[kmx]

So just to let you know I have a 1995 Toyota Camry LE 4 Cylinder. Yesterday I was at the car washing my car and I decided to remove my old hub caps and put brand new ones on. By the time I got to the rear left wheel of my car I noticed that one of the bolts seem to be missing or broken. I honestly don't know how it happened since my car has been through some major changes in the past 30 days. I got all 4 of my struts changed, I had a nail that caused a flat tire, I made the mistake of taking my car to one of those $8 hand car wash places and the idiot speed through a bump really hard, I had 2 brand new tires installed in the front while they checked the rest of my tires, I also had a full alignment this weekend and the guy did not notify me of this so I can't pinpoint exactly when it happened.

My questions is can I still drive this car safely? Or is this very dangerous.
I went to a tire shop and they told me they can fix it/ or install a new stud for $45 but that I need to wait because they have to order the part. Immediately I said thanks and left because $45 seems a bit too high for such a small part.

I need to drive on the freeway this Friday so I want to know what should I do at this point?

Thank You.

 

[71Corolla]

Unpredictable. I know someone that drove with a broken lug nut for over a year, but it was all city driving. I'd say you can get away with it, but if there is any stress put on the wheel over and above what you'd normally encounter, bad things could happen, like a bent wheel leading to a tire blowout. Get it replaced ASAP.

 

[Yuko]

I would check the remained 4 wheel stud for damage. If that one stud broke due to possibility over-torquing, there is a chance that the others are too. The those studs and lug nuts are fine, it is still safe to drive on the highway. Just don't overload the car.

A new stud and lug nut at the parts store are just $5. If you want to try to replace the stud yourself, here a need DIY:
http://www.toyotanation.com/forum/1...ur-wheel-studs-parking-lot-limited-tools.html

 

[kmx]

As a college student on a budget with limited resources such as time, space, and tools and no experience doing something as serious as what the Do It Your Self Guide recommends I would rather just order the parts online and have a professional install it.

Any way I can just buy the parts of Amazon, Advanced Auto, or at a place like auto zone or something and take it to a mechanic to install it?

And after I get it installed do I have to get another alignment again because I just got one less than 5 days ago. Thanks.

 

[Chris Crash]

Trust me, losing a stud puts more strain on the 4 remaining studs and makes them more prone to break while driving. I would try to fix it ASAP using my DIY posted above. I am also a college student in the same constraints, hence why I posted the DIY. Limited tools away from home with no cash is what I had to work with. You can do it too. Easy and cheap!

 

[Chris Crash]

But to answer your questions, any parts store will have what you need. You need the acorn style lug nut. And you do NOT need another alignment after this is repaired.

 

[Dave's]

$45 for one stud is crazy. If you really need a pro to do it check around. But it is fairly simple if you have the tools. As stated, if the others weren't over-torqued you should be OK but it's best to have it/them replaced. Those aren't the type of lug nuts I usually see on steel wheels. Maybe it's just me though.

 

[bolink654]

I drove a couple days city driving with one broke, then drove it 60 miles highway and 2 lane blacktop to "my" home and fixed. Been driving my Toyota pickup with one missing since I got it 3-4 years ago.

But for obvious reasons, I cant recommend driving like that.

 

[thaharlequin]

You'll probably would have been fine driving for a while, just not like speed racer. I went for a year with a broken lug stud on each of my front wheels, but I drive like a granny too.

 

[Hajoca]

KMX

I went to an auto parts store like a NAPA or Carquest - the kind that delivers parts to the mechanic / garage.

A year ago and paid about 2.00 CDN each. The nuts you have are probably about 2.00 each also.

 

[DM616]

I've been driving with 4 studs on my front right tire for about 2-3 years now...nothing bad has ever come out of it. I just never got around to fixing it. Apparently some places will fail you for inspection but take it to a garage and it's all good. I even forgot about that DIY until now. Something I plan to fix eventually. Probably when I put new brakes/rotors on.

Just my two cents.

 

[oopssorryy]

You are all right. My wagon had 4 lugs on of it's tires at one point. In a mix of city, highway she did fine. Any less than 4 and your in trouble. Studs at your local parts store should run 3-5 bucks and a buddy who knows what they are doing and you are home free.