Pajeros can suffer from a high incidence of wheel stud failure - the nut when being removed seizes onto the thread and the only way to remove it is to heave on it until the stud snaps off. Sometimes the stud just won't break and it spins in the hub instead. Then you are in real trouble - a flat tyre that cannot be removed! This can be prevented by:

1. Lubricating the threads.

2. Loosening and re-tensioning the nuts after having the wheels fitted by a local tyre service (some airguns over tighten).

If you are going on a substantial trip, it’s sensible to take a couple of spare studs and nuts along just in case. And of course, being good bush mechanics, you know that you just bash the old ones out with your hammer and pull the new ones in using a wheel nut. This is a good procedure for the back ones, but what if it’s a front one? Pull off a front wheel and take a look. The stud cannot be removed easily because the brake disc is bolted to the back of the hub. This prevents you from sliding the studs in and out. The only way out appears to be the complete removal of caliper, free-wheel hub and hub/disc assembly, and then splitting the hub from the disc to allow the studs to be removed/refitted. Quite a substantial job.

There is a quick and easy cure to the problem. Simply remove the brake caliper and its bracket and you can then split the disc from the hub on the car (the nuts are accessible through the hole where the caliper used to be). Push the disc back as far as it will go and you will have just enough room to drive out the old broken stud.

The trick is to use Mitsubishi Magna wheel studs, as these have a slightly smaller head, which allows them to slide in past the disc casting. They also have a longer thread, which is often beneficial with alloy wheels.

Trevor

* Reproduced from Pajero 4WD Club of Victoria "Technical Topics", article by John Parkinson.

NB: The information provided above is included in good faith - should you have additional information or wish to provide an opposing view I would welcome your comment (or please write to the Editor)