Safe to Drive with four functional lug nuts?

[Bob A.]

I have a 63 Roadster with a stripped stud on my front right wheel. Is the car safe to drive with only 4 functional lug nuts.

[Leif A.]

Re: Safe to Drive with four functional lug nuts?

I have a 63 Roadster with a stripped stud on my front right wheel. Is the car safe to drive with only 4 functional lug nuts.

Temporarily, Bob, but GM didn't spend the extra pennies for five lug nuts if they thought four would do the job.

[Owen L.]

Re: Safe to Drive with four functional lug nuts?

Temporarily, Bob, but GM didn't spend the extra pennies for five lug nuts if they thought four would do the job.

I wonder if the distribution of clamping force with a missing 5th might affect the brake drum (or rotor on later models) running true. Probably wouldn't notice anything but best to replace the 5th as soon as you can get to it.

[Mark E.]

Re: Safe to Drive with four functional lug nuts?

I wonder if the distribution of clamping force with a missing 5th might affect the brake drum (or rotor on later models) running true. Probably wouldn't notice anything but best to replace the 5th as soon as you can get to it.

The wheel will probably not fall off, but Owen's point is the concern.

[Gary C.]

Re: Safe to Drive with four functional lug nuts?

Driving with 4 lug nuts instead of 5 should only be for emergencies.

With 1 missing lug nut, there are uneven pressures on the wheel hub and remaining 4 lug nuts, which increases the risk for wobbling and potential problems.

Gary
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[Reba W.]

Re: Safe to Drive with four functional lug nuts?

And NASCAR had a severe penalty for that.

[Mark F.]

Re: Safe to Drive with four functional lug nuts?

I have a 63 Roadster with a stripped stud on my front right wheel. Is the car safe to drive with only 4 functional lug nuts.

Not in Pennsylvania - no way would that pass required state annual inspection.

[Mark E.]

Re: Safe to Drive with four functional lug nuts?

Not in Pennsylvania - no way would that pass required state annual inspection.

Bob wouldn't have any trouble registering his car in Texas. Starting January 1, my state is doing away with safety and emissions inspections. 4 bald tires, no brakes and spewing smoke? No problem here!

[Mark F.]

Re: Safe to Drive with four functional lug nuts?

Bob wouldn't have any trouble registering his car in Texas. Starting January 1, my state is doing away with safety and emissions inspections. 4 bald tires, no brakes and spewing smoke? No problem here!

WOW, isn't that great ?

Are you saying that's for Antique or Historic Vehicles only ?
Or, is that for every vehicle on the road in Texas ?

[Leif A.]

Re: Safe to Drive with four functional lug nuts?

WOW, isn't that great ?

Are you saying that's for Antique or Historic Vehicles only ?
Or, is that for every vehicle on the road in Texas ?

Mark,
Being a citizen of the Great State of Texas, I can tell you that Antique/Historic vehicles have been safety inspection exempt for a long, long time. The new statute is for everything else. One of the stupidest new laws to pass in a long time. Here come the bald tires, no brakes, no operational lights, emission spewing POS...asinine!!!

[Steven B.]

Re: Safe to Drive with four functional lug nuts?

Driving with 4 lug nuts instead of 5 should only be for emergencies.

With 1 missing lug nut, there are uneven pressures on the wheel hub and remaining 4 lug nuts, which increases the risk for wobbling and potential problems.

Gary
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100% agree! Years ago a stud broke on the 77 right rear while driving 55 mph and rest snapped, wheel and tire came off and pulled fender loose. Sometimes may have problems and sometimes not. Take your chances.

[David M.]

Re: Safe to Drive with four functional lug nuts?

Its not that big of a deal to replace all the studs on that wheel.
Fronts a hell of a lot easier than the rears. Do both sides.

[Mark F.]

Re: Safe to Drive with four functional lug nuts?

Mark,
Being a citizen of the Great State of Texas, I can tell you that Antique/Historic vehicles have been safety inspection exempt for a long, long time. The new statute is for everything else. One of the stupidest new laws to pass in a long time. Here come the bald tires, no brakes, no operational lights, emission spewing POS...asinine!!!

Leif,

Yes - and that's why I asked about our vintage cars.

Antique/Historic vehicles have been Pennsylvania-State-Inspection exempt for a long time, too.

And PA places restrictions on their use, including but not limited to:

Antique, Classic, and Vintage registration plates may not be displayed on a vehicle used to transport people or property. < I have no idea what this means ?

[Tim G.]

Re: Safe to Drive with four functional lug nuts?

Mark, the SMOG requirements will remain the same in 2025 in Texas. Those Counties that currently have SMOG tests will continue to test for emissions. I live in a SMOG county.

[Gary C.]

Re: Safe to Drive with four functional lug nuts?

FWIW, approximately half of the U.S. States do not require safety and haven't for many years.

Gary
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