Remove and replace damaged or worn wheel studs on the 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EUV, requiring hub removal and press work to install new studs.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Wheel stud(s) × 1 — GM OEM wheel stud
• Axle nut × 1 — Use new nut if staked type

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Place vehicle in Service Mode or disconnect 12V battery and wait 2 minutes
3. Loosen wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground (do not remove)
4. Raise and support vehicle on jack stands at manufacturer-specified lift points
5. Remove wheel and tire assembly
6. Inspect all wheel studs to identify which need replacement

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove axle nut
   Remove the center axle nut from the drive axle. If equipped with a cotter pin, remove and discard the pin first. If staked, use a chisel to unstake. This nut requires significant torque to remove; use a breaker bar. The nut must be replaced and cannot be reused.
2. 2

   Disconnect lower ball joint
   Remove the lower ball joint pinch bolt or castle nut securing the lower control arm to the steering knuckle. Use a ball joint separator tool to separate the ball joint from the knuckle. Do not damage the ball joint boot.
3. 3

   Separate outer CV joint from hub
   Pull the steering knuckle/hub assembly outward away from the vehicle while supporting the drive axle. The outer CV joint splines will disengage from the hub bearing. Be careful not to overextend the inner CV joint. Support the axle shaft with wire or a bungee cord to prevent damage to the inner CV boot.
4. 4

   Remove hub and bearing assembly
   Remove the bolts securing the hub and bearing assembly to the steering knuckle from the rear side. There are typically 4 bolts. Once removed, separate the hub assembly from the knuckle. You may need to tap gently with a dead-blow hammer to break the hub free.
5. 5

   Remove damaged wheel stud(s)
   Using a hydraulic press or wheel stud removal tool, press the damaged stud(s) out of the hub from the front (wheel-facing) side. The stud will press through toward the rear. Clean the stud hole thoroughly with a wire brush to remove any rust or debris.
6. 6

   Install new wheel stud(s)
   Insert the new wheel stud into the hub from the rear side, with the threaded end facing outward (toward wheel side). Using a hydraulic press or proper wheel stud installation tool, press the stud into place until the serrated shoulder is fully seated against the hub. Ensure the stud is straight and fully seated. Do not attempt to pull the stud in by tightening lug nuts.
7. 7

   Reinstall hub and bearing assembly
   Clean the mating surfaces of the steering knuckle and hub assembly. Position the hub assembly onto the knuckle and install the mounting bolts from the rear. Tighten bolts evenly in a cross pattern to specified torque.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts27 Nm (20 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Reconnect CV joint to hub
   Guide the outer CV joint splines into the hub bearing while aligning the steering knuckle assembly. Ensure the splines are fully engaged and the CV joint is seated properly in the hub bore.
9. 9

   Reconnect lower ball joint
   Position the lower ball joint into the steering knuckle. Install the pinch bolt or castle nut and tighten to specification. If using a castle nut, install a new cotter pin.
10. 10

    Install new axle nut
    Install a new axle nut onto the drive axle shaft. Tighten to the specified torque using a torque wrench. After torquing, stake the nut collar into the axle shaft groove using a punch and hammer, or install a new cotter pin if that style is used.
    Torque spec

    Axle Nut250 Nm (184 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Install wheel and torque lug nuts
    Mount the wheel onto the hub, ensuring it seats properly on all new and existing studs. Install lug nuts and hand-tighten. Lower vehicle until tire just contacts the ground (not full weight). Torque lug nuts to specification in a star pattern. Then lower vehicle completely and verify final torque.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts140 Nm (103 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Reconnect 12V battery or exit Service Mode if applicable
2. Verify all fasteners are tightened to proper torque specifications
3. Test drive vehicle at low speed and verify no abnormal noises or vibrations from the wheel area

Verification

• Visually inspect that all new wheel studs are fully seated and flush with the hub face
• Verify wheel lug nuts are properly torqued in a star pattern
• Check that axle nut is properly staked or pinned and secure
• Spin the wheel by hand to ensure smooth rotation with no binding
• After a short test drive (5-10 miles), re-check wheel lug nut torque

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