Park the vehicle on a level surface with the parking brake engaged. Use a lug wrench to slightly loosen the lug nuts. Jack up the vehicle until the affected tire is just off the ground. Unscrew the lug nuts and remove the tire by sliding it off of the wheel studs (also called lug studs).
When using an angle grinder, always follow all the product instructions and safety recommendations. Wear safety equipment such as goggles or a face shield, earplugs, thick work gloves, long sleeves and pants, and work boots.
The squeezing process will eventually cause the head of the stud to pop free of its seat in the back side of the hub. You’ll know this has happened once the stud wiggles freely in its slot in the hub. This method is preferred versus using a sledgehammer because there’s no risk of accidentally damaging any part of the hub or wheel assembly. Repairing damage to this area can easily cost $350 USD or more. [3] X Research source What’s the only real downside to this method? It takes a few minutes instead of a few seconds to get the job done.
You’ll know you’ve knocked the wheel stud loose once you’re able to jiggle it around in the hub. This method definitely saves a little time versus using a ball joint separator, but a missed hammer strike that damages the wheel hub components might cost you $350 USD or more in repairs!
You’re probably asking yourself why some vehicles don’t have a “sweet spot” that lets you remove a stud without removing the entire wheel hub. Unfortunately, that’s a good question without a good answer!
Use your angle grinder’s cutoff wheel to slice off the threaded end of the stud as much as is needed to be able to slip it free. However, you’ll still be unable to install a new full-length stud in this case. Snip through a section of the relatively thin metal shield that rests behind the hub, bend it back and out of the way, remove the stud, and then bend the shield back into place. The obvious problem here is that you’re damaging the shield that helps protect the inner workings of the wheel and axle. Remove the entire wheel hub so you can freely access the stud. This is a more complex maneuver that’s only recommended if you really know what you’re doing!
Use your owner’s manual and/or contact the vehicle manufacturer to ensure you get a matching wheel stud. Alternatively, if the old stud is still in one piece, take it with you to an auto parts store to ensure you get an exact match.
Now you can reinstall the tire and be on your way!
Assuming that you picked out a precise stud match—by consulting the owner’s manual, checking the vehicle manufacturer’s website, and/or taking the old stud to an auto parts store—it should slip into place easily.
Use a roughly 1. 75 in (4. 4 cm) high stack of washers to replicate the size of a stud installer.
Once the stud is seated, simply turn the lug nut counterclockwise to loosen it, then unscrew it the rest of the way by hand. Slide off the washers (or stud installer), then reinstall the tire and secure the lug nuts in place as normal. Now you’re ready to hit the road with confidence!
