How to Replace a Wheel Stud in a VW Jetta

Sometimes a wheel stud snaps because it was over-tightened, or for a variety of other reasons. You need to replace the wheel stud on a VW Jetta when that happens. The task requires a little time and involves some muscle power.

Things You'll Need

• Jack, lug wrench and jack tools
• Blocks
• Replacement stud
• Vise-grips
• Open end wrench
• Crescent wrench
• Dead blow hammer or heavy mallet
• Extra wheel bolts and wheel nuts
• Impact wrench (if available) or 1/2-inch long handled drive socket wrench

Instructions

1. Purchase a new stud for the wheel. When you replace the stud on the VW Jetta you need to make certain that you have the right size stud. If you don't know what it is, wait until you remove the stud and take it to the store with you.

2. Get the jack and jack tools from the trunk, under the floor. When you replace the stud on the VW Jetta, you need to jack the vehicle up so you can remove the tire.

3. Jack up the Jetta and remove the tire. Take off the calipers and the rotor in order to access the hub. Remove the cable for the parking brakes if the stud is in the rear. If your rear brakes are drum brakes, remove the drum.

4. Check for a notched out area at the back of the hub that will allow the stud removed easily and a new one put back into the area. Line up the opening with the stud that needs to replacing.

5. Place a firm whack on the wheel stud with a mallet so it drives the stud backward out the back of the hub. Put the new wheel stud into the same opening.

6. Use two wheel bolts to tighten down the stud. Put them on the stud with the angle outward. As you tighten these down, they pull the stud through the hole. Check the back and stop when you see the head flat against the hub. Use an impact wrench if you have one, so the job's easier.

7. Take off both bolts once the stud is through. Start the process to replace the parts you took off the wheel.