Lug nuts werent tightened??
 

My daughters boss changed a flat for her the other day.
She got home with the spare but said it felt like it was wobbleing when she
went slow but seemed ok on the highway. She drove about 30 miles on it.
mostly highway.

I jacked up that tire and 4 of the 5 lugnuts were very loose. Only one was
tight.

Now I cannot get that lugnut off..

Can I use a long breaker bar and snap the lugnut off?

Years ago I had a van that had a lugnut snap off and I was able to knock
what was left out with a punch and replaced the lugnut. It pulled into place
when I tightened it.

My concern is that if these are a tighter fit would you need a press to
remove or install the new lugnut.

Or do you have any other ideas?

I cant go back to her boss about it!

Also I wonder if the wobbling tire could have caused any steering or
suspension damage????


TIA


Steve

Re: Lug nuts werent tightened??
 

comcastss news groups wrote:
> My daughters boss changed a flat for her the other day.
> She got home with the spare but said it felt like it was wobbleing when she
> went slow but seemed ok on the highway. She drove about 30 miles on it.
> mostly highway.
>
> I jacked up that tire and 4 of the 5 lugnuts were very loose. Only one was
> tight.
>
> Now I cannot get that lugnut off..
>
> Can I use a long breaker bar and snap the lugnut off?

yes.

>
> Years ago I had a van that had a lugnut snap off and I was able to knock
> what was left out with a punch and replaced the lugnut. It pulled into place
> when I tightened it.
>
> My concern is that if these are a tighter fit would you need a press to
> remove or install the new lugnut.
>
> Or do you have any other ideas?
>
> I cant go back to her boss about it!

would you say that if she'd had an accident and been hurt?

>
> Also I wonder if the wobbling tire could have caused any steering or
> suspension damage????

no.

just crank the nut off. if it breaks, replace it just like you say -
you've done it before.

what you may encounter is damage to the other lug nuts if the wheel has
been too loose. examine the threads. if they're damaged, the safe
thing is to replace the hub [since replacing all 5 lugs is pointless and
just as expensive]. if they're not, just keep driving.

if the remaining nut comes off ok, suggest you go to a junk yard and get
a couple of appropriate lug nuts as replacements. discard the original,
screw one of the replacements on and off a few times to clean up the
thread, clean everything off with a wire brush, then refit the wheel
using the second "clean" replacement in that position. you should be
fine after that. use antiseize on the nut face, but not the threads
unless it's still /really/ stiff.

Re: Lug nuts werent tightened??
 

comcastss news groups wrote:
> My daughters boss changed a flat for her the other day.
> She got home with the spare but said it felt like it was wobbleing when she
> went slow but seemed ok on the highway. She drove about 30 miles on it.
> mostly highway.
>
> I jacked up that tire and 4 of the 5 lugnuts were very loose. Only one was
> tight.
>
> Now I cannot get that lugnut off..
>
> Can I use a long breaker bar and snap the lugnut off?

yes.

>
> Years ago I had a van that had a lugnut snap off and I was able to knock
> what was left out with a punch and replaced the lugnut. It pulled into place
> when I tightened it.
>
> My concern is that if these are a tighter fit would you need a press to
> remove or install the new lugnut.
>
> Or do you have any other ideas?
>
> I cant go back to her boss about it!

would you say that if she'd had an accident and been hurt?

>
> Also I wonder if the wobbling tire could have caused any steering or
> suspension damage????

no.

just crank the nut off. if it breaks, replace it just like you say -
you've done it before.

what you may encounter is damage to the other lug nuts if the wheel has
been too loose. examine the threads. if they're damaged, the safe
thing is to replace the hub [since replacing all 5 lugs is pointless and
just as expensive]. if they're not, just keep driving.

if the remaining nut comes off ok, suggest you go to a junk yard and get
a couple of appropriate lug nuts as replacements. discard the original,
screw one of the replacements on and off a few times to clean up the
thread, clean everything off with a wire brush, then refit the wheel
using the second "clean" replacement in that position. you should be
fine after that. use antiseize on the nut face, but not the threads
unless it's still /really/ stiff.

Re: Lug nuts werent tightened??
 

comcastss news groups wrote:
> My daughters boss changed a flat for her the other day.
> She got home with the spare but said it felt like it was wobbleing when she
> went slow but seemed ok on the highway. She drove about 30 miles on it.
> mostly highway.
>
> I jacked up that tire and 4 of the 5 lugnuts were very loose. Only one was
> tight.
>
> Now I cannot get that lugnut off..
>
> Can I use a long breaker bar and snap the lugnut off?

yes.

