I was changing my rear brake pads and discovered I was missing a lug nut on the back right tire. At first I thought the tire store forgot to put the last lug nut on. I tried to put one of the other lug nuts on and then I discovered the bolt hole is stripped. I can't get a lug nut to work in the one spot. How difficult is this to fix? It worries me that I am missing a lug nut ion the tire.

 

First, you have lug bolts not lug nuts. All you need to do is go buy a tap and re-tap the hole. I think the tap is a 12 mm X 1.5, but you should take one of the lug bolts in with you to verify.

Bob

 

What is a tap? I am unfamiliar with that, and yes they are lug bolts.

 

A tap (as in tap and die) is a tool that is used to cut threads in a drilled hole. If the threads are damaged, it can be used to "ream" them out -- straighten and clean them so the bolt will again pass through. It is likely someone cross-threaded your lugbolt using an air gun. A die is the opposite tool. It cuts threads in a rod...or repairs a bolt. Make sure you lubricate the hole with light oil when using either tool.

Sets are available at Sears and automotive or hardware stores (I bought a full Sears set 25 years ago when I was working on my Jeeps and still use it). But you'll need to take in a lugbolt to ensure you get the right diameter and thread pattern (threads run from fine to coarse).

 

I would advise, since you don't know what a tap is and, logically, don't know how to use one, you should take the car to a mechanic (any mechanic will do) and have them tap it out for you. There is also the possibility that the treads have been totally stripped in which case you will need an insert installed, which almost any mechanic can do for you.

Good luck,

Bob

 

Thanks for the info. I was worried that this was going to be an expensive issue.