Wheel Studs

Remove and replace damaged or broken wheel studs on a 2007 Ram 3500 with 5.9L Cummins diesel engine.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Wheel stud(s) × 1 — Dorman 610-327 or OEM equivalent

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid ground and engage parking brake
2. Loosen lug nuts on the wheel with the damaged stud before lifting vehicle
3. Lift vehicle using floor jack at appropriate jacking point for the corner being serviced
4. Support vehicle securely with jack stands rated for at least 12,000 lbs
5. Remove wheel completely - for rear axle, remove both outer and inner wheels on dual wheel setup

Procedure

1. 1

   Access the broken wheel stud
   Inspect the wheel hub to locate the damaged stud. Inspect the wheel hub to locate the damaged stud. On the front axle, note that the 4WD unit hub does not free-spin; access the broken stud by removing the wheel and, if needed, the brake components to reach the stud position.
2. 2

   Remove the brake caliper and rotor (if necessary)
   If the damaged stud position is blocked by the brake caliper or cannot be accessed with the rotor in place, remove the caliper mounting bolts and hang the caliper with wire or a bungee cord to avoid stressing the brake line. Then remove the rotor by pulling it straight off the hub. On rear axles with drum brakes, the drum must be removed.
   ⚠Never let the brake caliper hang by the brake hose as this can damage the hose internally.
3. 3

   Remove the damaged wheel stud
   Position the hub flange so the damaged stud aligns with the clearance notch or opening behind the flange. Using a ball peen hammer or heavy mallet, strike the back of the stud firmly to drive it out through the front. If clearance is inadequate on the front unit-bearing hub or rear full-floating axle, the hub/flange may need to be removed and the stud pressed out. If the stud is broken flush, use a punch to drive out the remaining portion.
4. 4

   Clean the stud hole
   Use a wire brush to clean the stud hole in the hub, removing any rust, debris, or metal shavings. Inspect the hole for damage. If the hole is wallowed out or damaged, the hub may need replacement. Apply penetrating oil if corrosion is present and clean again.
5. 5

   Install the new wheel stud
   Insert the new wheel stud into the hole from the back side of the hub, pushing it in as far as possible by hand. Ensure the serrated shoulder of the stud is aligned properly with the hub mounting surface.
6. 6

   Seat the wheel stud
   Place several washers and a lug nut onto the threaded end of the new stud. Using a wheel stud installer tool, large C-clamp, or by carefully tightening the lug nut with a socket, pull the stud into the hub until it is fully seated. The serrated shoulder must be tight against the back of the hub flange. You will feel significant resistance as the stud is drawn in. If using the lug nut method, tighten gradually and ensure the stud is pulling in straight.
   ⚠Do not over-tighten when seating the stud or you may damage the threads. Stop when the stud shoulder is fully seated against the hub.
7. 7

   Verify stud installation
   Remove the lug nut and washers used for installation. Inspect the stud to ensure it is fully seated with the serrated shoulder tight against the hub. The stud should not move or rotate. Verify that adequate thread protrudes beyond the hub face for lug nut engagement.
8. 8

   Reinstall brake components
   If removed, reinstall the brake rotor or drum onto the hub. Reinstall the brake caliper and secure with mounting bolts. Ensure all brake components are properly positioned and hardware is tight. For rear drum brakes, ensure the drum seats properly on the hub.
9. 9

   Reinstall wheel(s)
   Apply a thin coat of anti-seize compound to the new stud threads if desired. Mount the wheel onto the hub, aligning all lug nut holes. For rear dual wheels, install the inner wheel first, then the outer wheel, ensuring both wheels are properly seated on the hub pilots. Thread all lug nuts by hand to ensure proper thread engagement.
10. 10

    Torque lug nuts to specification
    Using a torque wrench, tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern to the manufacturer's specification. For the Ram 3500 with dual rear wheels, the lug nut specification is approximately 175 lb-ft, but verify the exact value with the owner's manual or service information as it varies by wheel type. Perform torque sequence twice to ensure even seating. Lower vehicle and perform final torque check with wheels on ground.

Reassembly

1. Ensure all lug nuts are torqued to specification in a star pattern
2. Lower vehicle completely and remove jack stands
3. Re-torque lug nuts after driving 50-100 miles to verify they remain properly tightened
4. If brake components were disturbed, pump brake pedal several times before driving to restore proper brake pedal feel

Verification

• Verify the new wheel stud is fully seated and does not rotate in the hub
• Confirm all lug nuts are properly torqued and wheel is secure
• Test drive vehicle at low speed and verify no vibration or unusual noises from the repaired wheel
• Re-check lug nut torque after 50-100 miles of driving

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