This procedure covers the replacement of damaged or broken wheel studs on the rear axle of a 2015-2020 Ford F-150 with 3.5L EcoBoost engine.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Wheel stud(s) × 1 — Ford OEM wheel stud or Dorman 610-449

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid ground and engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks in front of front wheels
3. Loosen wheel lug nuts approximately one turn before raising vehicle
4. Raise rear of vehicle with floor jack at designated lift point
5. Support vehicle securely on jack stands at frame or axle lift points
6. Remove wheel completely

Procedure

1. 1

   Inspect the damaged stud
   Identify which stud(s) need replacement. Check for broken threads, sheared shanks, or excessive wear. Note the stud orientation and length before removal.
2. 2

   Remove brake drum or rotor
   If equipped with drum brakes, remove the drum by pulling it off the hub. For disc brakes, remove the caliper bracket bolts and suspend the caliper assembly with wire or bungee cord. Remove the rotor. Some rotors may require removal of retaining screws if present.
   Torque spec

   Cover Screws12 Nm (9 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Remove the damaged wheel stud
   Using a large hammer, strike the damaged stud from the back side of the hub flange to drive it out toward the front. The stud has a serrated or knurled shoulder that press-fits into the hub. It may require significant force to break it free. If access is limited, rotate the hub to position the stud for best hammer access.
4. 4

   Clean the stud hole
   Use a wire brush to clean the stud mounting hole in the hub flange, removing any rust, debris, or metal shavings. Ensure the hole is completely clear and the mounting surface is clean for proper seating of the new stud.
5. 5

   Install the new wheel stud
   Insert the new wheel stud into the hub hole from the back side, pushing it through as far as possible by hand. Ensure the stud is straight and properly aligned in the hole. The serrated shoulder should be facing the hub.
6. 6

   Seat the wheel stud
   To pull the stud fully into position, place 3-4 flat washers over the stud threads, then thread on a lug nut. Tighten the lug nut with a wrench while holding the hub from rotating. This will draw the stud through the hub until the serrated shoulder is fully seated against the back of the hub flange. You will feel resistance increase when it seats. Remove the lug nut and washers.
7. 7

   Verify stud installation
   Check that the new stud is fully seated and flush with the other studs. The stud should not move or rotate when pulled or twisted by hand. Verify that adequate thread length protrudes from the hub face compared to the other studs.
8. 8

   Reinstall brake rotor or drum
   Reinstall the brake rotor or drum onto the hub. If equipped with disc brakes, remount the caliper bracket and caliper assembly. For retaining screws on rotors, apply anti-seize to threads before installation.
   Torque spec

   Cover Screws12 Nm (9 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Reinstall the wheel
   Mount the wheel onto the hub, aligning all lug nut holes with the studs including the new stud. Thread all lug nuts on by hand to ensure proper thread engagement, especially on the new stud. Hand-tighten all lug nuts in a star pattern.
10. 10

    Lower vehicle and torque lug nuts
    Lower the vehicle until the tire just contacts the ground with slight weight on it. Using a torque wrench, tighten all lug nuts to specification in a star pattern in three stages: first to 50 Nm, then to 100 Nm, then to final specification. Fully lower vehicle and remove jack stands.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts140 Nm (103 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Ensure all lug nuts are torqued to specification in a star pattern
2. Double-check that brake components are properly reinstalled if they were removed
3. Store removed wheel chocks and tools

Verification

• Test drive vehicle at low speed and verify no vibration or unusual noises from the wheel area
• After driving 50-100 miles, re-torque lug nuts to specification as the new stud may settle slightly
• Visually inspect the new stud to ensure it remains fully seated and shows no signs of movement

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