Service Wheel Studs

Service Drive Axle Wheel Studs

  • Wheel studs are part of the axle shaft and hub and bearing assembly.

  • They, along with lug nuts, are used to attach the wheels to the vehicle.

  • Wheel studs are threaded and resemble bolts without hex-shaped heads.

  • They are replaceable and come in two types: press-in and screw-in.

  • Screw-in studs: thread directly into the hub flange; the studs and lug nuts form one piece.

  • Press-in studs: are pressed into and held in place by the hub flange.

  • A special tool may be required to remove or install press-in wheel studs.

Wheel Stud Sections

  • A wheel stud has three sections: threaded, locking, and shoulder.

  • The threaded section is where the lug nut spins; it’s visible when the wheel is removed.

  • The locking section has raised grooves that mesh with the hub metal when pressed in, preventing the stud from rotating as the lug nut is tightened.

  • The shoulder section is the enlarged part that acts as a stop, preventing the stud from being pulled through the hub when the lug nut is tightened.

Tools to Remove and Install Wheel Studs

Wheel Stud Remover

  • A wheel stud remover is used to press the wheel studs out of the vehicle.

  • There are two main types of wheel stud remover tools:

    • C-shaped remover tool:

      • Has an open end where the pressed-out stud passes through.

      • The opposite end uses a large jam bolt that, when screwed in, presses the stud out.

    • Screw-on remover tool:

      • Screws directly onto the wheel stud.

      • An adapter is placed over the stud, and a hammer is used to drive the stud out.

Wheel Stud Installer

  • A wheel stud installer is used to prevent damage when installing new wheel studs.

  • Insert the new stud into the hub or flange.

  • Thread the installer tool onto the stud.

  • Tighten the tool — this action pulls the stud securely into the hub or flange.

Service Wheel Studs

Step 1

  • With the vehicle on the ground, break loose the torque on the lug nuts.

  • Lift the vehicle using the appropriate lifting equipment.

  • Remove the lug nuts completely.

  • Remove the wheels from the vehicle.

  • Avoid inhaling brake dust, as it may contain asbestos and can be hazardous to your health.

Step 2

  • Remove the brake components, which may include the brake caliper, caliper bracket, and brake pads.

  • Take off the brake rotor from the drive axle, following the vehicle’s service information and recommended procedures.

Step 3

  • After removing the brake components, install the wheel stud removal tool according to the tool’s instruction manual.

  • Use a hammer to strike the removal tool and loosen the stud from the hub.

  • If the stud does not come out after one or two strikes, inspect for corrosion around the wheel stud that may be preventing removal.

Step 4

  • After removing the wheel studs, inspect the flange carefully.

  • Ensure the flange surface and wheel stud holes were not damaged during removal.

  • Check for any bends or warping in the flange.

  • Confirm that the wheel stud holes are free of corrosion, distortion, or other damage before installing new studs.

Step 5

  • Install the new wheel studs into the flange holes.

  • Attach the wheel stud installer tool onto the stud.

  • Finger tighten the installer tool.

  • Ensure the stud is straight in the hub hole and not tilted to one side before tightening further.

Step 6

  • Operate the stud installation tool by turning it with a wrench.

  • As you turn the tool, it draws the stud into the flange, seating it firmly against the flange surface.

Step 7

  • After installing the new wheel studs, reinstall the brake components.

  • This includes the brake caliper, caliper bracket, and brake pads.

  • Ensure all components are properly aligned and securely fastened according to the vehicle’s service specifications.

Step 8

  • Install the wheel onto the vehicle.

  • Torque the lug nuts to the manufacturer’s specified value using a calibrated torque wrench.

  • Inform the customer to return after driving approximately 25 miles to have the lug nuts re-torqued.

  • Re-torquing ensures the threads on the new wheel studs stay properly seated.

  • Failure to re-torque may cause the wheels to loosen, leading to potential damage or safety hazards.