Broken wheel stud

[BillFromSC]

Hello folks,

When doing a brake job I busted a wheel stud on the passenger side rear axle. Since it was broke in half it was easy to back out the remaining half and pull it out from behind the axle flange.

Now for the problem: Getting a new stud in. Even with removing the parking brake shoes there does not seem to be enough room to get the stud in behind the flange.

I searched the posts in this forum, and there seems to be a difference of opinion on how to get a new stud in, depending on who is posting. I read that the axle needs to be pulled, but also someone posted that there is a way to slip the stud in without pulling the axle out. I was looking for a hole in the backing plate for this purpose but I did not see one. Obviously I'd love the second method.

Thanks,
Bill
03 MM

[Zack]

Is your car due for a gear oil change? Could be a win/win for you.

[Motorhead350]

You have to pull the axel.

The front is another story and much easier not to mess up.

[BillFromSC]

Is your car due for a gear oil change? Could be a win/win for you.

Well, as far as I can tell the gear oil has never been changed, I've got 131K, and it is due at 150K, so I guess it will come a little early...

Thanks,
Bill

[whitey]

Im pretty sure gear oil should be changed a lot more frequently than once every 150k.

[fastblackmerc]

I'd definately change the gear oil but you should be able to get the stud in without taking out the axle. Try loosening the backing plate.

[BillFromSC]

I'd definately change the gear oil but you should be able to get the stud in without taking out the axle. Try loosening the backing plate.

I guess I'm back to where I was yesterday; some say YES you must pull the axel and others say NO you don't have to pull the axel.

hmm... Now I don't know if I should screw around with the backing plate and try to squeeze it in there, or if I should go ahead and go through the process of pulling the axel... Anybody else want to weigh in? All I know is I'm not going outside and under the Marauder in 32 degree weather here in SC and freeze my ass off today, so I've got time to read other opinions/facts. :)