Hi folks,

Yesterday I hit a curb and split an almost new Michelin Energy Saver tyre. Couldn't undo the ant-theft wheel nut, so called out the AA, he couldnt undo it either and towed me to a local garage, a well established family business in Hampton. They have had it overnight having assured me they could drill out the stud without damaging the thread and replacing it. A new tyre would cost me £88.

The garage now inform me that they spent an hour trying to undo the wheel nut before attempting to drill out the stud. They tell me that unfortunately they damaged the thread and I will have to purchase a new hub costing £131. Their total estimate for the work is £440 including labour and VAT plus a further 95 for supplying a new tyre and balancing same.

Before I pay what seems to me to be an excessive amount, can anyone out there suggest an alternative approach please?

to be honest I would argue that they promised they could get the bolt off without damaging the stud. They did the damage, they broke the promise therefore they should foot the bill.

Depending on the damage to the stud, I would say you might not need to. My old Focus needed a wheel axle grinding off for exactly the same reason (that was a painful experience to watch!) as part of this, they then axle ground the nut off the stud and in doing so ground a nick into the stud. It was perfectly usable at the end, still secured the wheel, it was just a battle scar.

I would ask to inspect before you get them to do the job. If its cosmetic dont worry, if it stops functionality I would just buy a new hub and look at fitting myself.

if its the rear hub then i had it done with supplied parts for £100 at a garage if its the front hub then its more in the £140 range £440 is a bit of a jolk to be honest even ford took £275 to do my front hub wheel balance and tracking all in so yes they are taking the mick ide tell them as said they made the promise so thats there problem not your problem also phone a few other garages and get qoutes then hit them with that as well

Personally I would knock the stud out and replace it at a cost of £2.49.

Personally I would knock the stud out and replace it at a cost of £2.49.

Yep, the studs may not be listed as a loose part for the Focus but Mondeo studs are ;)

Ford will say no way you need a hub, you just need to locate the stud even go to the breakers with a copper hammer and get one but most decent small car parts shops have them(well they do round my way), failing that EBAY ....