How to Replace Wheel Studs

Unlike lug nuts, wheel studs are made from softer material and usually secure the wheel to the rotor with clamp pressure from the lug nuts. When the lug nuts are over tightened, they stretch the threads off on the studs. On other reason is; when lug nuts are put on a wrong angle the nuts scrape the thread off the studs. To keep yourself safe it is necessary to replace the worn off studs immediately.

Required Material

• Anti- seize compound
• Chisel (6-inch long)
• Drive sockets (1/2-inch) and air gun

• Drive socket set (3-8 inch)
• Hammer
• Grinder or air-driven cutoff tool
• Jack stand
• New wheel studs
• Ratchet
• Thick washer

Directions

• Park the car on level surface and raise the wheel that has broken or damaged stud. Secure the wheel on jack stand. Remove the wheel, the rotor, the brake caliper and the caliper support bracket.
• Spin the spindle until it is at the top and remove the broken stud. Grind the top head of the stud and make it flat. Flat head of stud will help it to come out of the hub’s center easily. Note that in many front wheel drive vehicles, the studs are installed before assembling the hub. If you don’t remove the hub first you will have difficulty in removing the stud.
• Take hammer and beat the head of the stud to make it come out of the spindle. Once it is loose enough, turn the flat head towards the hub with your finger and eventually take it away.
• Grind the one side of the new stud to make it flat and put it from the back side into the spindle’s hole. Turn the flat head towards the hub to have the smooth passage through the hub. Remember, grinding the new stud won’t reduce its performance.
• Using hammer and chisel push the wheel stud as deep as you can in the splines. Don’t apply too much force; it may damage the new studs or other parts.
• Apply some anti-seize on a large washer sides and install it over the wheel stud. Install the lug but in an upside down position. Use air gun to give short bursts to fasten the nut. Keep an eye on the head of the nut as well with each burst. Once the head touches the spindle, stop fastening. You need not to over tight the lug nuts.
• Remove the washer and the lug nut.
• Reinstall the caliper, the rotor, and the caliper support bracket. Put the wheel back and remove the jack stands. Lower the vehicle cautiously.

Installing new studs is relatively an easy task and ensures your safety as well. However, if you still have any feel free to seek help from your professional auto mechanic.