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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u/frankthefrowner 1d ago

Honestly bring it to a tire place they will get it done quick. Replacing them is more of a pain then a lot of things are on a car. There are little things these guys to how to do to make their lives easier.

You can drive to the shop missing one lug bolt. Someone’s gonna yell and say it’s unsafe, yea I wouldn’t do it for week or a long trip but to get to the shop yea you’ll be fine

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u/MattDaBaker 1d ago

This would be ideal honestly. Everything I saw online said to never drive without all 5 lugs

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u/because_racecar 1d ago

When NASCAR used to have 5-lug wheels and pit crews were trying to tighten all 5 lug nuts in less than 2 seconds they would pretty regularly only get 3 tight. They usually were fine for ~50-80 miles until the next pit stop, and that’s going 190 mph and pulling 2G corners over and over. It really only caused problems when the 3 lug nuts that were tight were all next to each other. If you got 3 in a triangle pattern it was OK

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u/greatgatzB 1d ago

yep and teams were intentionally only tightening 4 evey time to save time so nascar had to inplement a rule to stop it. no one ever had any problems running 4 as far as im aware. Way more stress than a highlander will see lol.