Wheel Stud Replacement Cost Estimate

Concerned about potentially overpaying for your wheel stud replacement? Utilize MyMechanic to obtain a fair cost estimate for your wheel stud replacement.

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How much does it cost to replace a wheel stud?

The cost to replace a wheel stud can vary depending on your vehicle and labor rates in your area.

How long does it take to replace a wheel stud?

A certified mechanic typically requires approximately 30 minutes to one hour to complete the wheel stud replacement job. This timeframe includes the initial inspection and the entire process of replacing the wheel stud.

How did we estimate these prices?

My Mechanic experts researched and collected data from 2500+ real repair shops in all states in Malaysia, including everything from the total cost of repair services to the hourly labor cost for mechanic labor in each shop. We combined that data with our expert database of hundreds of real repair jobs, thousands of real cars, millions of real car part prices in order to best estimate the cost of each repair service. Our labor cost estimate is calculated by taking the average hourly labor rate for a certified MyMechanic in Malaysia, times the number of hours it takes on average to complete a repair.

What parts do I need for my wheel stud replacement and how much do those parts cost?

Refer to your owner’s manual or consult your mechanic for precise part specifications. In general, here's what you'll need for the replacement:

New wheel studs:The studs secure the wheel to the axle. Each wheel typically has four to six studs, so you may need to replace several if multiple ones appear damaged. Stud replacement typically involves minimal costs.

If you're planning to replace the studs yourself, you'll also require these specialized tools:

  • Torque wrench
  • Allen wrench and boxed end wrench sets
  • Floor jack and jack stands
  • Hammer
  • Gear lube
  • Screwdrivers
  • Ratchet and socket sets
  • Tire iron
  • Wheel chocks

Well-regarded wheel stud brands include various options available from both local parts stores and online retailers. The optimal parts for your vehicle will depend on its make, model, and year.

There's typically minimal variation in quality or price among wheel stud options, making it primarily a matter of personal preference. If you're having the wheel studs replaced at a dealership service center, they'll likely use OEM parts. However, if you're handling the repairs yourself, you can freely choose between OEM and aftermarket replacement studs.

Shop for wheel studs at local auto body shops and auto parts stores. If you can't find the correct size, consider ordering the parts online. You can find the stud part number in your owner’s manual.

Where can I get my wheel stud replaced?

If you don’t feel like getting your hands dirty, leave this job to your mechanic. If you don’t have someone in mind, let MyMechanic help you research and find a trusted repair shop.

Here’s how it works: MyMechanic compares fair price estimates from over 2,500 vetted repair shops in Malaysia. You can see each shop’s real hourly labor rate, find out what’s included in the estimate, and read real reviews from customers—all so that you can choose the best service at a price that works for you.

How did we vet these shops?

My Mechanic experts researched 2500+ real repair shops across the Malaysia. We talked to real shop customers, and analyzed both real shop pricing data and thousands of real customer reviews from each shop to verify them individually.

How will a mechanic replace my wheel studs?

If you take your car to a tire shop or auto repair center, here’s how the mechanic will typically replace the broken wheel stud:

  • Raise the vehicle: First, the mechanic elevates the car using a floor jack and jack stands.
  • Remove the wheel and tire assembly: To accomplish this, the mechanic also removes the brake rotor and caliper.
  • Remove the broken stud: There are several methods the mechanic might employ. They could use a specialized tool, manually slide the stud out, or tap the stud out using a sledgehammer.
  • Insert the new wheel stud: Next, the mechanic inserts the new stud into the hole from behind the hub. They then reinstall the brake caliper and rotor.

Is it okay to drive with a missing wheel stud?

If your wheel is only missing a single stud, it's generally safe to drive for a short period until you can have it inspected. However, if more than one stud is missing or damaged, it's unsafe to continue driving. A missing or damaged wheel stud can lead to the following issues:

    • Damaged bearings
    • Stress on the other wheel studs
    • The wheel comes off of the vehicle
    • Increased risk of car accidents

What is a wheel stud?

If you inspect the wheel hub assembly, you'll notice large steel bolts securing the wheel to the axle hub. These bolts are threaded and fastened with a lug nut. Typically, there are four to six studs for each wheel on your car.

As the wheel studs are responsible for keeping your wheels securely attached to your vehicle, it's crucial to promptly replace any defective, loose, or missing studs.

When should I replace the wheel studs on my car?

Common symptoms of faulty wheel studs include:

      • A loose wheel:If the wheel studs are wearing out, you may observe the tire starting to wobble, vibrate, or become loose while driving. It's imperative to visit a tire shop or mechanic promptly, as there's a risk of the wheel breaking loose from your vehicle.
      • Missing studs, broken studs, or damaged threads:If you discover a broken stud on the ground near your vehicle, or if a mechanic notices that a stud is missing or bent, your vehicle requires replacement studs. During maintenance, a mechanic may also inspect the stud threads to determine if they're rusted or worn, indicating the need for replacement.
      • A spinning stud during maintenance: If you or a mechanic observes the stud spinning in place while tightening the lug nut (such as during a tire replacement or rotation), it's an indication that the stud requires replacement. Additionally, they should inspect the mounting hole in the wheel hub for any signs of damage.

How often should a wheel stud be replaced?

While wheel studs can potentially last the lifetime of the vehicle, it's advisable to replace them if they appear rusted or damaged.

Are wheel studs easy to replace?

While it may appear straightforward to replace wheel studs, this task is best handled by professionals. There are several potential complications if attempted as a DIY project. Additionally, specialized tools are often required to remove the wheel bearing, further emphasizing the need for professional assistance.

FAQs

Wheel studs typically don’t break off unless there was an issue during the installation of new tires. Specifically, if the lug nuts were either over-torqued or under-torqued, it can cause the tire to work its way loose and potentially break the studs.

Wheel studs are inserted into the mounting holes and secured by the ribbing on the studs, which grips the holes. Subsequently, lug nuts are attached to ensure the studs remain firmly in place.