Wheel Studs

This procedure covers the replacement of wheel studs on the front or rear axle of a 1994-2007 Dodge Ram 2500 with the 5.9L Cummins diesel engine and 4WD.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Wheel stud(s) × 1 — Use OEM specification or Dorman 610-324 equivalent

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and apply parking brake
2. Chock the wheels that will remain on the ground
3. Loosen wheel lug nuts 1/4 turn before raising vehicle
4. Raise vehicle with floor jack and support securely on jack stands at the frame
5. Remove wheel completely

Procedure

1. 1

   Access the damaged wheel stud
   Rotate the hub/rotor assembly or brake drum to position the damaged stud for easiest access. On front hubs, you may need to turn the steering to full lock for better clearance. Inspect the stud for damage and verify it needs replacement.
2. 2

   Remove the damaged wheel stud
   Using a ball peen hammer or brass hammer, strike the back of the damaged stud firmly to drive it out through the front of the hub. The stud is a press-fit and will require significant force. Continue hammering until the stud is driven completely out of the hub. If the stud is extremely tight, apply penetrating oil and allow it to soak for 10-15 minutes before attempting removal.
3. 3

   Clean the stud hole
   Use a wire brush to clean the stud mounting hole in the hub, removing any rust, debris, or metal shavings. The hole must be clean for the new stud to seat properly. Inspect the hole for damage or elongation that would prevent proper stud retention.
4. 4

   Position the new wheel stud
   Insert the new wheel stud into the hub hole from the back side. The serrated shoulder of the stud must face toward the wheel mounting surface. Push the stud in by hand as far as it will go. Leave the stud threads clean and dry; do not apply anti-seize or lubricant, as this alters torque values and can lead to over-clamping and wheel fastener failure.
5. 5

   Pull the stud into position
   Install a wheel stud installation tool or use a large C-clamp with washers and a lug nut to pull the stud into the hub. If using the lug nut method: thread several washers onto the stud, then thread on a lug nut. Tighten the lug nut to draw the stud through the hub until the serrated shoulder seats firmly against the back of the hub flange. You will feel resistance increase significantly when the shoulder contacts the hub. Do not overtighten or you may damage the new stud threads.
6. 6

   Verify stud installation
   Remove the installation tool, washers, and lug nut. Inspect the stud to ensure it is fully seated with the shoulder flush against the hub and the stud perpendicular to the mounting surface. Verify the stud does not spin in the hub by attempting to rotate it by hand. If the stud spins or is not fully seated, it must be removed and reinstalled.
7. 7

   Reinstall the wheel
   Position the wheel onto the hub, aligning the lug holes with the studs. Thread all lug nuts onto the studs by hand to prevent cross-threading. Tighten lug nuts in a star pattern by hand until wheel is seated against the hub.
8. 8

   Lower vehicle and final torque
   Lower the vehicle until the tire just contacts the ground but most weight is still on the jack stands. Torque the lug nuts in a star pattern to the factory specification (verify exact value for this vehicle; Ram 2500 is typically approximately 130 lb-ft, not 103 lb-ft). Fully lower the vehicle and remove jack stands. Perform a final torque check on all lug nuts in a star pattern to ensure proper seating.
   Torque spec

   Wheel Lug Nuts183 Nm (135 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Ensure all lug nuts are torqued to specification in a star pattern
2. Store removed wheel stud for core return if applicable
3. Test drive vehicle at low speed and recheck lug nut torque after 50 miles

Verification

• Verify the new stud is fully seated and does not spin in the hub
• Confirm all lug nuts are torqued to 183 Nm (135 lb-ft) in a star pattern
• Check that the wheel has no wobble or play when rocked by hand
• After test drive, recheck lug nut torque and inspect for any looseness

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