What to Do When a Car Tire Bolt Breaks?

[VonPenelope]

If a car tire bolt breaks, you can consider welding a section out or slowly drilling the bolt with an electric drill and then replacing it. During daily driving, remember to regularly check the tire bolts and replace them if necessary. Generally, tire bolts won't break if a torque wrench is used; broken bolts are often those previously tightened with an impact wrench. To improve efficiency, repair shops usually set impact wrenches to maximum torque, which gradually stretches the bolts and leads to breakage. Methods for replacing a broken tire bolt: 1. Replacing a tire bolt requires removing the brake disc; 2. There is a trick to removing the bolt outward: not every position allows removal—there is a gap behind the wheel hub bearing, and only this position allows the bolt to be taken out; 3. Most vehicle models are designed this way. Once a bolt breaks, you need to replace it with a new one, either by cutting off the old bolt or shortening the new bolt slightly before installation. If none of these methods work, the wheel hub bearing must be replaced.

[LaChristopher]

A few days ago, I drove to the countryside for an outing when the tire pressure warning light came on halfway. Pulling over to check the tires, I found a broken screw stuck inside. I panicked at first but quickly steadied myself, parked the car safely, engaged the handbrake, turned on the hazard lights, and placed a warning triangle to prevent rear-end collisions. Fortunately, I always keep a simple screw removal tool kit in my car. Carefully inserting it into the broken screw, I slowly twisted out the remnant—though it took some effort, I managed to remove it successfully. Then, I replaced it with a spare screw, ensuring even torque without over-tightening. Later, I reflected that the screw likely broke due to rust or long-term vibration, so regular maintenance of wheel hub screws with rust remover is crucial. The tool kit only costs a few dozen yuan and is easy to buy online. I recommend keeping one in the car for emergencies—it saves money and gives peace of mind.

[RebeccaLee]

A broken tire bolt is no small matter. Once, while changing a tire, I snapped one and immediately stopped to avoid forcing it. Safety first—I moved the car to a safe spot, parked it securely, engaged the handbrake, turned on the hazard lights, and placed a warning sign 50 meters behind the car. Then, I contacted my insurance company’s free roadside assistance, and they sent a technician with specialized tools to remove the broken bolt without damage and replace it with a new part. The whole process took less than half an hour and avoided any risk to the car. It’s important to regularly check the condition of the bolts to prevent issues. If you lack the tools or experience, it’s better to call professional help—after all, unstable tires can affect handling, especially at high speeds. Spending a little for safety is worth it.

[AddysonFitz]

Broken screws are mostly caused by aging or over-tightening. With experience, I've learned that prevention is key. Every time I wash the car, I use a brush to clean the dust and rust around the wheel hub screws, and regularly spray some anti-rust lubricant to extend their lifespan. When changing tires, I use a torque wrench set to the standard torque to avoid excessive force. If a screw breaks, the remnants must be removed or ground off with a drill, and then replaced with a new screw. I keep some spare parts in my car, which aren't expensive—a set from the hardware store costs just over ten yuan. Prevention is better than cure, and this habit has saved me from trouble multiple times.