Okay, so I'm going to replace the brake pads this fine spring day...am halfway through and taking off the wheel on the driver side...run into a stubborn lug nut (stock). End up BENDING a 4-way on it...then the nut rounds off. So step two...pound a metric 18 socket onto it and try with a 1/2 inch drive ratchet. Didn't budge, and ended rounding some more. This lug nut is on a Pontiac stock wheel, recessed in about 2". Does anyone have any ideas other than what I've done that will make it easier?

 

pound another socket on it, or buy the specail removal tools form the local auto parts store, and use a impact gun on it. (if you dont have one, your SOL). the impact gun will do a better job breaking loose a tight lug than a ratchet or breakler bar ever will

good chance the lug is actually crossthreaded, not overtightened, and you may break the lug off in the process.

 

yup. basically. you need a nut extractor. you put that on hammer it on and use an impact gun to remove it. just as 86ta said

 

or if you had a torch you could go that route

 

thank you guys, I didn't know they sold such a beast, so I'm off to the local parts store to see if they stock them...

 

There are special helix type sockets for removing stripped bolts/nuts, youll have to hammer it on same size as bolt/nut, also use a breaker bar, but I should warn you when dealing with a stubborn lug it is very possible to break the wheel stud, but they are cheap and easy to replace, when I got my car two lugs were rusted fast, broke 2 studs getting them off.

 

At this point, I would rather have new brake pads on that side than miss one stud, if that did happen, you know? lol...

 

It's like a 2.50$ part that takes all of 5 min to replace, you just hammer it out of the axle, and use a lug nut to pull the new one on.

 

at the very very last resort, and trust me you dont wanna have to do this, you could drill it out.ive seen it done as a last resort about twice.but def try what was stated above first, goodluck!!

 

if it's overtightened like that you need to replace the stud anyway,

 

good point twin_turbo. We neglected to say that..haha..

 

there like 2$ i broke 4 on the right rear tire and 3 on the left rear. i was using a 1/2 impact as that was the only way they were going to budge