right then, i think i need a new rear hub but i just want to check before spending the dosh.
my wheel came loose & has chewed the studs, nuts & holes in the wheel up - dont ask how its a long irritating story. its also chewed the hub where the center of the wheel locates, i'd guess there is 2mm clearance around there now. i know i need a new wheel, but do i need a new hub? im assuming that the center hole should be a snug fit around the hub to help transfer loads to the axle. as it stands now all the loads will go through the studs.
comments please

Alloy or steel? The alloys are spigot mounted in the centre (the nuts just provide clamping force AFAICS) but steel wheels use the cone faces of the nuts, so you could have the centre hole flame cut with a gas axe.

I agree with John. The studs knock out of the back and can be replaced.

Chris

steel wheels. i'd always thought that the center hole took a lot of the loads off the studs, learn something everyday eh?
well thanx for that, its one expensise spared anyway.

If we're being technical the studs shouldn't see very much of the shear load anyway - the conical faces of the nut / wheel centre the whole rotating assembly but the studs should be in nearly pure tension - the vehicle is supported by the clamping friction between the hub and the wheel face.

its starting to make sense now, never really thought about how a wheel stays on in the past.
just have to rebuild the diffs etc etc etc & im roadworthy again