drivetrain
Wheel Studs
for 2021 Toyota Camry 2.5L I4 · FWD
Difficulty
Moderate
Time
48 min
Tools
9
Steps
9
This procedure covers the replacement of damaged or broken wheel studs on the front or rear hubs of a 2018-2024 Toyota Camry with the 2.5L I4 engine.
Warnings
⚠️Never work under a vehicle supported only by a jack. Always use properly rated jack stands.
⚠Ensure vehicle is on level ground and parking brake is engaged before lifting.
⚠Wheel studs are pressed in under high force. Use proper eye protection when hammering.
Tools required
Floor jack and jack standsEssential
Torque wrench (capable of 140 Nm)Essential
Breaker barEssential
19mm or 21mm socket (for lug nuts)Essential
Ball peen hammer or brass hammerEssential
Wheel stud removal tool or punch
Socket setEssential
Wire brush
Anti-seize compound
Parts
- Wheel stud(s) × 1 — Toyota OEM wheel stud for Camry (90942-02076 or equivalent)
Preparation
- Park vehicle on level ground and engage parking brake
- Chock wheels that will remain on the ground
- Loosen lug nuts on affected wheel while vehicle is still on ground (do not remove)
- Raise vehicle with floor jack at appropriate jacking point
- Support vehicle with jack stands at manufacturer-specified points
- Remove wheel completely
Procedure
- 1Identify damaged stud and access pointLocate the damaged or broken wheel stud. Rotate the hub to position the damaged stud for easiest access. On front wheels, you may need to turn the steering wheel to improve clearance. Inspect the hub mounting surface for damage or deformation.
- 2Remove brake caliper and rotor (front wheels only)If replacing a front wheel stud, remove the brake caliper mounting bolts and hang the caliper with wire or a bungee cord to avoid stressing the brake hose. Remove the brake rotor by pulling it straight off the hub. If the rotor is stuck, use penetrating oil and tap gently with a rubber mallet. This provides full access to the back of the hub.
- 3Remove damaged wheel studThe wheel stud is press-fit into the hub and must be driven out from the front. Use a ball peen hammer or brass hammer to strike the back of the stud threads, driving it forward through the hub. Alternatively, use a wheel stud removal tool. Strike firmly and evenly to avoid damaging the hub bore. The stud should push out cleanly once the press-fit is broken.
- 4Clean hub boreOnce the old stud is removed, thoroughly clean the stud bore in the hub using a wire brush. Remove any rust, corrosion, or debris. Inspect the bore for damage or wallowing that would prevent proper press-fit of the new stud. The bore must be clean and smooth for the new stud to seat properly.
- 5Install new wheel studInsert the new wheel stud into the hub from the back side, pushing it through until the knurled shoulder contacts the hub. Ensure the stud is aligned straight in the bore. Apply a small amount of anti-seize to the stud shoulder if desired, but not on the knurled press-fit area.
- 6Seat new wheel studTo fully seat the stud, use a stack of washers that fit over the stud threads and a lug nut. Thread the lug nut onto the stud over the washers, then tighten the lug nut to pull the stud into the hub. Continue tightening until the stud shoulder is fully seated flush against the back of the hub. You will feel resistance increase as the knurled shoulder presses into the hub. Remove the lug nut and washers.
- 7Verify stud installationInspect the installed stud to ensure it is fully seated with the shoulder flush against the hub back. The stud should not rotate or move. Check that adequate thread length protrudes from the hub face for proper lug nut engagement. Compare thread protrusion to adjacent studs.
- 8Reinstall brake rotor and caliper (front wheels)If brake components were removed, reinstall the brake rotor onto the hub. Reinstall the brake caliper and secure with mounting bolts to proper torque specification per brake service procedure. Ensure brake pads are properly positioned and caliper slides freely.
- 9Reinstall wheel and torque lug nutsMount the wheel onto the hub, aligning all stud holes. Install all lug nuts and hand-tighten in a star pattern. Lower the vehicle until the tire just contacts the ground but most weight is still on the jack stands. Torque lug nuts to specification in a star pattern. Fully lower vehicle and perform final torque check.Torque specWheel Lug Nuts140 Nm (103 lb-ft)
Reassembly
- Torque all lug nuts in a star pattern to ensure even wheel seating
- If multiple studs were replaced, verify all are fully seated before driving
- Perform a visual inspection of all wheel studs on all wheels as preventive maintenance
Verification
- Verify the new wheel stud is fully seated and does not rotate in the hub
- Confirm all lug nuts are torqued to 140 Nm (103 lb-ft) in a star pattern
- Test drive vehicle at low speed and recheck lug nut torque after 50-100 km
- Verify no unusual vibration or noise from the affected wheel