Wheel Studs

Replacement of damaged or worn wheel studs on a 2005 Dodge Viper, requiring removal of the wheel hub assembly or brake rotor depending on stud location and damage extent.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Wheel stud(s) × 1 — Dorman 610-322 or OEM equivalent

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid surface and engage parking brake
2. Loosen lug nuts on affected wheel 1/4 turn while vehicle is on the ground
3. Raise vehicle with floor jack at appropriate jacking point
4. Secure vehicle on jack stands rated for vehicle weight
5. Remove lug nuts and wheel

Procedure

1. 1

   Identify damaged stud and assess access
   Inspect the wheel hub to identify which stud(s) are damaged. Rotate the hub to determine if the damaged stud can be driven out without removing the brake rotor or if it is obstructed by the brake caliper bracket, suspension components, or backing plate. On the Viper, rear studs typically have clearance for removal with the rotor in place; front studs may require caliper bracket removal for adequate hammer swing clearance.
2. 2

   Remove brake caliper and bracket if necessary (front wheel)
   If working on a front wheel and clearance is insufficient, remove the brake caliper mounting bolts and secure the caliper to the suspension with a bungee cord or wire (do not let it hang by the brake hose). Remove the caliper bracket mounting bolts to provide full access to the stud. This step may not be necessary for rear wheels.
3. 3

   Drive out damaged stud
   Using a ball peen hammer or small sledge, strike the rear face (back side) of the damaged stud to drive it out through the front of the hub. The stud is a press-fit with serrations and will require substantial force. Support the hub from behind if possible to absorb impact. If the stud is severely corroded, apply penetrating oil and allow to soak before attempting removal.
4. 4

   Clean stud bore
   Once the damaged stud is removed, use a wire brush to clean any rust, debris, or old stud material from the bore in the hub. Inspect the bore for cracks or damage that would prevent proper seating of the new stud. The bore must be clean and free of obstructions for the new stud to seat properly.
5. 5

   Install new wheel stud
   Insert the new wheel stud into the bore from the back side of the hub, ensuring the serrations align and the stud is started straight. Apply a small amount of anti-seize to the serrated shank if desired (not on the threads). The stud should slide partially into the bore by hand.
6. 6

   Seat the new stud
   Use a wheel stud driver or a stacked set of washers with a lug nut to draw the new stud into the hub. Thread the lug nut onto the stud, place washers behind it (between nut and hub face) to protect the hub, and tighten the nut gradually to pull the stud through until the serrated shoulder seats firmly against the back of the hub. You will feel/hear the stud seat with a solid stop. Remove the lug nut and washers.
7. 7

   Verify stud seating
   Inspect the installed stud to ensure the shoulder is flush against the rear of the hub with no gap. The stud should not spin or move when hand pressure is applied. Check that the threaded end protrudes an equal distance compared to adjacent studs.
8. 8

   Reinstall brake components if removed
   If the caliper bracket was removed, reinstall it to the front steering knuckle or rear upright/knuckle with the mounting bolts. Reinstall the brake caliper and torque all fasteners per factory specification. Ensure brake hoses are not twisted or kinked.
9. 9

   Reinstall wheel and torque lug nuts
   Mount the wheel onto the hub, threading all lug nuts by hand to prevent cross-threading. Snug the lug nuts in a star pattern with a wrench. Lower the vehicle from jack stands until the tire just contacts the ground (weight not fully on wheel). Torque lug nuts to specification in a star pattern.
   Torque spec

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

    Final torque verification
    Fully lower the vehicle to the ground and remove the jack. Re-check all lug nuts with the torque wrench in a star pattern to ensure proper torque with vehicle weight on the suspension. This is critical for proper wheel retention and prevents loosening.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts140 Nm (103 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Ensure all lug nuts are torqued to specification in a star pattern
2. Verify brake pedal feel is firm if brake components were disturbed
3. Check that the new stud(s) are fully seated and do not rotate

Verification

• Visually confirm new stud is flush with hub and matches adjacent stud protrusion length
• Confirm lug nuts thread smoothly onto new stud with no binding or cross-threading
• Test drive at low speed and verify no vibration, noise, or wheel looseness
• Re-torque lug nuts after 50-100 miles of driving

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