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Wheel studs (Replacements)

July 10, 2012, 12:56:04 am

I went to have 6 new Michelin's installed today. The front had no problems, the horror is in the rear.

The outer Alcoa wheels came off but the inner Alcoa wheel is stuck on by frozen cap nuts ( as the tire dealer describes them). They tried everything,  two of the studs broke off but two would not budge, the only way  they could remove the wheel was by cutting it with a torch. Luckily they had a used Alcoa wheel to give me. I had to leave the coach at the shop because they ran out of time today and because the service manager would not let me drive with 2 broken studs. They will start on the other side tomorrow. The service manager told me to expect the same tomorrow because when one side has this problem chances are both sides will have the same problem, my fingers are crossed.

The tire shop (Bauer Bilt) is not certified to do repairs and told me I would need to get replacement studs, 2 for the broken studs so far and at least 10 if the other side needs them. I will then have to go to a nearby authorized truck repair center for the stud instillation ( hopefully the tire dealer will install the new studs if I supply them, he indicated that it is not a hard job).

My question; What exactly do I ask for as far as the studs for these wheels.
In my research I found Alcoa Cap Nut #598801(left hand thread) and Alcoa #598802 Right hand thread). Alcoa Wheels North America: Products: Accessories: Heavy Duty Trucks - Wheel Cap These are listed for aluminum to aluminum wheel applications.

The Tire Dealer said this is common on the "older style" inner stud arrangements with duels.

Has anybody else experienced this problem with wheel removal?
Did you replace any of your studs, and do you recall what part # or description you used for a replacement?

I can't seem to locate a price on these Cap Nuts, do you recall approximately what you paid for them or where you found them?

Any tips on making sure that this problem never rears its head again!

Thanks.

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Re: Wheel studs (Replacements)

Reply #1 – July 10, 2012, 06:21:05 am

Lon, sounds like your coach has stud piloted Budd wheels. The inner stud comes through from the inside of the hub, wheel goes on, then the outer stud screws on and centers the inner wheel, then outer wheel goes on with lug nuts to center and hold the outer rim. You should be able to go to any of the larger parts stores. or NAPA and get what you need, the inner studs, and nuts are longer for aluminum wheels. With aluminum wheels it is common to have these kind of problems due to corrosion, my tire guys use PB Blaster pentrating oil by the gallon soak everything and wait about an hour before starting. If your coach has disc brakes the inner studs may be a little harder to find.

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Re: Wheel studs (Replacements)

Reply #2 – July 10, 2012, 08:25:48 am

Lon, I would be real suspicious of a TIRE DEALER that could not replace a stud.  If he is doing commercial tire work he should have the parts and equipment at hand.  Sounds like you need a competent tire dealer.  I have had studs break off and tire dealer simply pulled one out of the box and replaced it.  Use of a torch is never justified near a wheel and its related parts such as bearings and seals.  There is a common tool that a tire dealer can use to rtemove a broken stud.
Gary B

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Re: Wheel studs (Replacements)

Reply #3 – July 10, 2012, 08:11:30 pm

I believe these are it:

Peter

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Re: Wheel studs (Replacements)

Reply #4 – July 10, 2012, 09:54:50 pm

I went and picked up the coach today. The right side went without a hitch. This leads me to believe they jumped on the BIG impact wrench for removal and didn't realize that the right side is left threads. They broke off two of the studs.

They also cut off the inner aluminum wheel and replaced it.
When I asked today about the additional charges for labor and parts they told me there would be NO additional charges. The price that was quoted me was the price I would pay or less if Michelin's price was lower. This included the labor that was also sent to Michelin, no bill from the Tire dealer. The purchase and labor with tax ended up around $4100 charged by Michelin.

I was not happy with the way the rears were balanced. The wheels were spin balanced and the wheel weights were glued to the outside of the wheel, not on the rim but in the middle of the wheel ( and a bunch of them). The front wheels I found had had the Centermatic ? balancing rings installed from the previous owner.

While I think the dealer may have accidentally broken the studs and I don't feel I can hold them reasonable. The studs could have easily been frozen and broke in a honest attempt to remove the nuts.

I drove the coach a 1 1/2 to a repair facility that Keith and Joyce recommended a few weeks ago in Belvidere IL. Marvin the owner seems to be a VERY honest business owner. He will replace the broken studs tomorrow and check my brakes and slack adjusters. 

I will email him the photos of the stud part numbers this may help him in his search for the correct parts.

Thanks for taking the time to post those pictures.

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Re: Wheel studs (Replacements)

Reply #5 – July 10, 2012, 10:13:35 pm

Anybody know offhand what year Foretravel went to the hub piloted design?
Thanks, Don

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