It may be necessary to replace a stud that has been dented or scratched due to a parking maneuver too close to the curb. If you find that you have lost it, you need to replace it; you can find a spare part identical to the original one online, at a tire shop or the dealership where you bought the car.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Change a Stud Fixed with Nuts
Step 1. Park your car on a flat, level surface and apply the parking brake
You have to work under the car, close to the wheels, so it's a priority to make sure it doesn't move.
Step 2. Turn a nut counterclockwise to loosen it, using the cross wrench
Nuts are small hexagonal pieces of hardware that secure the wheels to the vehicle. If they are tightened with great force, it may take some effort. Once loosened, you can finish unscrewing them by hand; if you encounter great difficulties, you can apply pressure to the key using your foot.
The cross key looks like a hollow crowbar and should be in the trunk, but if not, make sure you have one handy; it is also used to change tires
Step 3. Remove three nuts from the boss leaving two diametrically opposite
These elements fix both the wheel and the stud, so you must avoid that the tire also comes off; store the small parts in a safe place to avoid losing them.
If the wheel has five nuts, remove two adjacent and one diametrically opposite to the first
Step 4. Remove the plastic washers
These parts, not just the nuts, also hold the stud in place; store them in a safe place because you will need them later.
Step 5. Re-tighten the three nuts tightening them just a little
You do not have to tighten them completely, but only as much as you can by hand, then turn them a further quarter of a turn with the cross key; this way, you make sure the wheel doesn't move as you slide off the other two washers.
Step 6. Unscrew the other two nuts to remove the stud
Without the washers, the wheel cup should slide off smoothly.
Step 7. Put the new one on the bolts and insert the two nuts
There should be a notch to accommodate the tire valve, align it with it, then slide the wheel cup into place and tighten the first two nuts; for the moment tighten them by hand, you do not have to worry that they are well tightened.
Step 8. Unscrew the first three nuts, insert the washers and screw them in again
Tighten them by hand so that the wheel finds itself in the same initial conditions; you can slide the washers over the section.
Step 9. Tighten the nuts with the cross wrench to ensure a perfect fit
First, screw them all by hand; then tighten them a quarter of a turn at a time until they no longer move, respecting the circular sequence in which they are arranged. Never fully tighten a nut before moving onto the others, otherwise you can bend or deform the stud.
Method 2 of 3: Change a Stud Fixed with Screws
Step 1. Park your car on a level surface and apply the parking brake
This is a simple and elementary security measure that must not be ignored; do not work under the vehicle or near the wheels without first making sure it cannot move.
Step 2. Locate the screw on the wheel cup that you need to remove
If it's not immediately visible, be aware that it may be under a plastic cover; use a screwdriver to pry and remove it with great care.
Step 3. Remove the screw and remove the old stud
Store the small parts in a safe place to avoid losing them.
Step 4. Connect the spare part to the wheel and insert the screw again
Screw it in by hand and then continue with the screwdriver.
Step 5. Tighten it securely with the screwdriver being careful not to overdo it
You need to make sure it doesn't move, but you don't want to apply too much force.
Method 3 of 3: Change a Stud without Screws or Nuts
Step 1. Park the car on level ground and apply the handbrake
Before starting work you must be absolutely sure that the vehicle cannot move.
Step 2. Pry along the edge of the old wheel cup to loosen it using a screwdriver
Use a flat tip tool and work on several points around the circumference until you feel it begin to loosen.
- If you feel like something is about to break or crack, stop and try somewhere else.
- You have to loosen several areas to be able to disassemble the piece.
Step 3. Disassemble the stud
Continue to pry until it separates from the tire.
Step 4. Place the replacement on the wheel
Align it exactly like the old piece taking care to correctly position the hole or notch for the rubber valve.
Step 5. Tap the stud around the entire perimeter until it clicks into place
However, it is not yet securely fixed.
Step 6. Hit the wheel cup very carefully using a rubber mallet to secure it in place
Apply gentle pressure by moving around the circumference until the piece is perfectly positioned; you should feel "clicks" when it fits.
Advice
- When tightening the bolts, do not fully screw them in one after the other, but partially tighten them alternately until they are all tight.
- If you have lost the wheel cup screw, remove one from the others and purchase the replacement part from a hardware store or auto parts store.
- If you don't have a rubber mallet handy, you can use a shoe with the same material sole, just be careful not to hurt yourself when using this method.
Warnings
- Be careful when hitting the new stud with the rubber mallet to avoid denting or damaging it.
- If you don't fix it correctly, you could lose it while driving.
