Wheel Studs

Replace damaged or broken wheel studs on a 2008 Dodge Viper by removing the wheel, brake components, and hub assembly to press out old studs and install new ones.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Wheel stud(s) × 1 — Dorman 610-357 or OEM equivalent

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on a flat, level surface and engage parking brake.
2. Place wheel chocks behind the wheels that will remain on the ground.
3. Loosen the lug nuts on the affected wheel approximately one turn while the wheel is still on the ground.
4. Lift the vehicle at the appropriate jacking point and secure it on jack stands rated for the vehicle weight.
5. Remove the loosened lug nuts and remove the wheel.

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove brake caliper
   Locate the two caliper-to-knuckle bracket bolts securing the fixed Brembo caliper. Remove both bolts using the appropriate socket. Carefully lift the fixed caliper off the rotor and support it with a wire hanger or bungee cord attached to the suspension or frame. Do not let the caliper hang by the brake hose.
2. 2

   Remove brake rotor
   If the rotor is retained by screws, remove them using the appropriate driver. If the rotor is stuck due to corrosion, apply penetrating oil around the hub and rotor interface and tap gently with a rubber mallet to break it free. Slide the rotor off the hub. The damaged stud(s) should now be fully visible and accessible.
3. 3

   Remove damaged wheel stud
   Using a ball peen hammer or brass hammer, strike the back of the damaged stud firmly to drive it out of the hub. The stud is pressed in with an interference fit and should move rearward through the hub with sufficient force. If the stud is stubborn, continue striking until it breaks free. Remove the stud completely from the hub.
4. 4

   Clean hub stud bore
   Inspect the stud bore in the hub for any burrs, corrosion, or damage. Use a wire brush or emery cloth to clean the bore thoroughly. Ensure the bore is smooth and clean to allow the new stud to seat properly. Check that the hub face is also clean where the stud shoulder will seat.
5. 5

   Install new wheel stud
   Insert the new wheel stud into the hub bore from the rear, pushing it through until the serrated shoulder contacts the back of the hub. The stud should slide in easily but will require force to fully seat the serrations. Apply a small amount of anti-seize to the serrations if desired, though this is optional.
6. 6

   Seat the new wheel stud
   To fully seat the stud, use a wheel stud press tool, a hydraulic press, or an alternate method: place several washers over the stud threads (enough to clear the threads), thread on a lug nut, and tighten the lug nut to pull the stud into the hub. If using the lug nut method, continue tightening until the stud shoulder is fully seated against the rear of the hub. You will feel resistance increase significantly when fully seated. Remove the lug nut and washers.
7. 7

   Verify stud installation
   Inspect the new stud to confirm it is fully seated with the serrated shoulder tight against the back of the hub. The stud should not rotate by hand and should be flush with the hub surface. Check that the threads extend the same distance as the other studs.
8. 8

   Reinstall brake rotor
   Slide the brake rotor back onto the hub, aligning any locating pins or screw holes. If the rotor had retaining screws, reinstall them and snug them down. Ensure the rotor sits flat against the hub face.
9. 9

   Reinstall brake caliper
   Remove the caliper from its support wire and position it over the brake rotor. Align the caliper mounting holes with the mounting bracket. Install both caliper mounting bolts and tighten them to specification. Torque values for caliper mounting bolts are not listed in the provided database; consult a service manual for the specific torque specification.
10. 10

    Reinstall wheel
    Place the wheel onto the hub, aligning the lug nut holes with the studs including the newly installed stud. Thread all lug nuts onto the studs by hand to ensure proper thread engagement. Tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern to seat the wheel, but do not torque fully while the vehicle is raised. Note: Torque values for caliper mounting bolts are not listed in the provided database; consult a service manual for the specific torque specification (Viper Brembo caliper bracket bolts are typically higher than a standard car, verify before assembly).

Reassembly

1. Lower the vehicle until the wheel is just touching the ground but the suspension is not fully loaded.
2. Using a torque wrench and a star pattern, torque the lug nuts to the manufacturer specification (typically 100 ft-lbs for the Viper, but verify with owner's manual).
3. Fully lower the vehicle and remove the jack stands.
4. Perform a final torque check on all lug nuts after the vehicle is on the ground.

Verification

• Inspect the new wheel stud visually to confirm it is flush with the other studs and fully seated in the hub.
• Confirm all lug nuts are properly torqued and the wheel is secure.
• Test drive the vehicle at low speed and verify there are no unusual noises or vibrations from the wheel.
• After 50-100 miles of driving, re-check lug nut torque to ensure they remain properly tightened.

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