how to change wheel studs on drum brakes

How to Change Wheel Studs on Drum Brakes

Changing wheel studs on drum brakes is an essential skill for any car enthusiast or DIY mechanic. Wheel studs can become damaged due to over-torquing, corrosion, or accidents. If you notice any signs of wear or damage, it's crucial to replace them promptly. This guide will walk you through the necessary steps to change wheel studs on drum brakes safely and effectively.

Tools and Materials Required

Before starting the process, gather the following tools and materials

- New wheel studs - Lug wrench - Jack and jack stands - Brake drum removal tool (if needed) - Hammer or mallet - Socket set - Torque wrench - Anti-seize lubricant (optional) - Safety gloves and goggles

Step 1 Prepare Your Vehicle

1. Safety First Park your vehicle on a flat surface and engage the parking brake. This will prevent the car from rolling while you work. 2. Loosen the Lug Nuts Use a lug wrench to slightly loosen the lug nuts on the wheel that you will be working on, but do not remove them completely just yet.

3. Lift the Vehicle Use a jack to lift the vehicle off the ground. Make sure it is secure by placing jack stands under the vehicle before you start working.

Step 2 Remove the Wheel

1. Remove Lug Nuts Now that the vehicle is secure, completely remove the lug nuts and then take off the wheel.

2. Inspect the Brake Drum Before proceeding, inspect the brake drum for any signs of wear or damage. If the brake drum is in poor condition, it may need to be replaced as well.

Step 3 Remove the Brake Drum

1. Remove Retaining Clips and Bolts Some brake drums are secured with retaining clips or bolts. Remove these, following the manufacturer's instructions.

2. Tap the Drum If the drum is stuck, gently tap around the edges with a hammer to loosen it. Be careful not to damage the drum.

3. Take Off the Drum Once loose, carefully pull the brake drum off to expose the wheel hub and studs.

1. Access the Wheel Hub With the brake drum removed, locate the wheel studs attached to the hub.

2. Remove Locking Nuts If applicable, remove any locking nuts securing the stud in place.

3. Push Out the Stud Use a hammer or mallet to gently knock the damaged stud out from behind the hub. Be careful to avoid hitting surrounding components.

Step 5 Install New Wheel Studs

1. Insert the New Stud Take the new wheel stud and insert it into the wheel hub from the back. Ensure that it aligns correctly with the holes in the hub.

2. Secure the Stud Using a lug nut, screw it onto the new stud. Tighten it gradually using a socket and lug wrench. This will pull the stud into the hub securely. Be cautious not to over-tighten, as this can damage the stud or hub.

Step 6 Reassemble the Brake Drum and Wheel

1. Replace the Brake Drum Once all new studs are installed, replace the brake drum by aligning it with the new studs and pushing it back into place.

2. Secure the Drum Reattach any retaining clips or bolts that were removed earlier.

3. Reinstall the Wheel Place the wheel back onto the hub, lining up the holes with the new studs.

4. Tighten Lug Nuts Hand-tighten the lug nuts, and then use a torque wrench to tighten them to the manufacturer's specified torque, ensuring an even distribution by tightening in a star pattern.

Step 7 Final Checks

1. Lower the Vehicle Carefully remove the jack stands and lower the vehicle back to the ground.

2. Double-Check Everything After lowering the car, go around and check that all lug nuts are tight.

3. Test Drive Before hitting the road, take a short test drive to ensure everything is functioning correctly. Listen for any unusual noises and check for any vibrations.

Conclusion

Changing wheel studs on drum brakes may seem daunting, but with the right tools and careful execution, it's a manageable task. Always prioritize safety during the process and consult your vehicle’s manual if uncertain. Regular maintenance will not only extend the life of your vehicle’s braking system but also ensure a safer driving experience.