well, i finally bit the bullet. i ordered the lug ripper kit. found one on ebay for $200 shipped. this way, i know the wheel will not get damaged during removal.

since i "inherited" the car from my wife i have done everything except the timing belt service and replacing the converters. so i would rather take care of this myself.

i'm going to cross my fingers and hope i can just put a replacement stud in. otherwise, i'm going to have to have the spindles replaced along with the hub. but i won't know if that will work until everything is apart.

 

 

I'm in process of trying to get new wheels on and put spacers on all 4 corners.
I used this to get the studs in, for just one you could just do the washer method but damn this thing was useful!!

https://www.amazon.com/Lisle-22800-Wheel-Stud-Installer/dp/B000ETUD22

 

My understanding is the knuckle is aluminum....and the rear bolts are only 58 ft. lbs. (these I just do by feel) If they got it off and reinstalled, why would this be the last time the caliper could be removed.....

 

well, the caliper bolt was frozen. they called me and said if they continue it could break. but i have to replace the pads and rotors, so i had no choice. they said the bolt broke, but they were able to remove the remnants and "install" the new ones. but he said if i ever have to remove them again, that the spindle would probably have to be replaced. so i am just going by their word, since i have not had to remove anything, i just figured i would cross that bridge when i got to it.

once i get the tool in (i got the email saying it has been shipped) i will see if there is any truth to what i was told. but it is a shop that deals with our parts store on a regular basis, so i don't really see why he would lie to me. but you never know. lol.

 

yes, the tool that i purchased was actually made for this situation. i will document my experience with the tool. but i'll see if i can find the video i watched of it being used.

yeah, i figured if i can just install one stud without replacing the whole hub, i would need something like this or use washers. but i am the type that likes to have the correct tool for the job, lol. so i will probably be getting one too.

 

here is the video that shows how it is used.