Method for installing wheel studs

Abstract

The stud replacement kit of the present invention operates by supplying force to the inside portion of a damaged stud and pushing that stud forward and out of the wheel. The kit of the present invention comprises a pressure tool that supplies force to a stud. This pressure tool fit around the wheel, damaged stud, and a spacer that fit between the front of the wheel and the pressure tool. This spacer serves primarily to receiving the stud once removed. In operation, the broken or damaged stud is removed by placing the pressure tool and spacer around the stud to be replaced. A stud screw mechanism in the pressure tool is rotated to cause the tool to apply force to the stud primarily on the backside of the wheel. This force is increased until it overcomes the force that holds the stud in the wheel. At this point, the force of the pressure tool on the stud causes the stud to move in the desired direction for removal.

We claim:  
     
         20 . A method for replacing a wheel stud in a vehicle wheel stud in a vehicle without requiring the removal of a wheel hub from the vehicle axle comprising: 
 positioning a device around a wheel hub of a wheel containing a broken stud;    aligning the stud with the device such that a clearance space exist in the device that will allow the stud to move into the space;    adjusting the device such that a pressing element of the device contacts the stud; and    applying an amount of pressure to the stud to cause the stud within the wheel hub to move a desired direction and distance in the clearance space.    
     
     
         21 . A method for removing a wheel stud in a vehicle wheel stud in a vehicle without requiring the removal of a wheel hub from the vehicle axle comprising: 
 positioning a device around a wheel hub of a wheel containing a broken stud;    aligning the stud with the device such that a clearance space exist in the device that will allow the stud to move into the space;    adjusting the device such that a pressing element of the device contacts the stud; and    applying an amount of pressure to the stud to cause the stud within the wheel hub to move a desired direction and distance in the clearance space.    
     
     
         22 . A method for removing a wheel stud in a vehicle wheel stud in a vehicle without requiring the removal of a wheel hub from the vehicle axle comprising: 
 positioning a device around a wheel hub of a wheel containing a broken stud;    aligning the stud with the device such that a clearance space exist in the device that will allow the stud to move into the space;    adjusting the device such that a pressing element of the device contacts the stud; and    applying an amount of pressure to the stud to cause the stud within the wheel hub to move a desired direction and distance in the clearance space.