Hello there. Was checking if any fellow Mini owners have ever dealt with a snapped off lug nut bolt in their wheel bearing.

Before a trip I was trying to swap new tires but the Tech was having an issue removing one of the lug bolts. They could air wrench one off at torque and they didnt want to damage it. I told them to leave and I took it to my local mechanic as they were probably the last shop to take of the tires. Well once I took it to the guys in Culver City they air wrenched it and it napped the bolt off! Not sure why I just didnt have them try to lug wrench (of course I have been reading up on the lug nut threads on this forum). I told them to hold off as I had to get new tires swapped.

After swinging by the tire shop I found I was missing 2 lug nuts on another wheel! Figured the Dealership may have an option I dropped it by Nick Alexander as I just had my High Pressure and Low pressure pump replaced and they said they would take a courtesy look and see if they see if they could extract.

They began drilling but found it to be too badly cross drilled. The Tech didnt want to ruin his $500 set of drill bits trying to drill it out lug nut and then try to retap. If I brought my own drill bits or had someone else drill it they would try to save it. The other option was replace both wheel bearings with OEM parts. $$$

Anyone have any luck saving a wheel bearing by drilling out a snapped lug nut then having it rethreaded? Seem swapping the wheel bearings is the expensive fix to this bone head over ratchet Tech. :(

Thanks for any feedback...

Robert

 

Even though replacing the wheel bearing would be the more expensive option, I would go through with it. Peace of mind is sometimes worth the cost.

 

Yes true. Ill be sourcing wheel bearings to do this job with a friend. The $500 on the part itself is crazy considering a $6 part and bad mechanics caused it. :(

 

I've had really good luck with these: (replaced all 4 of mine this spring)
https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo...503357&jsn=781
lifetime warranty on wheel bearings? I'll take it!

 

Cool thanks for the link. Def big variation in OEM and much better on the wallet!! 2011 is cheaper as well. I dont think the warranty covers negligence but I learned my lesson on those dam lug bolts.