Author Topic: Damn wheel studs! (Read 266 times)

gwstang · « **on:** February, 14, 2012, 05:19:13 PM »

Naw this isn't another "I lost a wheel" story...lol I had to replace a front wheel stud on the '66. I am always very careful and use a torque wrench set a little below what the manual says that came with the craiger ss wheels/lug nuts (these have to have this little funky teardrop shaped washer that locks them in I guess. Pain in the ass is what they are

Anyway, this is the 3'd stud that I have had to replace in about 12 years. These things are a pain in the ass, very difficult to get all the lugs started and keep them going on correctly. I am wondering if it has anything to do with using the granada front disc brakes/rotors? Could the rotors be that different from say a Mustang? I thought a 5x4.5 was the same on all 5 lug wheels. Anyway, I always say that Ford did not change anything once they started using it, say wheel studs for instance. Baloney! The rotors I have are for a '76 Granada, a '77 stud will not fit through the hole, the shoulder is way too big. I had gotten a couple with the last order I made from MU in Georgia and they were too big for my /76 rotors. I went to Advance Auto to pick up another one to fit and told the parts guy (I always wait for the manager because he really is a good parts man for stuff like this) it was for a '77 granada and he brought one out and it was bigger than the old stripped one (not longer just fatter at the shoulder). He said lets try a '76 and it was right on. I did remember to bring my handy dandy cheapo electronic Harbor freight calipers to check with...lol So, I guess Ford did change even small things along the way...I would not have believed it if I did not see it in person. I do have a question, I got some 1" coil spring spacers and I am assuming they go where the coil sits into the recesssed side of the spacer or does the flat side go against the coil? I need to raise the front end as it just drags all over the place with the lowered springs. Thanks, Gary

silverblueBP · « **Reply #1 on:** February, 14, 2012, 07:23:59 PM »

I replace my wheel studs every so often. I buy the ARP studs, haven't broken one yet.

67 evil eleanor · « **Reply #2 on:** February, 14, 2012, 08:03:10 PM »

I think you maybe are NOT setting the stud in the rotor. When I replace a stud I use a large nut that you can slide over the new stud then tighten the new nut down with an impact wrench until it fully seats. By just torquing the nut to 90 or what ever the recommended amount is, you may not have it seated and in all the way. If not, they will work loose and brake. They should be no difference in a 76 and 77 Granada wheel stud no matter what the engine is. If you ordered studs for a Mustang then there is the problem, they are different. On the spacers, they go on top of the coil with the flange pointed down. I think the rule of thumb is, if you want to raise the car an inch, then a 1/2 inch spacer is needed. Good luck.

gwstang · « **Reply #3 on:** February, 15, 2012, 08:08:51 AM »

Quote from: silverblueBP on February, 14, 2012, 07:23:59 PM

I replace my wheel studs every so often. I buy the ARP studs, haven't broken one yet.

I looked at the arp's, I wasn't sure of the size but now I do know. I will be picking some of these up on my next summit order. thanks

gwstang · « **Reply #4 on:** February, 15, 2012, 08:13:46 AM »

Quote from: 67 evil eleanor on February, 14, 2012, 08:03:10 PM

I think you maybe are NOT setting the stud in the rotor. When I replace a stud I use a large nut that you can slide over the new stud then tighten the new nut down with an impact wrench until it fully seats. By just torquing the nut to 90 or what ever the recommended amount is, you may not have it seated and in all the way. If not, they will work loose and brake. They should be no difference in a 76 and 77 Granada wheel stud no matter what the engine is. If you ordered studs for a Mustang then there is the problem, they are different. On the spacers, they go on top of the coil with the flange pointed down. I think the rule of thumb is, if you want to raise the car an inch, then a 1/2 inch spacer is needed. Good luck.

I have a shop press that I use to press them in with. That is a good idea on using the nut to pull it down with. I have never broken a stud, they are just stripping out and the lug nut just turns and turns. I'm glad you told me how the spacers go, I thought they went on the bottom...lol I'm headed out to put them on now. Thanks.

67 evil eleanor · « **Reply #5 on:** February, 15, 2012, 09:15:45 AM »

Another suggestion would be measure the hole that the stud is not seating in and stop by the local auto part store and compare your measurement to a new rotor. The opening in the rotor may have very well enlarged to the point it will not hold the stud like it should. I may have a set of Granada rotors in the garage I can get the measurement if you need, should be close but again, they are used. Also, I would pull the stud through the hole this go around insted of pressing. I know if they "wobble" any at all when you install them, they usually will not hold. Let me know.