How to Replace the Lug Nut Stud on a 1997 Chevy Cavalier

Proper vehicle maintenance often includes changing lug nut studs.

The Cavalier was one of the most popular compact automobiles produced by Chevrolet. Manufactured from 1982 to 2005, the Cavalier was a small, efficient car with relatively few mechanical problems. Lug nut studs bolt your wheel to the car and are an essential part of your vehicle. Replacing a lug nut stud on your 1997 Chevy Cavalier is not difficult but is necessary to keep you safe on the road.

Things You'll Need

• Lug wrench
• Floor jack
• Jack stand
• Hammer
• Lug nut studs
• Vise grip
• Torque wrench

Instructions

1. Loosen the lug nuts with a lug wrench. Unscrew each lug nut so that it is loose, but do not remove it from the car. Loosening the nuts will make removing the tire easier once the car is off the ground. The 1997 Chevy Cavalier stock wheel has five lug nuts, so make sure to loosen them all for proper removal.

2. Slide the jack under the vehicle and jack it up high enough so that the tire turns freely. Place a jack stand under the axle of the Cavalier to support it, and lower the jack, pulling it out from under the car.

3. Remove the wheel by fully unscrewing the lug nuts, pulling the tire free of the hub and setting it to the side. Tap on the front of each lug nut stud with a hammer until it releases and slides backward in the hub. Pull the studs out of the hub from the back, turning the hub gently to remove each lug nut stud.

4. Push a new lug nut stud through the hole in the hub of your Cavalier, turning it with your fingers until it fits tight against the hub. Repeat the process with the remaining lug nut studs until each hole in the hub has a new stud. The Cavalier is considered a compact car and has smaller hubs than other vehicles, so you may have to angle the lug studs a little to make them fit properly into the holes.

5. Clamp your vice grip to the back of each lug stud, holding it firmly as you screw the stud down with your torque wrench. The vice grip helps keep the stud from turning as you tighten it from the front with the wrench.

6. Place the tire back on the hub and secure it with the lug nuts. Jack up the car until it is lifted off the jack stand, pulling the jack stand from under the car before lowering the car to the ground.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure to place your jack and jack stands under a study portion of the car such as the axles. You can severely damage your vehicle if you place the jack in an unsupported area.

References

• Internet Auto Guide: 1997 Chevy Cavalier