>
> Years ago I had a van that had a lugnut snap off and I was able to knock
> what was left out with a punch and replaced the lugnut. It pulled into place
> when I tightened it.
>
> My concern is that if these are a tighter fit would you need a press to
> remove or install the new lugnut.
>
> Or do you have any other ideas?
>
> I cant go back to her boss about it!

would you say that if she'd had an accident and been hurt?

>
> Also I wonder if the wobbling tire could have caused any steering or
> suspension damage????

no.

just crank the nut off. if it breaks, replace it just like you say -
you've done it before.

what you may encounter is damage to the other lug nuts if the wheel has
been too loose. examine the threads. if they're damaged, the safe
thing is to replace the hub [since replacing all 5 lugs is pointless and
just as expensive]. if they're not, just keep driving.

if the remaining nut comes off ok, suggest you go to a junk yard and get
a couple of appropriate lug nuts as replacements. discard the original,
screw one of the replacements on and off a few times to clean up the
thread, clean everything off with a wire brush, then refit the wheel
using the second "clean" replacement in that position. you should be
fine after that. use antiseize on the nut face, but not the threads
unless it's still /really/ stiff.

Re: Lug nuts werent tightened??
 

comcastss news groups wrote:
> My daughters boss changed a flat for her the other day.
> She got home with the spare but said it felt like it was wobbleing when she
> went slow but seemed ok on the highway. She drove about 30 miles on it.
> mostly highway.
>
> I jacked up that tire and 4 of the 5 lugnuts were very loose. Only one was
> tight.
>
> Now I cannot get that lugnut off..
>
> Can I use a long breaker bar and snap the lugnut off?

yes.

>
> Years ago I had a van that had a lugnut snap off and I was able to knock
> what was left out with a punch and replaced the lugnut. It pulled into place
> when I tightened it.
>
> My concern is that if these are a tighter fit would you need a press to
> remove or install the new lugnut.
>
> Or do you have any other ideas?
>
> I cant go back to her boss about it!

would you say that if she'd had an accident and been hurt?

>
> Also I wonder if the wobbling tire could have caused any steering or
> suspension damage????

no.

just crank the nut off. if it breaks, replace it just like you say -
you've done it before.

what you may encounter is damage to the other lug nuts if the wheel has
been too loose. examine the threads. if they're damaged, the safe
thing is to replace the hub [since replacing all 5 lugs is pointless and
just as expensive]. if they're not, just keep driving.

if the remaining nut comes off ok, suggest you go to a junk yard and get
a couple of appropriate lug nuts as replacements. discard the original,
screw one of the replacements on and off a few times to clean up the
thread, clean everything off with a wire brush, then refit the wheel
using the second "clean" replacement in that position. you should be
fine after that. use antiseize on the nut face, but not the threads
unless it's still /really/ stiff.

Re: Lug nuts werent tightened??
 

Do make sure the wheel is not damaged. Loose lug nuts can cause damage to
the wheel thus preventing proper wheel torque in the future.
"jim beam" <spamvortex@bad.example.net> wrote in message
news:ao-dncsyHMDbYFTYnZ2dnUVZ_oWdnZ2d@speakeasy.net...
> comcastss news groups wrote:
>> My daughters boss changed a flat for her the other day.
>> She got home with the spare but said it felt like it was wobbleing when
>> she
>> went slow but seemed ok on the highway. She drove about 30 miles on it.
>> mostly highway.
>>
>> I jacked up that tire and 4 of the 5 lugnuts were very loose. Only one
>> was
>> tight.
>>
>> Now I cannot get that lugnut off..
>>
>> Can I use a long breaker bar and snap the lugnut off?
>
> yes.
>
>>
>> Years ago I had a van that had a lugnut snap off and I was able to knock
>> what was left out with a punch and replaced the lugnut. It pulled into
>> place
>> when I tightened it.
>>
>> My concern is that if these are a tighter fit would you need a press to
>> remove or install the new lugnut.
>>
>> Or do you have any other ideas?
>>
>> I cant go back to her boss about it!
>
> would you say that if she'd had an accident and been hurt?
>
>>
>> Also I wonder if the wobbling tire could have caused any steering or
>> suspension damage????
>
> no.
>
> just crank the nut off. if it breaks, replace it just like you say -
> you've done it before.
>
> what you may encounter is damage to the other lug nuts if the wheel has
> been too loose. examine the threads. if they're damaged, the safe thing
> is to replace the hub [since replacing all 5 lugs is pointless and just as
> expensive]. if they're not, just keep driving.
>
> if the remaining nut comes off ok, suggest you go to a junk yard and get a
> couple of appropriate lug nuts as replacements. discard the original,
> screw one of the replacements on and off a few times to clean up the
> thread, clean everything off with a wire brush, then refit the wheel using
> the second "clean" replacement in that position. you should be fine after
> that. use antiseize on the nut face, but not the threads unless it's
> still /really/ stiff.

