How to Replace a Wheel Stud in a GMC Sierra
by Editorial TeamYou need to replace a stripped or broken wheel stud on your GMC Sierra as soon as you notice it. When one stud malfunctions, it puts stress on the others. If they all snap, you no longer have a wheel attached. It takes some mechanical ability or at least a good memory, the right tools and some strong muscles to get the job done.
Step 1
Buy a new stud. If you aren't sure of the size, wait until you take it off and take it to the auto store with you.
Step 2
Check behind the passenger's seat for the jack and jacking tools. If there's a cover, turn the wing nut and move the seat forward to remove it. You'll need the jack to replace the stud in the GMC Sierra. Be sure to block the tire that's diagonal to the jack.
Step 3
Remove 2/3 of the brake fluid from the master cylinder if the stud is on a wheel that has disc brakes. Take of the caliper, hang it from mechanics wire and then remove the rotor. If the back brakes are drum, remove the drum. Take off the hub and put it in a vise. Skip to Step 5.
Step 4
Look for an opening behind the hub that allows you to easily remove and replace the stud. Line the stud up with the opening.
Step 5
Whack the stud with a mallet and drive it out the back of the hub. Replace the stud with a new one. Push the stud through the opening in the hub until enough threads show to put on a wheel bolt.
Step 6
Tighten down a wheel bolt with an impact wrench if you have one. Notice how it pulls the stud through the hub. Add more bolts as necessary. Check the back, and stop when the head of the stud seats against the hub.
Step 7
Take off the bolts and start to reassemble the parts that you removed to replace the stud in your GMC Sierra. Don't forget to add more brake fluid and bleed the brakes when you're finished.
Tips
- Put the new stud in the freezer overnight to shrink it slightly, making insertion easier.
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
Writer Bio
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