So I have a couple lug bolts I need to replace as apparently last time I had my tires rotated at the shop (I normally do it but was in a hurry) they cross threaded a couple bolts. That has been a long time ago so a couple days back I had to pull my tire and plug a nail hole... and noticed 2 bolts that were buggered up. So bought a couple new ones, pulled the tire, brake caliper and rotor and then when I go to remove one of the bolts, there's no room to remove it.



I'm I going to have to remove the entire hub and axle just to get these bolts swapped out? That is pure suckage if that's the case. Any tips or help would be appreciated. All the messages/posts I've read said it was as simple as I was thinking, but apparently on my '01 XJ that's not the case.

 

Soak the threads with Kroil.
Let sit and repeat. Then I would use vise grips to remove the messed-up bolts.
Liquid wrench is easier to find, but Kroil seems to work better.

 

The bolts aren't stuck... they are free, just hitting the Steel dust shield behind the hub. You can see that it's not just a tight pinch, there is 1/2" of bolt still thru the hole so I'm not visualizing how vise grips could possible bend the bolt and get it out. Then how would I get the new bolt back it? Hmmm...

 

Is there not a spot on the shield where you can rotate the hub to pull the bolts out? Looks like you might be able to get it out if you rotate towards the bottom and pull it out there

 

Should just be a wheel bearing assembly to take off. It's only 3 bolts then the axle nut. And at that point you might as well replace all 5 to save the hassle next time

 

Yep, had to pull the hub assembly off. There is a slight bit of play in the bearing so I just ordered a new Timkin f/AZone. Just have a wait a couple hours for it to show up. Luckily they are only a block away and I can walk to pick it up.

Got the OE hub assembly off and replaced the bolts, but going to just put a new Hub Assembly on since this one is already off and has some play. Keep the OE as a spare.

 

Late to this thread of course, but don't forget that the spindle nut and hardware is officially single-use only

 

Interesting... never heard that before. I reused my OE nut and hardware... hopefully that doesn't lead to some issues down the road.

Where would I get replacement hardware for this? Doubtful any of the parts houses would have it.

 

Should be as common as the hubs since one's supposed to replace them every time one changes the hubs. I ordered all my stuff from Rock Auto though. I wouldn't be concerned leaving them on there for a few weeks, but reusing rusty hardware that stretches when it's torqued properly, that's supposed to keep the wheels from falling off, well, doesn't sound like a good idea lol