How to Replace a Wheel Stud
Wheel studs are softer compared to lug nuts, and because the nuts stretch the bolt threads when they are over-tightened, a large percentage of the threads come off when the nuts are removed. Although it’s not an unusual problem, having a broken or stripped wheel stud on your vehicle can pose dangers while you drive. Here’s how to repair this kind of damage without consulting a professional.
What You’ll Need:
New wheel studs
1/2-inch drive sockets and air gun
3-8-inch drive socket set
Hammer
Chisel (6-inch long)
Thick washer
Grinder or air-driven cutoff tool
A can of anti-seize compound
Jack stand
Ratchet
Procedure:
Lift up the wheel which has the broken stud, then put jack stud for proper support under the frame. Carefully take off the wheel, as well as the brake caliper, rotor and the caliper support bracket.
Take away the damaged stud, by spinning the spindle until it is at the top. Grind the stud’s head on the top side, to get a flat spot. In most cars, especially the front wheel drive types, the studs are installed even before assembling the hub. If you remove the stud but you don’t split the hub, you’ll give the stud less room to exit. You’ll get the stud to go out of the hub, but its head will come in contact with the hub’s center, not angling enough to come through. If you grind it first, you’ll have a flat stud that will pass through easily,
Beat the stud with the hammer, making it go out of the spindle. When it’s loose, take the stud using your fingers, then turn it, making the flat spot face the hub. Pull it to get it out.
On one side of the new stud’s head, grind until you have a flat spot. Don’t worry, it won’t affect the performance and strength of the new stud. Put the new stud in the spindle’s hole, from the back side, then turn the stud’s flat spot to the hub, gaining enough clearance so you can go through the hub.
Carefully install the wheel stud in the splines. Use the hammer and chisel, forcing it in as deep as you can. Remember though that it will not go in all the way, so don’t force it too much.
Wipe some anti-seize on a large washer’s sides, then install this over the wheel stud. Install a lug nut, in an upside down position, the flat part flush against the washer. Using short bursts from the air gun, tighten the nut, until you completely drawn in the spindle. With each burst, look at the stud’s head. If the head is touching the spindle, stop tightening already. You shouldn’t over tighten.
Take the washer and lug nut off.
Install the caliper, rotor and caliper support bracket. Put back the wheel, then lower the vehicle carefully.
Maintain your wheel’s safety by replacing worn-out studs the right way. If you’re having problems with the installation, don’t hesitate to ask for help from a professional.