Re: Lug nuts werent tightened??
 

Do make sure the wheel is not damaged. Loose lug nuts can cause damage to
the wheel thus preventing proper wheel torque in the future.
"jim beam" <spamvortex@bad.example.net> wrote in message
news:ao-dncsyHMDbYFTYnZ2dnUVZ_oWdnZ2d@speakeasy.net...
> comcastss news groups wrote:
>> My daughters boss changed a flat for her the other day.
>> She got home with the spare but said it felt like it was wobbleing when
>> she
>> went slow but seemed ok on the highway. She drove about 30 miles on it.
>> mostly highway.
>>
>> I jacked up that tire and 4 of the 5 lugnuts were very loose. Only one
>> was
>> tight.
>>
>> Now I cannot get that lugnut off..
>>
>> Can I use a long breaker bar and snap the lugnut off?
>
> yes.
>
>>
>> Years ago I had a van that had a lugnut snap off and I was able to knock
>> what was left out with a punch and replaced the lugnut. It pulled into
>> place
>> when I tightened it.
>>
>> My concern is that if these are a tighter fit would you need a press to
>> remove or install the new lugnut.
>>
>> Or do you have any other ideas?
>>
>> I cant go back to her boss about it!
>
> would you say that if she'd had an accident and been hurt?
>
>>
>> Also I wonder if the wobbling tire could have caused any steering or
>> suspension damage????
>
> no.
>
> just crank the nut off. if it breaks, replace it just like you say -
> you've done it before.
>
> what you may encounter is damage to the other lug nuts if the wheel has
> been too loose. examine the threads. if they're damaged, the safe thing
> is to replace the hub [since replacing all 5 lugs is pointless and just as
> expensive]. if they're not, just keep driving.
>
> if the remaining nut comes off ok, suggest you go to a junk yard and get a
> couple of appropriate lug nuts as replacements. discard the original,
> screw one of the replacements on and off a few times to clean up the
> thread, clean everything off with a wire brush, then refit the wheel using
> the second "clean" replacement in that position. you should be fine after
> that. use antiseize on the nut face, but not the threads unless it's
> still /really/ stiff.

Re: Lug nuts werent tightened??
 

Do make sure the wheel is not damaged. Loose lug nuts can cause damage to
the wheel thus preventing proper wheel torque in the future.
"jim beam" <spamvortex@bad.example.net> wrote in message
news:ao-dncsyHMDbYFTYnZ2dnUVZ_oWdnZ2d@speakeasy.net...
> comcastss news groups wrote:
>> My daughters boss changed a flat for her the other day.
>> She got home with the spare but said it felt like it was wobbleing when
>> she
>> went slow but seemed ok on the highway. She drove about 30 miles on it.
>> mostly highway.
>>
>> I jacked up that tire and 4 of the 5 lugnuts were very loose. Only one
>> was
>> tight.
>>
>> Now I cannot get that lugnut off..
>>
>> Can I use a long breaker bar and snap the lugnut off?
>
> yes.
>
>>
>> Years ago I had a van that had a lugnut snap off and I was able to knock
>> what was left out with a punch and replaced the lugnut. It pulled into
>> place
>> when I tightened it.
>>
>> My concern is that if these are a tighter fit would you need a press to
>> remove or install the new lugnut.
>>
>> Or do you have any other ideas?
>>
>> I cant go back to her boss about it!
>
> would you say that if she'd had an accident and been hurt?
>
>>
>> Also I wonder if the wobbling tire could have caused any steering or
>> suspension damage????
>
> no.
>
> just crank the nut off. if it breaks, replace it just like you say -
> you've done it before.
>
> what you may encounter is damage to the other lug nuts if the wheel has
> been too loose. examine the threads. if they're damaged, the safe thing
> is to replace the hub [since replacing all 5 lugs is pointless and just as
> expensive]. if they're not, just keep driving.
>
> if the remaining nut comes off ok, suggest you go to a junk yard and get a
> couple of appropriate lug nuts as replacements. discard the original,
> screw one of the replacements on and off a few times to clean up the
> thread, clean everything off with a wire brush, then refit the wheel using
> the second "clean" replacement in that position. you should be fine after
> that. use antiseize on the nut face, but not the threads unless it's
> still /really/ stiff.

