The tires on a car are among the most important parts. Tires are the only part of a car that actually touch the ground, which means that you will have to ensure that they are working properly at all times. There are a variety of things that keep a tire functional and moving. Among the most important parts on a wheel is the wheel stud. These studs go through the back of the brake rotor and through the rim of the tire where they are tightened down by lug nuts. Without properly working wheel studs, it would be impossible for a wheel to stay on a car.
The wheel studs that go on your car are made of metal, which means that they should last a lifetime. Due to wear and tear over the years, a wheel stud may have to be changed out. Neglecting to get a wheel stud replaced when it is damaged can lead to a number of unsafe situations. Usually, the wheel studs on a car will have to be replaced due to the stripping of the threads during a tire change. Having a wheel stud that doesn’t have the right threading on it can allow the lug nut to work its way off of the stud. This will ultimately result in the tire being lose and possible coming off in the right situation.
Having a wheel stud replaced is usually a job that is best left for a professional with experience. The professionals will be able to pull old wheel stud out without damaging the rotor or the tire in the process. If you try to handle this on your own, then it will usually lead to more damage being done.
When the time comes to have the wheel studs on a car replaced, here are some of the signs you will notice:
- The stud will spin rather than staying in place
- The wheel stud if broken or bent
- There are stripped out threads on the wheel stud
Taking the time to inspect the wheel studs on your car from time to time is a great way to spot repair issues before they become too serious. Have a certified mechanic replace the bad wheel stud to eliminate any further complications with your vehicle.
