I have a broken rear wheel stud. Is it safe to ride on the remaining four?
If not, is it a PITA to replace myself?


Thank you,

Bob H.

Of course anyone can speculate about what could happen, but I bought my 240 with a broken wheel stud on two different wheels and drove it that way for about 6 months before getting them replaced. I even wrecked the car during the time the studs weren't damaged, and although the suspension damage was only on the right front (had all 5 lugs), the car still went over a low curb at ~25mph.

A few weeks after replacing the two studs, I stripped another stud, but drove the car for a few more weeks until I realized one of the recently replaced studs was metric instead of SAE. I returned to the shop and had it replaced for free and they were kind enough to replace the stripped stud at the same time for no charge because it was on the same wheel.

Chances are you won't have any problems with normal driving, but I'm now using my car for autocross, and I wouldn't recommend something like that with a bad wheel stud.
--
Volvo 240 Links | Parts For Sale | Volvo 240 Racing | July 14th DC Area Auto-X

If you are not a racing driver it shouldn't be a problem, but i would replace it. You just need to remove the rotor and slam the wheel stud with a heavy hammer. Installing the new one is easier, after placing the new one in the hole, tight it with a wheel nut as much as you can, so it will sit all the way in.
Hope this helps.

"If you are not a racing driver it shouldn't be a problem"

HOLY (*&$% !

Replace it man. you never know what is going to happen. Some little old lady runs her wheel chair out fast in the cross walk, and you are going to have to swerve to miss her, or a dog or deer whatever. You'll want your wheel to stay where it is supposed to believe me.

About the only place I would drive the car is to the parts store to get a new wheel stud.

I promise, it won't give you as much of a headache as your alternator did.

Driving around with only four lugs, while not ideal, shouldn't cause any problems. I've had a couple of Mustangs, that came from the factory with four lug wheels. 225 horsepower and 300 ft-lbs of torque in stock trim, no problems shearing off lugs. I wouldn't leave it for too long, but a few days or a week or two until you can replace it should be ok.

I would try to get the old stud pressed out if possible, on most cars (I'm assuming Volvos too) damage can result to the wheel bearings if you take a small sledge and start pounding out lug studs.

-Keith
--
1990 245 --- 240,000 miles and still going strong

what you're talking about is different.

having a broken wheel stud throws things off balance.

having four wheel studs placed properly around the wheel is balanced.
--
Kenric Tam
1990 Volvo 740 base sedan (B230F)
My Volvo 'Project'