Re: Lug nuts werent tightened??
 

Do make sure the wheel is not damaged. Loose lug nuts can cause damage to
the wheel thus preventing proper wheel torque in the future.
"jim beam" <spamvortex@bad.example.net> wrote in message
news:ao-dncsyHMDbYFTYnZ2dnUVZ_oWdnZ2d@speakeasy.net...
> comcastss news groups wrote:
>> My daughters boss changed a flat for her the other day.
>> She got home with the spare but said it felt like it was wobbleing when
>> she
>> went slow but seemed ok on the highway. She drove about 30 miles on it.
>> mostly highway.
>>
>> I jacked up that tire and 4 of the 5 lugnuts were very loose. Only one
>> was
>> tight.
>>
>> Now I cannot get that lugnut off..
>>
>> Can I use a long breaker bar and snap the lugnut off?
>
> yes.
>
>>
>> Years ago I had a van that had a lugnut snap off and I was able to knock
>> what was left out with a punch and replaced the lugnut. It pulled into
>> place
>> when I tightened it.
>>
>> My concern is that if these are a tighter fit would you need a press to
>> remove or install the new lugnut.
>>
>> Or do you have any other ideas?
>>
>> I cant go back to her boss about it!
>
> would you say that if she'd had an accident and been hurt?
>
>>
>> Also I wonder if the wobbling tire could have caused any steering or
>> suspension damage????
>
> no.
>
> just crank the nut off. if it breaks, replace it just like you say -
> you've done it before.
>
> what you may encounter is damage to the other lug nuts if the wheel has
> been too loose. examine the threads. if they're damaged, the safe thing
> is to replace the hub [since replacing all 5 lugs is pointless and just as
> expensive]. if they're not, just keep driving.
>
> if the remaining nut comes off ok, suggest you go to a junk yard and get a
> couple of appropriate lug nuts as replacements. discard the original,
> screw one of the replacements on and off a few times to clean up the
> thread, clean everything off with a wire brush, then refit the wheel using
> the second "clean" replacement in that position. you should be fine after
> that. use antiseize on the nut face, but not the threads unless it's
> still /really/ stiff.

Re: Lug nuts werent tightened??
 

"comcastss news groups" <srivet@starprintingcorp.com> wrote in message
news:DPKdnT0godgiZVTYnZ2dnUVZ_sqdnZ2d@conversent.n et...
> My daughters boss changed a flat for her the other day.
> She got home with the spare but said it felt like it was wobbleing when
> she
> went slow but seemed ok on the highway. She drove about 30 miles on it.
> mostly highway.
>
> I jacked up that tire and 4 of the 5 lugnuts were very loose. Only one was
> tight.
>
> Now I cannot get that lugnut off..
>
> Can I use a long breaker bar and snap the lugnut off?
>
> Years ago I had a van that had a lugnut snap off and I was able to knock
> what was left out with a punch and replaced the lugnut. It pulled into
> place
> when I tightened it.
>
> My concern is that if these are a tighter fit would you need a press to
> remove or install the new lugnut.
>
> Or do you have any other ideas?
>
> I cant go back to her boss about it!
>
> Also I wonder if the wobbling tire could have caused any steering or
> suspension damage????
>
>
> TIA
>
>
> Steve
>
>

Use whatever force is necessary to remove the lug nuts. All the studs will
need to be replaced - been there, done that. Check the lug nut seats on the
wheel for cracks extending from the seats; if there are any, the wheel also
needs to be replaced.

The damage shouldn't go any deeper than the wheel.itself and the studs.

Mike

Re: Lug nuts werent tightened??
 

