Been removing front wheels for brake pad replacement on my Q5 using standard 17mm socket. Studs are ridiculously tight, assume air gunned previously. Using a 1/2 inch knuckle bar with extension tube. One side came off OK but have  part rounded two studs on the other wheel. Tried a tighter  21/32" socket on a non damaged stud and it  split with the force required (Britool original so not cheap tat). I'm not sure how best to proceed now so any advice welcome.

You could always call the aa or similar breakdown company to help try to get the wheel off? 

Hello Kevin,

I would suggest you take the car to you local trusted tyre retailer and get them to remove the nuts. If they have been put on with an impact gun on full torque then you are going to need an unreasonable amount of non impact leverage to remove them. The tyre caps are also likely to have the special sockets to remove rounded nuts. 

I would be arming myself with a new set of wheel nuts/studs beforehand, and then ensuring they are torqued to the correct torque. 

It might just be my experience, but many tyre bays put the nuts on with an impact gun, then carefully get the torque wrench out to make sure it clicks! Goodness knows what they are actually torqued to.

Kind regards,

Gareth. 

Probably about 60000 I am pulling my hair out with same issue. Other 4 came out with an extension on my breaker bar but the last one will not budge now completely rounded. Those gripper sockets failed miserably too

So you obviously didn’t take it to a tyre retailer then.

Recipe for disaster once you know even one is proving problematic. 
 

Since the thread has been resurrected after 4 years, it may be opportune to point out the benefit of slackening and re-torquing all the wheel nuts on a recently acquired vehicle, or if you have just had new tyres fitted.  

Irwin bolt extractor hammered on. Potentially need heat on it too, then 1/2” or even 3/4” breaker bar and slow torque applied.

Thats what I tried last but not Irwin was an eBay special. Will get a proper one to try last before have to drill ? Any other ideas if extractor fails again?

Irwin wheel lug nut extractors are 1/2” drive, but not cheap at £80. That said, no point using EBay special as the sockets aren’t hardened steel and will slip as soon as you apply pressure. Don’t use a power driver. The socket needs seated with a heavy lump hammer, then apply torque with solid extension bar, not a ratchet on an extension bar.

Drilling is a last resort and avoid at all costs. Again Irwin carbide bits, slow and lube with oil. Drill needs to be straight, not easy if you’re on the drive in the rain.