Have you noticed a missing lug nut in your wheel and thought — “Is that something I should worry about?”
Unfortunately, yes — it can be a sign that your wheel studs are damaged.
These vital components keep your wheels securely attached to your vehicle. When compromised, your wheel may loosen or completely detach while driving, putting you in danger.
But don’t panic just yet.
We’ll cover all about wheel stud replacement cost, pricing factors, and the ways to spot damage early to prevent potential mishaps. We’ll also share tips to ensure it doesn’t happen again soon.
This Article Contains:
- How Much Does a Wheel Stud Replacement Cost?
- Is it Worth Replacing a Wheel Stud?
- 5 Key Signs You Need a Wheel Stud Replacement
- How Long Does a Wheel Stud Last?
- What Causes Wheel Stud Failure?
- Can You Replace Wheel Studs Yourself?
- Should You Get a Wheel Alignment After Replacing Wheel Studs?
- What Are Some Ways to Extend the Life of Your Wheel Studs?
How Much Does a Wheel Stud Replacement Cost?
Here’s a breakdown of the cost and factors:
A. Range
You can expect to pay between $58 and $362 to replace a single wheel stud.
This includes:
- Parts cost: $3 to $12
- Labor cost: $55 to $350
NOTE: Wheel studs aren’t very expensive — the bulk of replacement expenses come from the service time, which takes around 30 minutes to 2 hours.
B. Factors Affecting Cost
The average cost of wheel stud replacement can vary depending on your vehicle model, local labor rates, and:
- Number of studs: If the damage to a stud is limited to the threads, it may be sufficient to replace just that one. However, if a stud has completely broken off or multiple studs are affected, it’s safer to replace all of them on that wheel.
- Ease of access: When the wheel studs are difficult to reach due to your vehicle design, the replacement process can take more time and effort, ultimately raising the labor cost.
- OEM or aftermarket alternatives: Using Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) parts ensures the best fit and performance, but they can be costly. Aftermarket alternatives are cheaper, though they might not match OEM durability.
- Related repairs: During the replacement process, mechanics might uncover worn wheel bearings or a damaged wheel hub. These related repairs can increase your total bill. For example, a wheel bearing replacement can cost between $100 and $760.
Is it Worth Replacing a Wheel Stud?
Absolutely, yes!
Driving with a broken wheel stud puts extra stress on the remaining ones, which can lead to premature failure. This strain may cause the wheel to loosen from the hub and cause the car to wobble or shake while driving.
If not addressed, it can eventually lead to the wheel coming off completely — an extremely dangerous situation you want to avoid at all costs.
5 Key Signs You Need a Wheel Stud Replacement
Your wheel studs might be malfunctioning if you notice:
- Shaking or vibrations, especially from the wheels, while driving
- Clicking, popping, or grinding sounds while driving
- Cracks, rust, or corrosion on the studs
- Loose or missing lug nuts
- The stud spins in place when you try to tighten the lug nut (which means the stud is no longer securely anchored to the hub)
How Long Does a Wheel Stud Last?
Wheel studs can last anywhere between 25,000 and 30,000 miles. With proper care, they may even last your vehicle’s lifetime.
What Causes Wheel Stud Failure?
Wheel studs can prematurely wear due to the following reasons:
- Over- or under-tightening the wheel studs during installation can weaken or damage them
- Loose lug nuts from improper tightening can put uneven stress on the studs and cause premature failure
- Road impacts, such as hitting potholes or curbs, can bend or crack the studs
- Moisture, road salt, and harsh weather (heavy rain, snow) can lead to corrosion and weaken the stud material
- The use of oil, grease, or lubricants on the studs reduces necessary friction and increases the risk of the lug nuts coming loose
Can You Replace Wheel Studs Yourself?
Wheel stud replacement requires mechanical expertise and precision, so it’s best not to attempt a DIY replacement but to have a professional perform it.
If you still wish to know, here’s how an auto repair expert will go about it:
- Raise the car and support it securely on jack stands.
- Remove the wheel and tire assembly. This step may vary based on the wheel hub assembly design:
- For rotors with attached hub assemblies, take off the brake caliper mounting bracket and brake rotor before proceeding.
- In vehicles with sealed wheel bearing and hub assemblies, remove the axle nut, CV axle, and hub itself to gain full clearance.
- Use a compact tool to press the broken wheel stud out of the hub (if there’s sufficient access behind the hub).
- If access is limited, remove the wheel hub, which may require pressing the hub out of the steering knuckle and reinstalling the wheel bearing.
- Press the new stud or studs into place from the back of the hub.
- Reassemble the components based on the nature of the hub assemblies:
- For rotor-hub assemblies, reinstall the brake rotor and brake caliper.
- In case of sealed bearing systems, reattach the hub, CV axle, and axle nut.
- Mount the wheel back onto the new studs.
- Tighten the lug bolts to the manufacturer’s recommended specifications using a torque wrench.
Should You Get a Wheel Alignment After Replacing Wheel Studs?
No, a wheel alignment isn’t necessary. Replacing wheel studs doesn’t impact the alignment of your vehicle’s suspension or steering components.
What Are Some Ways to Extend the Life of Your Wheel Studs?
Here are some simple maintenance tips to keep your wheel studs in top shape:
- Purchase high-quality wheel studs made from strong, durable materials (such as alloyed steel).
- Clean wheel studs and hubs routinely to prevent rust or corrosion.
- Avoid driving over rough roads, potholes, or speed bumps to reduce stress on the studs and tires.
- Get a mechanic to regularly inspect the wheel studs or lug bolts and ensure they’re tightened to the manufacturer’s recommended torque.
Protect Your Wheels with a Quick Stud Replacement
Wheel studs are the key to keeping your wheels locked in and secure. So when one goes bad, it’s not just an inconvenience — it’s a potential disaster waiting to happen.
That’s why you should act before a roadside emergency catches you off guard.
The good news?
You don’t need to rush to the auto repair shop. AutoNation Mobile Service brings expert repairs straight to your driveway, seven days a week, with upfront pricing. We also back our work with a 12-month, 12,000-mile warranty.
Contact us today to replace your broken stud and for other car repairs.