Thread: Locknut Stud Removal - Wheel On Car

Hi Guys,

I bought a HJ about a year ago, and the wheels have locknuts on them, but no key to undo them. I have looked around but they seem to be an old style that isn't sold anymore. Previously I tapped the hole in the locknut to then stick a bolt down them and twist them off, however I just stripped the thread.

As the design of the locknut and the wheel, the locknut is sunken into the wheel, so I can't get a grinder or a dremel into it to cut it off. My next plan of attack is to drill out the original wheel stud so that I can just pull the nut and old thread out.

First Q - Is drilling out the old stud a good idea? I have disc fronts and drum rears so is there anything I need to be aware of?
Second Q - I assume the wheel studs are a press fit so therefore there isn't any thread in the disc/drum for me to damage?
Third Q - In doing this I will change all the studs to new ones. Can anyone point me in the direction of somewhere that would sell replacement wheel studs (quality is important)

Pic attached to help illustrate my problem.

I would have to drill all the way to the disc, as the nuts are the long insert type (attached) which mean it has a pretty good grip in there. The small holes are too far in for a chisel, however I could try using the edge of the stud hole to spin them off.

I like the welder idea, I could thread a bolt in and weld it to the nut. (plus its a good excuse to buy more tools)

try a large "easy out" and if that doesn't work smack a 17mm socket onto the end of it

If you weld it , the heat will help loosen its grip while it's still hot. Get a good mid welder and turn up the power

Find a piece of 1/2" thick wall tube....about 3-4" long....hold onto face of the nut,get a stick welder,put the rod through the tube and weld tube to nut from inside....undo with a set of stilsons......it's how i usually remove studs/nuts from hubs in big underground machinery(toros and atlas copco trucks)......works a treat!