GS - 2nd Gen (1998-2005) Discussion about the second generation GS300, GS400 and GS430 (1998 - 2005)

Is it safe to drive? 4 / 5 Lugs

Old 04-27-08, 09:08 PM
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Lyrical
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Default Is it safe to drive? 4 / 5 Lugs

Well, I took off my old rims, and went back to stock. I used aftermarket lugs on stock wheels, only to realize hear constant clicking when I drove it up and down the street. Live and learn!

Anyway, while in the process I snapped one of the lug bolts(the piece that sticks through the rotor) off. Guess i don't know my own strength Haha

So now, all 4 lug nuts are tightened as hard as I could...Took it for a test drive and it seemed fine...

Also, don't think it matters, but its the rear passenger wheel.

Should I continue to drive it at all or send it straight to a shop?

TIA
Old 04-27-08, 09:16 PM
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mamono
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I've seen people drive on only four studs for a while and they were alright, but I wouldn't recommend it. The GS was designed to utilize a 5 stud bolt-pattern for a reason. Best to get it fixed as soon as possible. Shouldn't cost very much.
Old 04-27-08, 09:28 PM
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pitmanr200
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i drove a 96 eclipse 50 miles with only 3 lug nuts on 5 lug. I was selling the car and took my aftermarket wheels off and for some reason tore up the threads on studs on a few of them. It rode fine all the way there, but i was nervous. I laughed the hole way home from dealership thinking that they would be pissed when they saw the lug nuts gone.
Old 04-27-08, 09:36 PM
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Debonair
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It would have been fine on 4 of 5 studs and lugs. Many less car savvy people drive cars for years upon years like this with no issue. BUT if you tightened the rest "as hard as I could" instead of the recommended torque I suggest having all 5 studs at that corner replaced ASAP. The likelihood of those additional 4 studs stripping or snapping off is greatly increased by the over tightening of them.

So I vote get them replaced ASAP. Safety First.

Almost forgot: Get the proper type Lugs for the stock wheels if did not already.
Old 04-27-08, 09:38 PM
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LS_FosHO
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4/5 isnt bad but definitely get it fixed asap. if you need to drive it, i would recommend that you drive it to your local repair facility. IMO
Old 04-28-08, 12:19 AM
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Kyle Harty
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I agree about over-torqueing the remaining lug nuts, it would be a good idea to have them replace all the studs on that wheel. The studs themselves only cost a couple bucks a piece and the peace of mind is worth the extra labor.

I almost had a wheel fall off a car because a mechanic had forgotten to put a lug nut on. 2 of the remaining studs had broken and the wheel was barely holding on by 2 lug nuts. On the other hand, my buddie's girl had driven around for almost a year with a missing lug nut/broken stud and never had any problems.
Old 04-28-08, 01:45 AM
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Lyrical
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I put the OEM lugs back on so that issue is fine...

I agree safety first...I don't intend on driving the car unless its to the shop.

Where could I go to get this fix? Can it be done at most say tire places? Or would it have to be done at a mechanics place? Or could it even be a DIY?
Old 04-28-08, 02:53 AM
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DarKnight
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Make sure you removed the adapter ring that they usually put when you have aftermarket wheels and get that stud fixed asap.
Old 04-28-08, 03:08 AM
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JeffTsai
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One of my friends drove around on 2 lugs for a while lol. Nothing fell off so I guess it was ok. We changed it after like a month because he was nervous when getting on the highway
Old 04-28-08, 05:50 AM
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Old 04-28-08, 06:23 AM
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NBart
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Definatly have the snaped stud extracted and a new one put in.
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