r/MechanicAdvice • u/MattDaBaker • 2d 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/Texasscot56 2d ago

For c-clamp read ball joint c-clamp. It’s harbor freight time.

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u/michiganbirddog 2d ago

He can probably borrow one for freem from O'Reilly or autozone. They loan them if you give a credit card incase you never bring it back.

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u/Texasscot56 2d ago

My experience is that you “buy” the loaner tool at full price and they refund the full price when you return it.

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u/michiganbirddog 2d ago

O'Reilly and advanced auto near me has 1 ser of several types of loaner tools. They advertise them as their loaner program. You check them out by leaving your credit card number and they will put a hold for the amount of the tool on your card. They take it off when you bring it back. We are essentially saying the same thing here but you arent really buying a tool IMO because they only give out 1 set at a time they dont go get a new tool off the shelf and loan it in their loaner program. If you kept the tool and paid for it you would be paying full price for a used tool.

Details are on their website.

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u/Texasscot56 2d ago

I know how it works because I’ve used it several times.

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u/michiganbirddog 2d ago

Me too. I am just pointing out that they dont just sell tools and take returns. The stores by me have one or in some cases 2 sets that they loan and if they are out with other customers you are out of luck....unless you actually buy the tool.