Wheel Studs

Replace damaged or broken wheel studs on a 1992 Dodge Viper by removing the wheel, hub assembly access, and pressing out old studs before installing new replacements.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Wheel stud(s) × 1 — Mopar 6503235 or equivalent
• Anti-seize compound × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, hard surface and engage parking brake
2. Loosen wheel lug nuts 1/4 turn while vehicle is on ground
3. Raise vehicle at appropriate jacking point and secure on jack stands
4. Remove wheel completely and set aside

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove Wheel and Inspect Hub
   With the wheel removed, visually inspect the wheel hub and identify the damaged stud(s). Count the total number of studs (5 studs per wheel on the Viper). Check for any cracks or damage to the hub flange that might indicate impact damage beyond just the stud.
2. 2

   Access Wheel Stud from Behind Hub
   Rotate the hub/rotor assembly to position the damaged stud so it can be accessed from behind. On front wheels, you may need to turn the steering to full lock for better access. On rear wheels, ensure the parking brake is released to allow hub rotation. The stud will need to be driven out toward the front (wheel side) of the hub.
3. 3

   Remove Damaged Wheel Stud
   Using a wheel stud press tool or large C-clamp, press the damaged stud out from behind the hub flange. Position the press tool against the back of the stud and apply steady pressure. The stud will press through the hub bore toward the wheel side. If using a hammer method as alternative, strike the stud from behind with a ball peen hammer while supporting the hub, but press tools are strongly preferred to avoid bearing damage. The stud should move freely once the knurled section clears the hub.
4. 4

   Clean Stud Bore
   Once the old stud is removed, use a wire brush to clean the stud bore in the hub flange. Remove any rust, debris, or metal shavings. Inspect the bore for damage or elongation that might prevent proper stud seating. Apply a small amount of anti-seize compound to the bore (avoid getting any on the wheel mounting face).
5. 5

   Install New Wheel Stud
   Insert the new wheel stud into the hub bore from the back side (brake side). The stud should slide through easily until the knurled section contacts the hub. Ensure the stud is properly aligned and seated square in the bore before pressing.
6. 6

   Press New Stud Into Place
   Using the stud press tool or a large washer stack and lug nut method, pull the new stud through the hub until fully seated. If using the lug nut method: stack 3-4 flat washers over the stud threads, thread on a lug nut, and tighten the nut to draw the stud through the hub. Continue tightening until the stud shoulder is firmly seated against the back of the hub flange with no gap visible. The knurled section must be fully engaged in the hub material. Remove the lug nut and washers after installation.
7. 7

   Verify Stud Installation
   Inspect the installed stud from both sides of the hub. The stud should be perpendicular to the hub face with no visible gap between the stud shoulder and hub. The threads should extend the same length as the other studs on the wheel. Try to rotate or move the stud by hand—it should be completely solid with no movement.
8. 8

   Reinstall Wheel
   Clean the wheel hub mounting surface and wheel mating surface with a wire brush. Position the wheel onto the hub, aligning the wheel holes with all studs. Thread on all lug nuts by hand until finger-tight. Lower the vehicle until the tire just contacts the ground (still supported by jack stands).
   Torque spec

   Wheel Lug Nuts140 Nm (103 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Torque Lug Nuts
   Using a torque wrench, tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern to the factory-specified value (verify Viper RT/10 lug nut torque against the service manual, approximately 100 lb-ft / 135 Nm). Begin with the top stud, then move to the bottom, then alternate sides in a star/cross pattern to ensure even seating. Make two complete passes in the star pattern to ensure proper torque.
   Torque spec

   Wheel Lug Nuts140 Nm (103 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Final Verification and Lower Vehicle
    Remove jack stands and lower the vehicle completely to the ground. With full vehicle weight on the wheel, perform a final torque check on all lug nuts in the same star pattern at the factory-specified value (verify Viper RT/10 lug nut torque against the service manual, approximately 100 lb-ft / 135 Nm). This ensures proper seating under load.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts140 Nm (103 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. After first 50-100 miles of driving, re-check lug nut torque to verify new stud has not shifted
2. Inspect the wheel mounting area periodically for the first few weeks to ensure the new stud remains properly seated

Verification

• All lug nuts torque to specification (140 Nm / 103 lb-ft) in star pattern without stud rotation
• New stud is flush and solid against hub flange with no visible gaps
• Wheel sits flat against hub with no wobble when spun by hand
• Stud threads extend the same distance as adjacent original studs

Related trouble codes on this vehicle

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