How bad is it to run with only four lug nuts on a wheel?

I just found out I only have four on my left rear wheel.
There's a stub of the stud remaining though the threads are in bad
shape. If I can chase them I'll get a thinner nut on that. I suspect
the studs aren't replacable and I'd have to go with a whole hub.
Anybody know?

Butzmark wrote:
> I just found out I only have four on my left rear wheel.
> There's a stub of the stud remaining though the threads are in bad
> shape. If I can chase them I'll get a thinner nut on that. I suspect
> the studs aren't replacable and I'd have to go with a whole hub.
> Anybody know?

Did you, by chance, use an aftermarket wheel on that hub? Sometimes, if
the centre bore of the wheel is larger than the hub, you can break studs
like that on a pothole. It's quite a dangerous practice to use a
non-hub-centric wheel, in my opinion, because all the load is taken up
by the studs, but many people still do this. It's best to have a
hub-centric wheel from the dealer. I bought one a few months ago for
$CAN 60, so they're not expensive.

How do I replace one? Can the bad one be driven out while the hub is
on the vehicle or does it have to come off? Need a press?

Any reputable tire shop should be able to change the stud for you. You
should get it replaced. I've seen cars drive with four lug nuts, but
wouldn't recommend it. It can cause rotor to warp because of uneven
torque.

Butzmark wrote:
> I just found out I only have four on my left rear wheel.
> There's a stub of the stud remaining though the threads are in bad
> shape. If I can chase them I'll get a thinner nut on that. I suspect
> the studs aren't replacable and I'd have to go with a whole hub.
> Anybody know?