheel spacers and longer lugs sourcing

Rear takes a lot more work.

 

[rtv900]

yes it is safe to drive on 4 studs for a minimal amount of time
it happens to everyone now and again
In reality if one breaks it's always like that for some time before you even realize

 

[GetStung_69]

Yeah it’s the rear so I’d assume it would take a lot of more work. The problem is that I took out the bolts and nuts that were holding in the hub but it still wouldn’t come off. So I’m at a loss and just giving up. Might just let the dealership or my local shop have a shot at it.

 

[Volfy]

Yeah it’s the rear so I’d assume it would take a lot of more work. The problem is that I took out the bolts and nuts that were holding in the hub but it still wouldn’t come off. So I’m at a loss and just giving up. Might just let the dealership or my local shop have a shot at it.

I assume you removed the drive shaft in order to access the 4 bolts that hold the wheel hub to the knuckle. If so, then yeah the wheel hub should come off. I had to do this in order to change out the dust shield and swap out the open diff with an LSD. Yes, it was a tedious task... but fairly straightforward.

 

[D.J.]

Might just let the dealership or my local shop have a shot at it.

I strongly advise, any shop other than the dealer.

Unless you have a good buddy who works at the dealership, there is no reason to go to the dealership for such a simple and straightforward repair.

 

[Ohiocruiser]

I strongly advise, any shop other than the dealer.

Unless you have a good buddy who works at the dealership, there is no reason to go to the dealership for such a simple and straightforward repair.

It's not a simple job.The manual calls for removal of the entire rear knuckle assembly in order to remove wheel bearing. Yes, it is doable without removing the whole thing. But any shop would base their estimate on manual, which won't be cheap. Unless you have a good friend as a mechanic.

 

[Volfy]

As I said above, the task is straightforward but rather laborious and tedious. First time I did this job was killing 2 birds with 1 stone, so I didn't mind it too much. However, I had to do it a second time to swap out the open diff on our 2.5T for an LSD. That got old real fast. I would do it again, if absolutely necessary, but it's not exactly how I like to spend a nice weekend.

Doing this for a single broken stud... oof, it's a costly one, any way you slice it.