drivetrain
Wheel Studs
for 2017 Toyota Corolla 1.8L I4 · FWD
Difficulty
Moderate
Time
48 min
Tools
12
Steps
14
Replace damaged or broken wheel studs on a 2014-2019 Toyota Corolla by removing the hub assembly, pressing out old studs, and installing new studs.
Warnings
⚠️Vehicle must be securely supported on jack stands. Never work under a vehicle supported only by a floor jack.
⚠Axle nut requires very high torque (250 Nm). Ensure torque wrench is properly calibrated and rated for this specification.
⚠Do not allow CV axle to hang unsupported as this can damage the inner CV joint and boots.
Tools required
Floor jack and jack standsEssential
Wheel chocksEssential
Torque wrench (100-300 Nm range)Essential
19mm or 21mm socket (for lug nuts)Essential
30mm socket (for axle nut)Essential
Breaker barEssential
Ball joint separator or pickle forkEssential
HammerEssential
Wheel stud press tool or arbor pressEssential
Wire brush
Penetrating oil
Pry bar
Parts
- Wheel stud(s) × 1 — Toyota 90942-02058 or equivalent
- Axle nut × 1 — Use OEM specification
- Cotter pin (if applicable) or new axle nut × 1 — Use OEM specification
Preparation
- Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
- Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
- Loosen wheel lug nuts while vehicle is still on ground (do not remove)
- Loosen but do not remove axle nut while vehicle is on ground with helper applying brakes
- Raise vehicle with floor jack and support securely on jack stands at manufacturer-specified lift points
- Remove wheel completely
Procedure
- 1Remove axle nutCompletely remove the previously loosened axle nut. Remove and discard cotter pin if equipped. This nut is torqued to 250 Nm and must be replaced with a new nut or new cotter pin upon reassembly.
- 2Separate lower ball jointRemove the nut securing the lower ball joint to the steering knuckle. Use a ball joint separator tool or pickle fork to separate the ball joint from the knuckle. Be careful not to damage the ball joint boot if reusing the component.
- 3Support CV axle and remove hub assemblySupport the CV axle with wire or a bungee cord to prevent it from hanging. Remove the two or three bolts securing the hub/bearing assembly to the steering knuckle from the back side. Carefully pull the hub assembly off the CV axle splines. If stuck, use a plastic mallet to tap the assembly loose.
- 4Remove brake rotorIf the brake rotor is still attached to the hub assembly, remove any retaining screws and slide the rotor off. This provides clear access to the wheel studs on the hub.
- 5Mark damaged stud positionNote the position of the damaged stud(s). Clean the hub face with a wire brush to remove rust and debris around the stud mounting area.
- 6Remove damaged wheel studUsing a hammer or press, drive the damaged wheel stud out from the front of the hub toward the rear. The stud has a press-fit knurled section that will require significant force. Alternatively, use a wheel stud press tool or arbor press to push the stud out cleanly.
- 7Clean stud mounting holeThoroughly clean the stud mounting hole in the hub with a wire brush and ensure no debris or rust remains. The hole must be clean for proper stud seating.
- 8Install new wheel studInsert the new wheel stud from the rear of the hub, pushing it through until the knurled section begins to engage. Use a wheel stud installation tool, or thread 4-5 lug nuts onto the stud and tighten them against a spacer/washers to pull the stud fully into place. The stud should be fully seated with the knurled section tight in the hub. Remove installation nuts and verify stud is flush and secure.
- 9Reinstall brake rotor and hub assemblyReinstall the brake rotor onto the hub if removed. Position the hub assembly back onto the CV axle splines and align with the steering knuckle mounting holes. Install and hand-tighten the hub mounting bolts.
- 10Torque hub mounting boltsTorque the hub assembly mounting bolts to specification per manufacturer requirements. If these are the CV bolts referenced in your service manual, torque to 58 Nm (43 lb-ft).Torque specCV Bolts58 Nm (43 lb-ft)
- 11Reconnect lower ball jointReinsert the lower ball joint stud into the steering knuckle and install the castle nut. Torque to specification and install a new cotter pin.
- 12Install new axle nutThread the new axle nut onto the CV axle shaft by hand as far as possible. Do not fully torque yet.
- 13Install wheel and lower vehicleInstall the wheel and hand-tighten all lug nuts in a star pattern. Lower vehicle until tire just contacts ground but vehicle weight is not fully on the suspension.
- 14Torque axle nut and lug nutsWith vehicle still slightly raised and helper applying brakes, torque the axle nut to 250 Nm (184 lb-ft). Install new cotter pin through castle nut or stake the nut per manufacturer specification. Fully lower vehicle and torque wheel lug nuts to 140 Nm (103 lb-ft) in a star pattern.Torque specAxle Nut250 Nm (184 lb-ft)Wheel Lug Nuts140 Nm (103 lb-ft)
Reassembly
- Always use a new axle nut and cotter pin or follow staking procedure as specified
- Ensure all suspension components are properly torqued and secured
- Verify wheel studs are fully seated and flush with hub surface before installing wheel
Verification
- Test drive vehicle at low speed and verify no vibration or unusual noises from wheel area
- Re-torque wheel lug nuts after 50-100 miles of driving
- Visually inspect new wheel stud(s) to ensure they remain properly seated
- Verify axle nut cotter pin is properly installed or nut is properly staked