Quick backstory: I bought my '02 last summer and have had some attention paid to it my a mechanic, but with the intention that I would learn how to do, and do, everything I can by myself. I know "some stuff", but am not a practiced wrencher by any stretch. I'm smart and I know how to do my homework and figure as much out before I dig in too deep, but I know next to nothing compared to what I expect is the baseline knowledge of this group. Like I said... a bona-fide noob! 😉
OK, so: My 1st project (And, as they say: One thing leads to another!):
To address a rotational "click" coming from my left wheel (which, prior to a mechanic having rotated the wheels, came from the right), I diagnosed it as too close a tolerance between the wheel weights and the brake calipers. So, I got equipped with a floor jack and jack stands, got her in the air, removed the tire and had my tire shop rebalance it with the weights positioned more appropriately. I haven't been able to test it out yet because...
With the wheel off I noticed what looked like mild wear on the exterior of the left caliper (due to weights rubbing?), I thought I'd pull the right tire to see if it was evident there as well. 3 lug nuts came off fine but the 4th was resistant. I went slowly but quickly realized that the stud was turning with the nut, and off it came with the lug nut still firmly attached.
Looks like I'm going to learn how to replace a wheel stud!
Questions:
1. Stud type:
I haven't pulled off the hub/rotor assembly yet to see what the other studs look like on the other side, and I suspect this 1st question might get answered when I do, but: Why would the stud have what looks like weld marks (see photo below)? From what I gather, studs are either press-in or screw-in. I haven't come across any reference to "weld-in".
What type of stud is recommended, press-in or screw-in?
2. Removing the caliper:
In all the tutorials I've seen, the calipers are connected to flex line and they just get "hung" there after removal. Mine are connected to hard line. Is this normal for us? And if so, how best to relocate and support caliper while I'm doing the work?
3. Installing studs:
It appears the critical thing is to get the stud properly "seated", either by using a press (I don't have one) or either a stack of washers or a wheel stud installer (which looks like it functions exactly like a stack of washers?) and an impact wrench (I have that!). Does the stud need to set to a particular torque spec? Or just properly seated to the hub?
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I'm sure I'll have more questions, but can't think of them in this moment. For whatever insight and advice comes my way here, I'll be enormously grateful. 🙏🏼
Thanks very much,
Doug
PS. Here she is, patiently waiting for me to "fix" her and get back out there for some twisties.