• We’re currently investigating an issue related to the forum theme and styling that is impacting page layout and visual formatting. The problem has been identified, and we are actively working on a resolution. There is no impact to user data or functionality, this is strictly a front-end display issue. We’ll post an update once the fix has been deployed. Thanks for your patience while we get this sorted.

Running on 3 of 4 bolts/lugnuts for 4 days, im worried?

A

ajtyeh

Golden Member
long story short, rear right bolt was stripped, last shop to install new tires mustve installed too tight. friend removed the stripped bolt, so im running on 3 of 4 doing under 50 MPH as he suggested. i wont get it fixed in 2 days. i have to drive a 70 miles round trip for work and will not be at the shop until Wednesday. is the integrity (if there is such a thing) of the other 3 bolts compromised? like when i get it fixed with a new bolt/lug nut will the other 3 need to be replaced as well, or is it fine.

or should i not even be driving on 3 of 4 bolts.

fyi i have a front wheel drive 2002 honda acord coupe 4 cyl, no brake drums on the back.
 
You'll be fine. Don't drive crazily and take the car to the shop on Wednesday. You do not have to replace the other three bolts.
 
yea, you have the right to be worried... you most likely will have to get the other 3 replaced after this from bending, probably stripping them in the process... honestly this is NOT that safe...
 
MikeMike said:
yea, you have the right to be worried... you most likely will have to get the other 3 replaced after this from bending, probably stripping them in the process... honestly this is NOT that safe...
Click to expand...

C'mon, he's got a curb weight of about 2900 pounds. If he's not cornering like an idiot, he'll be fine.
 
Well instead of the cars weight on 4 lugs, its on 3. I know people who drive with one missing. And dont give a fawk. But personally I would not do it.
 
I'm not about to go do the math, but shouldn't the vertical load be taken up by friction between the wheel and rotor? I doubt there is a side load on the wheel stud.

There is almost certainly more than a 25% factor of safety on that friction load so you should be fine. To be safe torque the other 3 bolts to maybe 10% over the specified torque.
 
the lug nut is like $3 at any parts store open. tell them your year make and model and they will tell you size

most likely m12x1.25
 
Just to be safe, I think when you get the lug replaced, you should have them replace all 4.

Otherwise you'll wish you did when your wheel snaps off and you're careening to your death off an overpass
 
Last edited:
Given how cheap wheel studs are and that the shop will ALREADY be pulling one from your hub, I'd replace all of them. Seems kind of stupid not to take advantage of that situation.
 
fbrdphreak said:
Given how cheap wheel studs are and that the shop will ALREADY be pulling one from your hub, I'd replace all of them. Seems kind of stupid not to take advantage of that situation.
Click to expand...

I thought his friend already removed the stripped one? If that's the case, there's no reason he can't just stick a new one in and torque it down...
 
seen people drive with1 missing for years with no problem.

Would i on my own personal car? No, but i have drove the car with 1 missing for years with no problem also
 
jlee said:
I thought his friend already removed the stripped one? If that's the case, there's no reason he can't just stick a new one in and torque it down...
Click to expand...
I suppose so, as long as he can reach it. But my $0.02 stands, if a shop is putting one in then just have them all changed. Then again, I don't believe in cheaping out on my cars in general. Do it right the first time.
 
yea my friend removed teh stripped one, but we didnt have an extra wheel stud on hand. i just got 1 from autozone for 2 bucks, so should i get another 3? or am i good to go with just one new one? im going to teh shop tomorrow to get my front breaks done. thanks for all the help
 
ajtyeh said:
yea my friend removed teh stripped one, but we didnt have an extra wheel stud on hand. i just got 1 from autozone for 2 bucks, so should i get another 3? or am i good to go with just one new one? im going to teh shop tomorrow to get my front breaks done. thanks for all the help
Click to expand...
If a shop is doing the work for you and you've got a few extra bucks for labor, have them change them all. If you don't have the coin, the studs will probably be fine. Just a little peace of mind is all.
 
I did this years ago after breaking off a particularly sticky lug bolt while changing a flat on the side of the road. I not only had to drive on the remaining 3, but drive more than 100 miles on the highway. It was probably (okay, definitely) unwise but it worked out fine for me. FWIW I was driving a 1985 Toyota Tercel SR5 wagon that probably weighed little more than a ton.
 
no brake drums on the back? You mean you have 4 wheel disc brakes?

One less lug nut is pretty major. It's an accident waiting to happen as the other lugs get stressed beyond their design.

Back when the 5.0L Mustangs raced, it wasn't uncommon to have one out of 4 lugs break. If they put those same cars right back on the track, they'd throw a wheel quickly.

I'd replace all the studs if you did any driving on it. If I had just stripped one, I'd just replace it. Pulling all the studs for no other reasons could lead to other issues.
 
thescreensavers said:
Well instead of the cars weight on 4 lugs, its on 3. I know people who drive with one missing. And dont give a fawk. But personally I would not do it.
Click to expand...

That's South Florida for you.

I really wish they would bring back inspections, get half of those Freakin' 'Rican mobiles off the streets.
 
How much does it cost to rent a car for a day? How much does a trip to the ER cost? It's an extremist statement, but obviously you've got an uneasy feeling to begin with or you wouldn't have posted here. I don't mess around with uneasy feelings, spending a little money now may save you a lot of money tomorrow.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top