Wheel Studs

Do your new wheels or wheel spacers need more thread than the original studs provide? In this category you'll find wheel studs – the threaded pins in the hub that the lug nuts are tightened onto – in extended and shorter versions for cars, ATVs and UTVs, sold individually or as sets.

What wheel studs do, and when to replace them

The wheel stud holds the wheel against the hub through the clamping force of the lug nut. Extended studs are typically used when wheel spacers or wheels with a thicker mounting flange need more thread, so the lug nuts get enough engagement. Stud extenders, e.g. SPC Faxtrax, are fitted on top of the existing studs, while kits for ATVs and UTVs, e.g. the QuadBoss kit for Can-Am Commander and Maverick, include both studs and nuts.

How to choose wheel studs

• Thread: must match your lug nuts, e.g. M12x1.5, M14x1.5 or 1/2 inch.
• Knurl diameter: the knurled section must match the hole in the hub. For the Nissan 240sx, for example, there are ISR studs with a 12.85 mm and 14.25 mm knurl depending on model and axle.
• Length: enough for full nut engagement, but without the stud hitting parts behind or in front of the wheel.
• Type and material: press-in studs such as Moroso Press-In replace the originals, and forged versions are available from e.g. BLOX Racing.

Brands in this category also include H&R, Project Kics and Wheel Mate. If you want to protect your wheels against theft, take a look at locking wheel nuts and choose them in the same thread as your studs.

Installation and maintenance

Press-in studs are typically pressed or pulled in from behind until the head sits fully against the hub – follow the manufacturer's instructions for the specific part. Tighten the nuts with a torque wrench to the recommended value, and re-torque after the first few miles. Check the threads regularly for damage and rust, and replace studs that are stretched or have damaged threads.

Frequently asked questions

How long should extended wheel studs be?

It depends on the wheel's flange thickness, any wheel spacers and the type of lug nut. The stud must give full thread engagement in the nut and must not hit anything in front of or behind the wheel. Measure before you order, and check the manufacturer's recommendation.

What does the knurl diameter on a wheel stud mean?

The knurl is the serrated section under the head that locks the stud into the hub. The diameter must match the hole in your specific hub – if it is too small, the stud can spin, and if it is too large, the hub can be damaged.

Do extended wheel studs need to be approved for inspection?

It depends on the product and the car. Changes to wheel mounting and track width may require documentation, so check the approval for the specific part number and, if needed, ask your inspection centre before fitting them to a registered car.