How to Replace a Wheel Stud in a Geo Tracker

You need to replace a broken wheel stud on your Geo Tracker as soon as you notice it. There are no warning signals to let you know that a wheel stud broke, so you need to check all the studs on that wheel to see if it stressed any others. It takes about an hour to do the job, the right tools and a little mechanical ability.

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
  • Buy a new stud. If you aren't sure of the size to buy to replace the stud in your Tracker, wait until you remove it. Take the stud to the store with you.

  • Check under the front seat for the jack and jack tools. The jack handle is under the driver's seat and the jack and wheel wrench is under the passenger's seat. Be sure to block the tire diagonal to the jack.

  • Jack up the tracker and remove the wheel. Remove the caliper and the rotor in the front. In the back, there are drum brakes. In order to get the drum off, you need to remove the four bolts on some models. Release the parking brake cable tension, and if you must, use a special tool from the company and a slide hammer to get the drum off. This is primarily on the 1989 to 1995 models.

  • Look for an area that allows the stud to freely move out the back. If you can feel the head of the stud by reaching behind, then you're okay. Otherwise look for an opening and line the stud up with that space. If there's no available spot remove the hub and put it in the vise.

  • Smack the stud with a mallet and drive it out the back. Put in a new stud. Push it through until at least enough threads show to put on a wheel bolt.

  • Put a wheel bolt onto the end of the stud that comes out of the opening toward you. Make sure the slanted edges face you. Tighten these down and, as you do, notice how they pull the stud through the hole. Keep tightening and adding more bolts until the stud seats flat against the hub in the back.

  • Remove the bolts and put the items back on in reverse order that you took off to replace the stud in your Tracker. Put the wheel on and tighten down the wheel nuts.