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My used 2003 Honda Civic has a broken lug stud on one wheel, which I've still managed to get a nut onto, and a stripped stud on another wheel, which I can't, so I'm driving with 3 out of 4 on one wheel. I could:

  1. Replace the studs
    • $2 each, but requires a press? Which I don't have. Don't know how much a mechanic would charge to do it.
  2. Replace the hubs
    • $70 each
  3. Chase the threads on the stripped stud
    • I tried to do this with a file and it didn't work.
    • There's this tool that I could put below the stripped threads and work back out, but it costs $30 for something I'll never use again, and I'm not sure whether it affects safety to have formerly-stripped threads.

What's the best thing to do? How important is it to have all the lug nuts on?

jzd
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endolith
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1 Answers1

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Going with 3 out of 4 nuts is not a huge deal, especially if the 3 nuts you have are on solid.

However I would not suggest doing this long term, 4 out of 4 going to be better, and what happens if you lose another stud at an inconvenient time.

Since this is a 2003, I would guess it is time to change the hubs out anyway if you haven't already. I would suggest going ahead and going that route. If the hubs are not nearing replacement then I would suggest letting a mechanic put the new studs in, I would expect the total cost in the $20-$50 range (really rough estimate, check with your mechanic).

jzd
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