How to Replace a Wheel Stud on a 2005 Dodge Caravan
by Don Bowman
The most important issue when replacing wheel studs on a 2005 Dodge Caravan is to make sure that the stud is drawn completely into the hub. If the stud is not drawn all the way in until it is flush with the hub, it will continue to draw in while driving, which will cause the lug nuts to become loose and fall off, followed by the tire--not a good day. Wheel studs are replaced for several reasons, but the most common reason is that the Caravan owner lost the key for the locking wheel nuts.
Step 1
Raise and support the vehicle on jack stands. Remove the wheel, using the lug wrench. Remove the two bolts securing the brake caliper to the caliper-mounting bracket, using the appropriate socket wrench.
Step 2
Remove the caliper and suspend it from the coil spring with a suitable piece of wire. Remove the rotor by pulling it off the wheel studs. Knock the bad wheel stud out of the hub, using a hammer to drive it out.
Step 3
Spread some anti-seize compound on the wheel stud threads. Insert the new wheel stud in the hub.
Step 4
Apply anti-seize compound to the two washers and install them over the new wheel stud, followed by the open-ended acorn lug nut. Torque the lug nut down to draw the wheel stud into the hub. Continue until the head of the stud is completely flush with the hub. Remove the lug nut and washers. Replace the caliper and wheel in reverse order of removal.
Things You'll Need
- Floor jack
- Jack stands
- Lug wrench
- New studs
- New lug nuts
- Spare open-ended acorn lug nut
- Two washers
- Anti-seize compound
- 3/8-inch drive ratchet
- Set of 3/8-inch drive sockets
- Hammer
- Piece of wire
Writer Bio
Don Bowman has been writing for various websites and several online magazines since 2008. He has owned an auto service facility since 1982 and has over 45 years of technical experience as a master ASE tech. Bowman has a business degree from Pennsylvania State University and was an officer in the U.S. Army (aircraft maintenance officer, pilot, six Air Medal awards, two tours Vietnam).
