Swapping wheel studs using a ball joint press

[GTP]

Here is a technique to press out your own wheel studs using a ball joint press.

I borrowed the ball joint press. (Since I use it at other points on the car I bought one at a special sale price from Harbor Freight.)

I also borrowed and then later purchased a tie rod tool (OEM Saginaw Tie Rod Tool #27289, $6 closeout price from Autozone). The open side of this tool allows it to reach over the flange of the hub. To hold the receiver tool onto the press arm, I bought some hardware locally. The 7/16" x 2-3/4" hex head bolt fits the tie rod tool best, and it is held in place by two large washers, a split washer, and a flanged nut.

Here is the assembly. Notice the flange nut is used backwards as the hex fits down into the tool while the flange is what actually tightens down.

Here is the setup for pressing out a stud. The pry bar offers counter leverage to the ratcheting wrench. I have to hold things still by squatting down and stepping on the press. It's tough sledding at first but then the stud quickly comes out.

I sourced some short pieces of pipe in an attempt to use them as a centering sleeve around the end of the press arbor and stud, but it did not work as well as I hoped. Still, it was helpful.

For installing new studs, I use the Lisle bearing tool. I find I can't fully press in the stud, but if I go as far as possible, I can then finish out when the hub is back on the car.

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[jcm3]

Awesome, thanks for posting this. This works a lot better than using a BFH.

 

[GrabberBargeCaptain]

Neat.
Did you break a stud? I hope Ford studs aren't as shit as Subaru. I had so many issues with my FR-S studs every time i took my car to get new tires eventually i said screw it and replaced them all with ARP and never had another problem.

 

[GTP]

No. I run Ford GT4 hubs in front and ARP studs in rear. So I needed to swap out the studs when I replaced my rear hubs.

 

[John S]

Great tip, please elaborate on the front hubs? Are these the Optimum Performance Racing hubs (OEM sourced) with their GT4 studs?

 

[DougS550]

Awesome, thanks for posting this. This works a lot better than using a BFH.

I never liked using a BFH on anything, even on the front strut mount bolts. Great post

 

[GTP]

Great tip, please elaborate on the front hubs? Are these the Optimum Performance Racing hubs (OEM sourced) with their GT4 studs?

No, they are Ford hubs with preloaded studs. You can find them online at typical Ford parts outlets. GT350 has longer studs. GT4 has super long studs. I run those because I run square 52mm offset track wheels, which need 1 inch spacers up front. I paid about $110 each for them.

I think you can search for GT350R hubs, but I'm not sure if that's the same as GT4. I can provide the part number if necessary.

 

[jcm3]

I never liked using a BFH on anything, even on the front strut mount bolts. Great post

Agree 100%.

 

[John S]

GT350R hubs with the extended studs don't fit the newer 2022+ knuckles that take the m14 bolts with the revised bolt pattern. Even Ford Parts gets it wrong when identifying replacement hubs (the service manuals are updated) so be careful you get the correct hubs for your particular application.

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