2.5L I4FWDAUTOMATICgas2AR-FE
2 active safety recalls on this vehicle — view recalls
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drivetrain

Wheel Studs

for 2012 Toyota Camry 2.5L I4 · FWD
Editorial review:Chris HacklemanMaster Technician · 20+ years · Jeff MooreMaster Mechanic · 20+ years
Difficulty
Moderate
Time
48 min
Tools
8
Steps
8
Expert-verified. Personally reviewed and approved by OLP's master technicians (Chris Hackleman & Jeff Moore — 20+ years each). Always follow the vehicle's factory service information and torque specs.

This procedure covers the replacement of broken or damaged wheel studs on the front or rear hubs of a 2012-2017 Toyota Camry with the 2.5L I4 engine.

Warnings

⚠️Ensure vehicle is securely supported on jack stands before working under it. Never rely solely on a hydraulic jack.
Do not attempt to drive on a wheel with broken or missing studs as this can cause wheel detachment.
ℹ️Rear wheel studs can typically be replaced without removing the hub, but front studs may require hub removal depending on stud position and clearance.

Tools required

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Parts

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Preparation

  1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
  2. Loosen wheel lug nuts on affected wheel while vehicle is still on ground
  3. Raise vehicle with floor jack and support securely on jack stands at appropriate jacking points
  4. Remove wheel completely
  5. Inspect hub and brake components for any damage that may have occurred from the broken stud

Procedure

  1. 1
    Access the broken stud
    Rotate the hub or rotor to position the broken stud in an area with maximum clearance. For rear wheels, you can typically access studs through the wheel opening. For front wheels, assess whether the stud can be accessed with the brake caliper in place or if removal is necessary.
  2. 2
    Remove the broken stud
    Use a ball peen hammer to drive the damaged stud out from the front of the hub toward the rear. Strike the stud face firmly and evenly. If the stud is severely mushroomed or damaged, you may need to grind or cut the head first. The stud should press out through the back of the hub flange once the serrations release.
  3. 3
    Clean the stud bore
    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 cracks. If the hub is cracked around the stud hole, the hub must be replaced.
  4. 4
    Install the new stud
    Insert the new wheel stud from the rear side of the hub, pushing it through until the serrated shoulder contacts the hub. Ensure the stud is properly aligned and seated squarely in the bore before proceeding.
  5. 5
    Draw the stud into position
    Using a wheel stud installation tool or improvised method with washers and a lug nut, draw the stud firmly into the hub. Thread several flat washers over the stud, then thread on a lug nut. Tighten the lug nut while holding the hub stationary. This will pull the serrated shoulder of the stud tightly into the hub bore. Continue tightening until the stud shoulder is fully seated and flush with the hub face.
    Do not overtighten during stud installation as this can damage the new stud threads. Stop when the stud shoulder is fully seated.
  6. 6
    Verify stud installation
    Remove the installation lug nut and washers. Check that the new stud does not rotate in the hub and that it sits at the same height as the other studs. The stud should be firmly seated with no play or movement.
  7. 7
    Reinstall the wheel
    Clean the hub mounting surface and wheel mounting surface. Position the wheel onto the hub, aligning all stud holes. Thread all lug nuts on by hand to ensure proper thread engagement.
    Torque spec
    Wheel Lug Nuts140 Nm (103 lb-ft)
  8. 8
    Torque lug nuts to specification
    Using a torque wrench, tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern to the specified torque of 140 Nm (103 lb-ft). Make at least two complete passes in the star pattern to ensure even seating and proper torque distribution.
    Torque spec
    Wheel Lug Nuts140 Nm (103 lb-ft)

Reassembly

  1. Lower vehicle from jack stands and remove stands
  2. Fully lower vehicle to ground
  3. Perform final torque check on all lug nuts with vehicle weight on wheels

Verification

  • Verify all lug nuts are torqued to 140 Nm (103 lb-ft) in a star pattern
  • Check that the new stud does not spin or show any play in the hub
  • Test drive vehicle at low speed and recheck lug nut torque after 50-100 miles
  • Inspect for any unusual vibrations or noises that could indicate improper installation

Related trouble codes on this vehicle

Codes that commonly send this job to the bay — tap one for symptoms, causes, and diagnostic steps.

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More procedures for this vehicle

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