I've been procrastinating on replacing my rear wheel studs. Every time I replaced the wheels it became more and more difficult to get the wheels nuts started. Now I've finally managed to cross thread some of them and need to replace them.

From what I've read I will have to hammer out the studs. This won't damage the axle/bearing? Since this is the rears can the studs be removed without removing the hub and parking brakes? I've read in a couple of places that its possible by aligning the studs in a certain position I assume to avoid the parking brakes etc? Is this true and if so what position? Also, how do I rotate the axle - I'm using a simple jack one wheel at a time. Will I need to raise both rear wheels and put it in neutral? Regarding installing the studs it seems that once I have inserted them from behind I can pull it thru using a wheel nut and some washers/nuts?

I would try new lug nuts first. Chase the threads in your studs or just clean them with a wire brush. Studs can be knocked out with a big hammer. New ones can be drawn in by hand or using an impact wrench. You will have to remove the parking brake shoes to remove or replace them.

My lug nuts became hard to thread after I'd overtorqued them a few times. I got new lug nuts and no longer had the problem. Try that first; FCP Euro has lots on sale. Or run a tap through your existing nuts.
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1992 745, >500k km (now gone, but not forgotten)

When I needed to replace a stud on my front wheels I was also concerned about bearing damage. The responses I received were to not be concerned and I hammered them out and haven't had any issues.

With respect to doing the rears, I think that once you remove the disk you will see the best way to turn the wheel to get them out. With regards to rotating the wheel, you can rotate the rear wheel with the car in neutral - even if one rear wheel is on the ground.

On a safety note, you should NEVER work on a car when it is supported by a jack. When jacking up the rear, place blocks in front and back of the front tires to keep it from rolling. Jack the car up and support it with jackstands.