Wheel Lug Studs

Removal & Installation

With Front Disc Brakes - Rear Wheel Drive (RWD)

To Remove:

1. Park the vehicle on a level surface. Place the vehicle in PARK (automatic) or REVERSE (manual) with the engine OFF, and apply the parking brake. Chock the rear wheels to prevent movement.
2. Loosen the nugnuts before raising the vehicle but do not remove the lugnuts.
3. Safely raise and support the appropriate end of the vehicle using jack stands, then remove the lug nuts and wheel.
4. Remove the brake pads and caliper. Support the caliper aside using wire or a coat hanger.

   WARNING
   Failure to support the brake caliper could result in brake hose failure.

5. Remove the dust cap, then remove the cotter pin from the spindle.
6. Remove the nut cover and remove the mounting nut holding the wheel bearing to the hub.
7. Slide the rotor forward to release the front wheel bearing. Place the bearing in the dust cap to protect it from dirt and debris.
8. Remove the rotor from the spindle.
9. Properly support the rotor using press bars, then drive the stud out using an arbor press.

Note: If a press is not available, carefully drive the old stud out using a blunt drift. Ensure that the rotor is properly and evenly supported or damage may result.

To Install:

1. Clean the stud hole with a wire brush and start the new stud with a hammer and drift pin. Do not use any lubricant or thread sealer.
2. Finish installing the stud with the press.

   Use a press to install the stud into the rotor

   Note: If a press is not available, start the lug stud through the bore in the hub, then position about four flat washers over the stud and thread the lug nut to the stud. Hold the hub/rotor while tightening the lugnut, and the stud should be drawn into position. Ensure that the stud is fully seated, then remove the lug nut and washers.

3. Install the rotor.
4. Insert the wheel bearing, washer (if equipped) and install the nut. Tighten the nut until snug, then back-off approximately 1/4 turn, or until the nut cover will accept a new cotter pin.
5. Install the cotter pin and bend to secure in place. Install the dust cover.
6. Install the brake caliper and pads.
7. Install the wheel and hand-tighten the lugnuts. Then remove the jack stands and carefully lower the vehicle.
8. Torque the lug nuts to the manufacturers' specification.
9. Remove the wheel chocks and store the jack in its storage area.

With Front Disc Brakes - Front Wheel Drive (FWD)

To Remove:

1. Park the vehicle on a level surface. Place the vehicle in PARK (automatic) or REVERSE (manual) with the engine OFF, and apply the parking brake. Chock the rear wheels to prevent movement.
2. Loosen the lug nuts but do not remove the lug nuts until the vehicle is raised.
3. Safely raise and support the appropriate end of the vehicle using jack stands, then remove the wheel.
4. Remove the brake pads and caliper. Support the caliper aside using wire or a coat hanger.

   WARNING
   Failure to support the brake caliper could result in brake hose failure.

5. Remove the rotor from the hub.
6. Using a large C-clamp and socket, then press the stud from the axle flange.

To Install:

1. Clean the stud hole with a wire brush..
2. Coat the serrated part of the stud with liquid soap and place it into the hole.

   Note: If a press is not available, start the lug stud through the bore in the hub, then position about four flat washers over the stud and thread the lug nut to the stud. Hold the hub/rotor while tightening the lugnut, and the stud should be drawn into position. Ensure that the stud is fully seated, then remove the lug nut and washers.

3. Position about four flat washers over the stud and thread the lug nut. Hold the flange while tightening the lug nut, and the stud should be drawn into position. Ensure that the stud is fully seated, then remove the lug nut and washers.
4. Install the rotor.
5. Install the brake caliper and pads.
6. Install the wheel and hand-tighten the lugnuts. Then remove the jack stands and carefully lower the vehicle.
7. Torque the lug nuts to the manufacturers' specification.
8. Remove the wheel chocks and store the jack in its storage area.

With Rear Disc Brakes

To Remove:

1. Park the vehicle on a level surface. Place the vehicle in PARK (automatic) or REVERSE (manual) with the engine OFF, and apply the parking brake. Chock the front wheels to prevent movement.
2. Loosen the lug nuts, but do not remove the lug nuts until the vehicle is raised.
3. Safely raise and support the appropriate end of the vehicle using jack stands, then remove the wheel.
4. Remove the brake pads and caliper. Support the caliper aside using wire or a coat hanger.
5. Remove the caliper mounting bracket.

   WARNING
   Failure to support the brake caliper could result in brake hose failure.

6. Remove the rotor from the hub.
7. Using a large C-clamp and socket, then press the stud from the axle flange.

To Install:

1. Clean the stud hole with a wire.
2. Coat the serrated part of the stud with liquid soap and place it into the hole.
3. Position about four flat washers over the stud and thread the lug nut. Hold the flange while tightening the lugnut, and the stud should be drawn into position. Ensure that the stud is fully seated, then remove the lug nut and washers.
4. Install the rotor.
5. Install the brake caliper mounting bracket, caliper and pads.
6. Install the wheel and hand-tighten the lugnuts. Then remove the jack stands and carefully lower the vehicle.
7. Torque the lug nuts to the manufacturers' specification.
8. Remove the wheel chocks and store the jack in its storage area.

With Drum Brakes

To Remove:

1. Park the vehicle on a level surface. Place the vehicle in PARK (automatic) or REVERSE (manual) with the engine OFF, and apply the parking brake. Chock the front wheels to prevent movement.
2. Loosen the lug nuts, but do not remove the lug nuts until the vehicle is raised.
3. Safely raise and support the appropriate end of the vehicle using jack stands, then remove the wheel.
4. Remove the brake drum.
5. If necessary to provide clearance, remove the brake shoes.

   Exploded view of the drum, axle flange and stud

   Use a C-clamp and socket to press out the stud

   Force the stud onto the axle flange using washers and a lug nut

6. Using a large C-clamp and socket, press the stud from the axle flange.

To Install:

1. Coat the serrated part of the stud with liquid soap and place it into the hole.
2. Position about four flat washers over the stud and thread the lug nut. Hold the flange while tightening the lug nut, and the stud should be drawn into position. Ensure that the stud is fully seated, then remove the lug nut and washers.
3. If applicable, install the brake shoes.
4. Install the brake drum.
5. Install the wheel and hand-tighten the lug nuts. Then remove the jack stands and carefully lower the vehicle.
6. Torque the lug nuts to the manufacturers' specification.
7. Remove the wheel chocks and store the jack in its storage area.