"comcastss news groups" <srivet@starprintingcorp.com> wrote in message
news:DPKdnT0godgiZVTYnZ2dnUVZ_sqdnZ2d@conversent.n et...
> My daughters boss changed a flat for her the other day.
> She got home with the spare but said it felt like it was wobbleing when
> she
> went slow but seemed ok on the highway. She drove about 30 miles on it.
> mostly highway.
>
> I jacked up that tire and 4 of the 5 lugnuts were very loose. Only one was
> tight.
>
> Now I cannot get that lugnut off..
>
> Can I use a long breaker bar and snap the lugnut off?
>
> Years ago I had a van that had a lugnut snap off and I was able to knock
> what was left out with a punch and replaced the lugnut. It pulled into
> place
> when I tightened it.
>
> My concern is that if these are a tighter fit would you need a press to
> remove or install the new lugnut.
>
> Or do you have any other ideas?
>
> I cant go back to her boss about it!
>
> Also I wonder if the wobbling tire could have caused any steering or
> suspension damage????
>
>
> TIA
>
>
> Steve
>
>

Use whatever force is necessary to remove the lug nuts. All the studs will
need to be replaced - been there, done that. Check the lug nut seats on the
wheel for cracks extending from the seats; if there are any, the wheel also
needs to be replaced.

The damage shouldn't go any deeper than the wheel.itself and the studs.

Mike

Re: Lug nuts werent tightened??
 

"comcastss news groups" <srivet@starprintingcorp.com> wrote in message
news:DPKdnT0godgiZVTYnZ2dnUVZ_sqdnZ2d@conversent.n et...
> My daughters boss changed a flat for her the other day.
> She got home with the spare but said it felt like it was wobbleing when
> she
> went slow but seemed ok on the highway. She drove about 30 miles on it.
> mostly highway.
>
> I jacked up that tire and 4 of the 5 lugnuts were very loose. Only one was
> tight.
>
> Now I cannot get that lugnut off..
>
> Can I use a long breaker bar and snap the lugnut off?
>
> Years ago I had a van that had a lugnut snap off and I was able to knock
> what was left out with a punch and replaced the lugnut. It pulled into
> place
> when I tightened it.
>
> My concern is that if these are a tighter fit would you need a press to
> remove or install the new lugnut.
>
> Or do you have any other ideas?
>
> I cant go back to her boss about it!
>
> Also I wonder if the wobbling tire could have caused any steering or
> suspension damage????
>
>
> TIA
>
>
> Steve
>
>

Use whatever force is necessary to remove the lug nuts. All the studs will
need to be replaced - been there, done that. Check the lug nut seats on the
wheel for cracks extending from the seats; if there are any, the wheel also
needs to be replaced.

The damage shouldn't go any deeper than the wheel.itself and the studs.

Mike

Re: Lug nuts werent tightened??
 

"comcastss news groups" <srivet@starprintingcorp.com> wrote in message
news:DPKdnT0godgiZVTYnZ2dnUVZ_sqdnZ2d@conversent.n et...
> My daughters boss changed a flat for her the other day.
> She got home with the spare but said it felt like it was wobbleing when
> she
> went slow but seemed ok on the highway. She drove about 30 miles on it.
> mostly highway.
>
> I jacked up that tire and 4 of the 5 lugnuts were very loose. Only one was
> tight.
>
> Now I cannot get that lugnut off..
>
> Can I use a long breaker bar and snap the lugnut off?
>
> Years ago I had a van that had a lugnut snap off and I was able to knock
> what was left out with a punch and replaced the lugnut. It pulled into
> place
> when I tightened it.
>
> My concern is that if these are a tighter fit would you need a press to
> remove or install the new lugnut.
>
> Or do you have any other ideas?
>
> I cant go back to her boss about it!
>
> Also I wonder if the wobbling tire could have caused any steering or
> suspension damage????
>
>
> TIA
>
>
> Steve
>
>

Use whatever force is necessary to remove the lug nuts. All the studs will
need to be replaced - been there, done that. Check the lug nut seats on the
wheel for cracks extending from the seats; if there are any, the wheel also
needs to be replaced.

The damage shouldn't go any deeper than the wheel.itself and the studs.

Mike

Re: Lug nuts werent tightened??
 

As an addition give your daughter a coarse on replacing a tire. It isn't
that hard and any driver should know this simple task...

