Wheel Studs

[dsp300c]

My dumbazz probably stripped 1 wheel stud trying to put on my new wheels. 2013 base model SRT with Stoptech rotors. Quick question. Is changing the wheel stud on the Viper the same as any other cars before I try to tackle this on my own with a help of a machanic friend. Any special studs to get or just get OEM or aftermarket from Oriellys?

[1of1TA1.0]

They are the same as any car, use an oem replacement if you are not tracking. Just hand thread the lug nut on to start then use the power tool or what ever you're using.

[ViperGeorge]

You cannot bang out a wheel stud on the Viper, at least not on the front, you must remove the hub. There is no clearance to the rear. Once you remove the hub, you should not hammer it out as it can damage the hub bearing. Use a special Dodge tool to press out the stud or simply take it to your Dodge dealer and ask them to press it out (this is what I did). The tool is available online for about $100 if memory serves. I bought one for next time.

Removing the hub is actually pretty easy. Remove wheel, caliper, rotor, then unbolt ABS tone wheel, and unbolt hub and remove. There is a metal gasket behind the hub that you are supposed to replace. I just cleaned mine up and reused it. i will buy some gaskets to have as spares. I bought studs at O'Reilly's. Installing a new stud is easy. Just put it through from back and use a regular open lug (not the acorn ones that come on the car) and an impact gun to pull the stud through. Regular lugs are available at ACE or any auto store. Size of stud is 1/2-20. You will need a deep socket. Don't worry if the stud doesn't come all the way through at first. Once you put the wheel on and torque it the stud will come through all the way.

[Steve-Indy]

While I HAVE NOT done it, my favorite tire/alignment guy changed two stripped lugs on the right front wheel of a stock 2013 GTS without removing the hub.

[ViperGeorge]

While I HAVE NOT done it, my favorite tire/alignment guy changed two stripped lugs on the right front wheel of a stock 2013 GTS without removing the hub.

I have no idea how he could have done it. The old stud does not clear the spindle on the way out no matter how you rotate the hub. I tried for like a 1/2 hour before deciding to simply follow the service manual. And the new stud cannot be positioned through the hole from the back as the spindle interferes. The service manual says to remove the hub. If there were a way to do it without damage to the spindle, hub, or bearing without removing the hub I would assume they would have indicated that in the manual. They wouldn't want the tech to do more work than necessary especially if a warranty claim was involved.

[dsp300c]

Did some testing and luckily I didn’t screw up a stud. I just messed up some lug nuts. So I’ll be buying some more lugs nuts.