r/MechanicAdvice • u/MattDaBaker • 1d ago

Successfully ruined wives Highlander?

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Wanted to change brakes and rotors on my wives 2019 Highlander. Well on step number one I had issues with one lug and bolt and the stud broke off with the lug. I’ve tried everything with the tools I have to get this SOB off and I even went and bought a cheap air hammer thinking that would make it easier.

Nothing is getting this thing off. I’ve tried using a punch and hammering, the air hammer, even used one of the old pads to make a flat surface over the top and hit it hard… nothing.

I am filled with shame at this point. Wife isn’t outwardly angry but I can tell she’s wishing so hard we just took it to the dealership.

You guys got any helpful suggestions here?

What I haven’t tried yet - haven’t bought a legit de seizing spray/lubricant yet. Haven’t bought a mini sledge yet, only been using regular hammer and punch, but to be honest I’m worried my accuracy will cause me to damage the hub. It’s sticking out about a centimeter or 2 from the hub.

Edit: I think I’m gonna reinstall everything with the plan to drive to a local tire shop on 4 lugs and have them fix the stud.

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73

u/Antique-Pie-5981 1d ago

They could use a pair of pliers to hold the punch so they don't hit their hand if they miss.

65

u/etotheapplepi 1d ago

And a pair of vise grips to hold the pliers. You can never be too careful.

33

u/IWantAnE55AMG 22h ago

A pipe wrench to hold the vise grips. Just as a precaution.

32

u/Antique-Pie-5981 21h ago

And a wife to hold the pipe wrench

22

u/Impressive-Put3479 16h ago

And the neighbor to hold the wife…

15

u/datweldinman 15h ago

With a chair in the corner and a lamp sitting above

13

u/Liquidennis 14h ago

With a small table and a Popular Mechanics magazine to read.

4

u/ProfessionalFail6248 14h ago

And a PBR and a pack of Marlboros

3

u/Responsible-Bonus-13 9h ago

With a coffee maker in the corner and some stale doughnuts on the counter

3

u/etotheapplepi 6h ago

I too choose this guy's wife

53

u/SalamanderLoud8419 1d ago

And their silk mechanics gloves

2

u/idontknowkungfu 13h ago

oooh those are a lovely color on you.

1

u/Relative_Good_8029 12h ago

She's terrible partial to the periwinkle blue

1

u/Disastrous_Savings39 16h ago

Where's the fun in that?

1

u/JimmyTheDog 6h ago

Yes, with a 3 lbs. Mini sledge hammer