What is this plate? Preventing wheel stud press in

2003 Tacoma 2.7 4x4

Replacing all RR wheel studs, by using a wheel stud tool to press in with axle still installed

There's a thin metal plate behind the axle flange that's preventing the studs from pressing in all the way. I can see about 1/8" of the splines of the wheel stud sticking out of the back side.

What is this, and is it necessary or can I remove?

Picture is not mine, from internet, but I put an arrow to show what I'm talking about.

 

I would go ahead to pull the axles, replace the studs, rear bearings and seals then finish with fresh 75w90 in the Diff.

It will only be a few $$ more to finish the job with a high standard professional manner.

 

Eh, nothing wrong with anything other than a boogered wheel stud. Just doing the studs at this time and this is holding me up.

 

I've ground down the mounting face so it's more a 3/4 circle when installing new studs. You only need to take off a little bit. Been doing it for well on 25 years and never had any issue.

 

I can fit the studs in there no problem, they won't press in all the way. There is about 1/8" of the splines showing behind the axle flange.

 

If it's what I'm thinking of, they should snug up against it. How are you pulling the studs through during install? Have a spacer between the flange and lugnut?

 

I am using a stack of washers, since my Lisle bearing tool specifically for this purpose wont fit to allow the stud to press in straight

 

You aren't bottoming out the threads right? Otherwise it should pull right in. Unless the studs aren't the right ones, oem?

 

Not bottoming out, studs are aftermarket OE replacement, sizing them up they look the same. It seems like this thin plate behind the axle flange is the thing holding me up.

 

No one knows what this thin plate is behind the axle flange?

 

I’ve used an old socket cut off to the right length and a lug nut with the end cut off. Had no prob pressing the studs in with that metal piece on the back

 

It's the oil deflector. It shouldn't stop the studs from fully pressing in. They are meant to hold it in place. Post a pic so we might be able to better help.

 

Use this tool... makes things so much easier to pull the studs in...
https://www.napaonline.com/en/p/SER...sqjJQ1SKoIl06lYxm__wTQ1uNHku5V4xoCTnoQAvD_BwE

 

$30 bucks!


Fat stack of washers and some lube does the same thing and it's free.

 

Have you used it yourself on the Tacoma? I tried the Lisle tool and the large hub register on the Tacoma doesn't leave enough room to use the tool. I just used a flat-faced open-ended Dorman lugnut to drive it in. Spray some lubricant on the splines and threads (but wipe the threads clean after).

 

Cheap insurance though.
Don't want to stretch the stud before you get to use it. This tool has a bearing inside which allows one to use the OEM lug nut to pull it in effortlessly and eliminate heat.

Hope this helps.

 

Yes I have.
When I did my SAC, I used it to pull in all of the front studs. When I converted to a rear Diamond axle, I switched out the studs for longer units to accommodate 1/2" spacers.