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Quick Answer
The cost to replace a single broken lug nut stud ranges from $50 to $150 for parts and labor. If multiple studs need replacement, the costs add up quickly. The part itself costs $10 to $30 each. Labor takes 30-60 minutes per stud at $80 to $150 per hour. So the total can reach $500 or more if replacing all studs.
What is a Lug Nut Stud?
Lug nuts hold the wheel to the vehicle’s hub assembly. The lug nuts screw onto lug nut studs that are threaded into the hub. The studs are what actually secure the wheel, while the lug nuts tighten down onto the studs to hold everything in place.
Lug nut studs are made from hardened steel. Over time, they can become damaged from overtightening, corrosion, impacts, or mechanical issues. If a stud breaks or strips out, it must be extracted and replaced to safely reinstall the wheel.
Replacing a Single Broken Lug Nut Stud
If just one lug nut stud is damaged, best practice is to replace only that single stud. Mixing old and new studs is not recommended, but acceptable in an emergency. Here are the steps to replace one broken lug nut stud:
Parts
– New lug nut stud ($10 to $30 each)
– Matching lug nut ($3 to $10 each)
Labor
– Remove wheel and access hub assembly (5-10 minutes)
– Extract damaged stud (10-15 minutes)
– Install new stud (5-10 minutes)
– Reinstall wheel and torque lug nuts (5-10 minutes)
Costs
– Part: $10 to $30
– Labor: 30-60 minutes at $80 to $150 per hour
– Total for one stud: $50 to $150
So you can expect to pay $50 to $150 for parts and labor to have a single broken lug nut stud replaced. The labor takes 30-60 minutes depending on the vehicle. The part costs $10 to $30 for quality hardened steel replacement studs.
Replacing Multiple or All Lug Nut Studs
If multiple lug nut studs are damaged, it is recommended to replace all of the studs as a set. This ensures even torque and loading across the wheel hub.
Here is an overview of the costs if you need to replace multiple or all of the lug nut studs:
Parts
– 6 lug nuts = $60 to $180
– 8 lug nuts = $80 to $240
– 10 lug nuts = $100 to $300
Labor
– 30-60 minutes per stud
– 6 studs = 3-6 hours
– 8 studs = 4-8 hours
– 10 studs = 5-10 hours
Costs to Replace All Studs
| Studs | Parts | Labor Hours | Labor Cost | Total |
| 6 | $60-$180 | 3-6 | $240-$900 | $300-$1080 |
| 8 | $80-$240 | 4-8 | $320-$1200 | $400-$1440 |
| 10 | $100-$300 | 5-10 | $400-$1500 | $500-$1800 |
As you can see, costs add up quickly when you have to replace multiple or all lug nut studs. The parts alone can cost $100 to $300 depending on how many studs. Labor takes 30-60 minutes per stud, so 5-10 hours for all 10 studs at $80 to $150 per hour. This ends up being $400 to $1500 in labor costs. The total bill can easily reach $500 to $1800+ for a full lug nut stud replacement.
What Affects Lug Nut Stud Replacement Cost?
Several factors affect how much you will pay to have broken lug nut studs replaced:
Number of Studs
The more studs that need replacement, the higher the parts and labor costs. Replacing a single stud may only be $50 to $150. But replacing all 6-10 studs could be $500 to $1800.
Labor Rates
Shop labor rates range from $80 to $150+ per hour. Specialty or luxury brands may be even higher. The labor time is 30-60 minutes per stud, so costs add up quickly.
Vehicle Make and Model
Some vehicles are easier to work on than others. Those with tight wheel well access will take more time. Trucks with big tires can also drive up labor time.
Part Quality
Basic studs cost $10 to $30 each. High strength alloy studs can be $50+ each. Opting for better quality parts improves safety but adds to the costs.
Garage vs Dealer Prices
Independent garages tend to have lower shop rates, while dealerships typically charge more. But dealers may have faster access to factory parts.
Ways to Save on Lug Nut Stud Replacement
Here are some tips to save money when you need lug nut studs replaced:
– Only replace damaged studs if possible, not the whole set
– Shop around for quotes – prices can vary widely
– Ask about part quality – low-cost studs may not last
– See if you can bring your own parts to reduce markup
– Have the work done at an independent garage instead of the dealer
– Ask if they offer any warranty on stud replacement work
– Consider DIY if you have the tools and skills. But use a torque wrench.
Replacing lug nut studs yourself can save on labor costs. But you need automotive tools and expertise. Also consider safety – faulty studs can lead to a dangerous wheel separation incident at speed.
FAQs – Lug Nut Stud Replacement Cost
Is it worth replacing one broken lug nut stud?
Replacing one broken or damaged lug nut stud is worth it to safely reinstall the wheel. It’s not ideal to mix old and new studs, but OK temporarily in a pinch. Just replace any questionable studs as soon as you can.
Can you drive with a missing lug nut stud?
No, you should not drive if any lug nut studs are damaged or missing. This compromises the strength holding the wheel on and could lead to a wheel coming off at speed. Always replace broken or missing lug nut studs before driving the vehicle.
Should all lug nuts be replaced at once?
Best practice is to replace all lug nut studs as a complete set if more than one is damaged. This ensures even clamping force and loading across the wheel hub. Mixing old and new studs is not recommended but can get you by temporarily.
Can lug nuts be tightened without replacing broken studs?
No, you cannot simply tighten the lug nuts if lug nut studs are damaged. The studs themselves must be replaced for the wheel to be safely secured. Driving on damaged or loose studs risks a dangerous wheel separation incident.
How urgent is it to replace a broken lug nut stud?
It is very urgent to replace broken or damaged lug nut studs as soon as possible. Do not drive the vehicle until the studs are replaced except to limp directly to a repair shop. Proper lug nut studs are critical to safe operation.
The Bottom Line
Expect to pay around $50-150 to have a single broken lug nut stud replaced. For all studs, plan on $500-1800+ for parts and labor. Costs vary based on the number of studs, shop rates, vehicle, and part quality. Compare quotes and look for ways to save. But never drive on loose or damaged lug nut studs – replace them promptly to avoid a dangerous failure.