Wheel Studs vs. Wheel Bolts: The Key Differences
Date:2023-02-21 Click:319
While both wheel studs and wheel bolts serve the same general purpose — holding wheels onto vehicles — there are some key differences between them, such as their insertion method, their ease of use, where they’re commonly used, and the number of additional parts required for installation. We’ll look at a few of these differences below.
Wheel Studs
Here’s the rundown on wheel studs:Insertion method — As mentioned previously, wheel studs are mounted in the wheel hub, stick out beyond the brake rotor hat, and are then paired with lug nuts.
Ease of use — Wheel studs stay in place when you remove a vehicle tire, so you don’t have to go through the process of realigning everything upon replacement. This makes for quick and simple tire changes. However, wheel studs can be a pain to replace because you have to get them back out of the hole they were pressed into without destroying the wheel hub.
Where they’re used — Wheel studs are the most popular choice for American automotive manufacturers.
Additional parts required — Wheel studs need to be paired with nuts, so you have to purchase and obtain those additional parts. However, the nuts do help wheel studs maintain more consistent torque.
Wheel Bolts
Conversely, here’s how wheel bolts differ:Insertion method — Wheel studs are installed from behind the wheel hub and attached with lug nuts on the front, but wheel bolts are installed in the wheel insert from the front, through the brake rotor hat and directly into the hub.
Ease of use — When wheel bolts are removed, the brake rotors can rotate freely. This means you have to realign the rotors with the wheel inserts whenever you’re replacing tires. It’s not the most difficult process in the world, but it does add extra time and hassle for regular tire changes. Plus, if any threads are stripped in the hub during the process, the entire hub must be replaced.
Where they’re used — Wheel bolts are the most popular choice for European automotive manufacturers.
Additional parts required — Wheel bolts are not paired with nuts, so no other parts are required.