I went to install new front brake pads the other day to discover that the front passenger wheel was missing a lug nut. The stud is broken off with not enough remaining to catch a thread.
I've been researching a bit and saw a video where a guy replaced just a single stud without removing the hub, but that was a Gen 1 and I've heard there is no way to do it on a Gen 2, (mine is a 2009 base auto).
I don't have a press but I did see a video where a guy used a wheel bearing press kit and a slide hammer to replace the wheel bearing and hub while still on the vehicle, (he did have to remove the axle from the knuckle)

Here's a link to the video if anyone is interested:
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I'm a bit hesitant to undertake this but it could be a big savings for me, I can't imagine a shop doing this for less than $500, (I'm just guessing as I haven't gotten and estimate yet, but it's a fair amount of labor).
Amazon has a bearing press for $107 and a slide hammer for around $70 if I remember and surprisingly to me a new wheel hub, wheel bearing and snap ring are quite affordable. Though the variety on Rock Auto is overwhelming, one kit has the hub, bearing, snap ring and axle nut for like $15 bucks, I think I'd suspect the quality on that one, but if I do choose the DIY route any suggestions on a good brand for these parts?

Has anyone that's done this before have any good tips or advice? I'm semi mechanically competent as far as general maintenance such as changing fluids, brakes etc but I've never done any suspension work, or worked with any bearings besides a boat trailer, (yes, I know about freezing the bearings before pressing).

Far as I can tell there are the three options:
1) do it myself for around $300 unless I can find a place that rents a bearing press, then it could be far less, perhaps in the $50 range.
2) take it to a shop for probably a whole lot more,
3) just say the hell with it and continue to run on 3 lug nuts.

 

I've never done this job but wanted to point out that Advance Auto will rent all sorts of tools. I have rented spring compressors and ball joint forks multiple times over the years.

https://shop.advanceautoparts.com/o/...ntSearch=false

You'll obviously want to put in your location to see what is available near you. Some of the other auto parts stores also offer rentals (I think O'Reilly does) but when I researched a few years ago Advance had by far the best service as they let you have to tool for 45 days.

I wouldn't drive with three lug nuts, but I see many, many cars on the road with one or more missing lug nuts.

 

Thanks Drew, you are right, Auto Zone says you can even buy them, (tell them you want to borrow) and you have 90 days to return for a full refund, I mean you're not even paying a rental fee at that point, wow. It appears they also have what I would need, being the press, a slide hammer and a hub puller. That makes it mighty tempting to tackle on my own. I also have a teenage son whos help I can enlist. I'm thinking strongly of going the DIY route as I really don't want to pay mega bucks for a shop to do it, nor do I want the fear of always driving around knowing I only have 3 lug nuts.
Anyone have suggestions on prefered (yet still economical) hub and bearing? I'm assuming many of the hubs are similar - the bearing is probably the part to splurge on quality I'd think?

EDIT: Drew, I am sorry, I misread your post. After my initial post I did some searching and came across Auto Zone, when I saw your reply I just read "Auto" thinking you were talking about the same shop, man I'm getting old!! Anyhow, that is another fantastic option, they also appear to have what is needed.

 

@Vern065 Let us know how this job goes.

 

Will do Mister Coffee, it'll probably be several weeks at best, but I'll be sure to post up when I get it resolved.
Can anyone recommend a decent bearing manufacturer? I'd hate to go through the trouble of installing something that won't last.

 

SFK bearings, if they are available.

Edit: SKF*

 

Rock Auto does have SKF, (I'm assuming that's what you meant). They even have the full kit: hub, bearing, wheel nut, and snap ring for $137ish.
Thanks GrE8