drivetrain
Wheel Studs
for 2014 Ram 2500 6.7L I6 Cummins Diesel · 4WD
Difficulty
Moderate
Time
1.3 h
Tools
9
Steps
8
This procedure covers the replacement of wheel studs on the front or rear axle of a 2014 Ram 2500 4WD with the 6.7L Cummins diesel engine.
Warnings
⚠️Ensure vehicle is properly supported on jack stands before working under or around wheels. Never rely solely on a floor jack.
⚠Brake components may be hot if vehicle was recently driven. Allow adequate cooling time.
⚠Wheel studs must be fully seated in the hub before torquing lug nuts. Improperly installed studs can fail during operation.
Tools required
Floor jack and jack stands rated for vehicle weightEssential
Torque wrench (0-200 ft-lb range)Essential
19mm or 3/4" socket for lug nutsEssential
Ball peen hammer or brass hammerEssential
Wheel stud installation tool or large C-clampEssential
Socket matching stud installation tool
Wire brush
Anti-seize compound
Pry bar
Parts
- Wheel stud(s) × 1 — Mopar OEM or Dorman 610-317 (verify application)
Preparation
- Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
- Chock wheels that will remain on the ground
- Loosen lug nuts on affected wheel(s) while vehicle is still on ground
- Raise vehicle with floor jack and support with appropriate jack stands under frame rails
- Remove wheel completely to access hub and brake assembly
Procedure
- 1Access the damaged wheel studRotate the hub/rotor assembly so the damaged stud is accessible. On front axles, you may need to turn the steering wheel to gain better access. Identify the stud that needs replacement and assess whether brake caliper or rotor removal is necessary for clearance.
- 2Remove the damaged wheel studUsing 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 pressed in with an interference fit and will require solid strikes. If space is limited, rotate the hub to access the stud from different angles. The stud should drive out completely through the wheel mounting surface.⚠Ensure no brake components or ABS sensor wiring is in the path of the hammer. Protect brake rotor surface from accidental damage.
- 3Clean the stud boreOnce the old stud is removed, use a wire brush to thoroughly clean the stud bore in the hub. Remove any rust, debris, or metal shavings. Inspect the bore for damage or deformation. The bore must be clean and smooth for the new stud to seat properly.
- 4Position the new wheel studInsert the new wheel stud through the back side of the hub assembly (from the brake side). Push it through until the serrated shoulder contacts the back of the hub. Ensure the stud is properly aligned and perpendicular to the hub face. Apply a small amount of anti-seize to the serrated shoulder if desired, but keep threads clean.
- 5Seat the wheel stud using installation toolUsing a wheel stud installation tool or a large C-clamp with washers and a lug nut, pull the stud into the hub. Thread the lug nut onto the stud (backwards if using washers and C-clamp method), and tighten to draw the stud through until the serrated shoulder is fully seated against the back of the hub. You should feel/hear the stud pull tight as the serrations bite into the hub material. Continue tightening until the stud cannot be pulled further and is completely seated.⚠Do not use an impact wrench for this step. Controlled force is needed to properly seat the stud without damaging threads.
- 6Verify stud installationRemove the installation tool/lug nut. Visually inspect that the stud is fully seated with the serrated shoulder flush against the hub back. The stud should not rotate when turned by hand. Measure the stud protrusion from the hub face and compare to adjacent studs - they should be equal. If the stud spins or appears loose, repeat the installation process.
- 7Reinstall the wheelClean the wheel mounting surface on the hub with a wire brush. Position the wheel onto the hub, aligning all stud holes including the new stud. Hand-thread all lug nuts onto the studs to ensure proper thread engagement. Snug lug nuts in a star pattern before final torquing.
- 8Lower vehicle and torque lug nutsLower the vehicle so the tire contacts the ground but the suspension still carries most of the weight. Torque all lug nuts to specification in a star/cross pattern to ensure even seating. Fully lower the vehicle and perform a final torque check in the same star pattern.Torque specWheel Lug Nuts140 Nm (103 lb-ft)
Reassembly
- Ensure all lug nuts are torqued to 140 Nm (103 ft-lb) in a star pattern
- Store removed wheel and tools properly
- If multiple studs were replaced, verify each is fully seated before operation
Verification
- Test drive vehicle at low speed and verify no wheel vibration or unusual noises
- Re-torque lug nuts after 50-100 miles of driving to ensure proper seating
- Visually inspect the new stud(s) remain tight and properly seated after initial test drive
- Confirm wheel sits flush against hub with no wobble or gap