300ZX How-To: Replace a Wheel Stud and Install Wheel Spacers

Enjoy!

Nice!

On my to-do list this spring.

This isn't actually completely correct. The first time I did this job, I did it this way. About a month later, (because I used an impact) the studs didn't seat properly, and my wheel fell off of my car, tearing most of the front end off of it. The recess isn't just so you can hammer the studs out, and you're not "a MORON" if you bend your backing plate like that. The recess is so that you can slide the stud in through the recess without removing the brake rotor/caliper. The second time I did this job, I didn't use an impact, and just used a big ratchet. All you have to do is line the stud up and smack it with a big hammer and it shoots through the hub and hits the ground. Then, you have someone hold the brake (the true reason for the recess) and you tighten the stud in with hand tools (brake caliper and rotor still on the car). Despite the fact that I was rolling around on the ground in the snow trying to do this job, I got all 10 front studs replaced in roughly 15 minutes, whereas my first go at this job (as pictured in your tutorial) cost me a good 4 hours of f@#$$ around, the whole front end of my car, all new brake pads and rotors, and the hours upon hours I spent doing all of the prep/paint. Work smarter not harder, as is with nearly everything on this car.

Good point.

I'm personally not a big proponent of using an impact wrench to seat new wheel studs. I also take steps to make sure there's no unnecessary friction on the fasteners that pull the stud into position (grease up the nuts and washers so they rotate smoothly).

I also thread a "sacrificial" lug onto each stud (and a squirt of PB Blaster) before the hammer whack, just in case it's a stubborn one. Don't want to mushroom the stud so it won't fit through the hole.

Let's update this how-to with some of these helpful hints.

Welcome aboard, waffletaffy!

Nice how to. Thanks!

Maybe I missed it but what size of tires and wheels you have

Cams2win wrote:Maybe I missed it but what size of tires and wheels you have

Who are you asking?

BTW, welcome aboard!