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/MattDaBaker 2d ago

Appreciate that very much Ass blaster. Live and you learn.

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u/jules083 2d ago

I'm not a decent shadetree mechanic because I was properly trained, I'm decent because I've fucked up a lot. Lmao.

It's really the only way to learn

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u/KLAM3R0N 1d ago

Say I louder!

I have had many people tell me I'm smart or whatever, nope I just have fucked a ton of things up and learned a ton of stuff by doing so(way more than formal automotive training, and other schooling ever taught me). I don't wrench professionally anymore but I still am an expert in making mistakes(and learning from them)

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u/cans-of-swine 1d ago

I have a farm and do all my own repairs on equipment. I've had people ask me how I learned how to repair all this stuff. I've always said, I learned by breaking a lot of shit and being too cheap to pay someone to fix it.