"l390f" <yahoo@tox8.org> wrote in message news:JD3tos.Jps@news.boeing.com...
> Do make sure the wheel is not damaged. Loose lug nuts can cause damage
> to the wheel thus preventing proper wheel torque in the future.
> "jim beam" <spamvortex@bad.example.net> wrote in message
> news:ao-dncsyHMDbYFTYnZ2dnUVZ_oWdnZ2d@speakeasy.net...
>> comcastss news groups wrote:
>>> My daughters boss changed a flat for her the other day.
>>> She got home with the spare but said it felt like it was wobbleing when
>>> she
>>> went slow but seemed ok on the highway. She drove about 30 miles on it.
>>> mostly highway.
>>>
>>> I jacked up that tire and 4 of the 5 lugnuts were very loose. Only one
>>> was
>>> tight.
>>>
>>> Now I cannot get that lugnut off..
>>>
>>> Can I use a long breaker bar and snap the lugnut off?
>>
>> yes.
>>
>>>
>>> Years ago I had a van that had a lugnut snap off and I was able to knock
>>> what was left out with a punch and replaced the lugnut. It pulled into
>>> place
>>> when I tightened it.
>>>
>>> My concern is that if these are a tighter fit would you need a press to
>>> remove or install the new lugnut.
>>>
>>> Or do you have any other ideas?
>>>
>>> I cant go back to her boss about it!
>>
>> would you say that if she'd had an accident and been hurt?
>>
>>>
>>> Also I wonder if the wobbling tire could have caused any steering or
>>> suspension damage????
>>
>> no.
>>
>> just crank the nut off. if it breaks, replace it just like you say -
>> you've done it before.
>>
>> what you may encounter is damage to the other lug nuts if the wheel has
>> been too loose. examine the threads. if they're damaged, the safe thing
>> is to replace the hub [since replacing all 5 lugs is pointless and just
>> as expensive]. if they're not, just keep driving.
>>
>> if the remaining nut comes off ok, suggest you go to a junk yard and get
>> a couple of appropriate lug nuts as replacements. discard the original,
>> screw one of the replacements on and off a few times to clean up the
>> thread, clean everything off with a wire brush, then refit the wheel
>> using the second "clean" replacement in that position. you should be
>> fine after that. use antiseize on the nut face, but not the threads
>> unless it's still /really/ stiff.
>
>

Re: Lug nuts werent tightened??
 

As an addition give your daughter a coarse on replacing a tire. It isn't
that hard and any driver should know this simple task...

"l390f" <yahoo@tox8.org> wrote in message news:JD3tos.Jps@news.boeing.com...
> Do make sure the wheel is not damaged. Loose lug nuts can cause damage
> to the wheel thus preventing proper wheel torque in the future.
> "jim beam" <spamvortex@bad.example.net> wrote in message
> news:ao-dncsyHMDbYFTYnZ2dnUVZ_oWdnZ2d@speakeasy.net...
>> comcastss news groups wrote:
>>> My daughters boss changed a flat for her the other day.
>>> She got home with the spare but said it felt like it was wobbleing when
>>> she
>>> went slow but seemed ok on the highway. She drove about 30 miles on it.
>>> mostly highway.
>>>
>>> I jacked up that tire and 4 of the 5 lugnuts were very loose. Only one
>>> was
>>> tight.
>>>
>>> Now I cannot get that lugnut off..
>>>
>>> Can I use a long breaker bar and snap the lugnut off?
>>
>> yes.
>>
>>>
>>> Years ago I had a van that had a lugnut snap off and I was able to knock
>>> what was left out with a punch and replaced the lugnut. It pulled into
>>> place
>>> when I tightened it.
>>>
>>> My concern is that if these are a tighter fit would you need a press to
>>> remove or install the new lugnut.
>>>
>>> Or do you have any other ideas?
>>>
>>> I cant go back to her boss about it!
>>
>> would you say that if she'd had an accident and been hurt?
>>
>>>
>>> Also I wonder if the wobbling tire could have caused any steering or
>>> suspension damage????
>>
>> no.
>>
>> just crank the nut off. if it breaks, replace it just like you say -
>> you've done it before.
>>
>> what you may encounter is damage to the other lug nuts if the wheel has
>> been too loose. examine the threads. if they're damaged, the safe thing
>> is to replace the hub [since replacing all 5 lugs is pointless and just
>> as expensive]. if they're not, just keep driving.
>>
>> if the remaining nut comes off ok, suggest you go to a junk yard and get
>> a couple of appropriate lug nuts as replacements. discard the original,
>> screw one of the replacements on and off a few times to clean up the
>> thread, clean everything off with a wire brush, then refit the wheel
>> using the second "clean" replacement in that position. you should be
>> fine after that. use antiseize on the nut face, but not the threads
>> unless it's still /really/ stiff.
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