How to Replace Wheel Mount Stud

Wheel mounting studs, with their attached lug nuts, are what hold the wheel to the axle. While wheel mount studs will generally last for the life of the vehicle, they can become damaged. A damaged stud should be replaced as soon as possible, as even one damaged stud can put excess strain on the others. Though the stud itself is not expensive, the cost of replacing one can be significant because of labor charges. So doing the work yourself will save will save you some of the expense

Procedure:
1.Engage the parking and block at least one of the three other wheels you will not be working on, both front and back. Place a jack under the vehicle and lift the wheel off the ground.
2. Place a jack stand under the axle or frame and lower the vehicle until it is resting firmly on the jack stand. Remove the tire using a lug wrench.
3. Inspect the wheel to determine if it is a drum or disc brake system. A drum will look like a inverted bowl with the studs sticking through the bottom, whereas a disc will resemble a plate with a hub in the middle. If it is a drum, it will have to be removed. Wiggle it back and forth while pulling it toward you. If it sticks, hit it with a rubber mallet, working your way along the entire surface, striking in opposing spots along the outside edge -- top, bottom, left, right. Repeat until the drum is free.
4. Look behind the wheel's axle while spinning the stud plate or rotor to determine the best position that will give adequate clearance for removal of the stud. This is to make sure the stud will not be blocked on the back side when you drive it out. Tap the stud lightly with a heavy hammer. If the stud does not move freely, spray it with a penetrating lubricant and allow it to work for a few minutes.
5. Mark the threaded end of the new stud with the correction fluid and then spray it with lubricant. Insert the stud into the hole from behind. Rotate the stud while pushing it in with you fingers until the stud lines up and slips into the hole.
6. Place spacers or washers over the stud and twist the lug nut on with your fingers as far as possible. Finish tightening it into place with a socket wrench. Remove the lug nut and spacers and replace the tire (replacing the drum first if it was removed).
7. Drive the vehicle at a safe speed, approximately 15 to 20 m.p.h., for about a mile and check the lug nut on the new stud to be sure it is still tight. Re-tighten if necessary.