crazydoctorbob

Need to change studs on front wheel of 2003 3.2Cl.

Is it necessary to remove the hub from the knuckle?

If so, can it be done without the use of a hydraulic press?

kadams

Are you talking about the lug nuts? If so, you probably need what's called a "key" that goes in your standard lug wrench and will take the lugs off...I just ordered one from Discount Tires...$3

Allout

As far as I know, that's the only way since the wheel bearings are pressed on. Any other way, you run the risk of damaging the bearings.

iisylentii

i had that same problem just yesterday. i was so pissed that i stripped it. so i din't want to take the risk of messing any thing els up so i just took it to the shop, and plus it was hot as hell. they charged me 35 bucks but it took like 2 hours

Allout

$35 bucks for 2 hours of labor? Sounds like you got one helluva deal

iisylentii

the guy told me it would only take 30 mins, Plus i bought the stud and lug nut at Pep Boys because i was going to try and do it myself. The guy at the shop told me he would charge and extra 20 bucks for the stud and nut, i only payed 6 bucks for both with tax at Pep Boys.
I guess that shop makes there money from ripping people off from parts.

crazydoctorbob

I finally found out. I pulled the wheel and rotor. There's not enough clearance between the
hub and the knuckle to get the bolts out or in. You need to remove the knuckle from the vehicle and press out the hub. The reaers are different. The hub and bearings slide right out.

Allout

I read one article that someone cut the existing stud off close to the base and pressed out the old one. They then ground down the base of the stud so one side was flat. That flat side was able to clear the knuckle.