Restoring the wheels on a VW Beetle, or “Bug,” might not seem like a huge problem but failing to fix it will put added strain on other wheel studs and the brake system. Replacement of a wheel stud is not a difficult task and you can save money by doing it yourself.
Purchase the proper wheel stud replacements.
Loosen the lug nuts on your VW’s wheels with a lug wrench before raising it with a car jack. Raise the car and lower it onto a jack stand.
Remove the brake caliper if you are working on a rear wheel; remove the bolts that hold the caliper onto the brake system, not the bolts that hold the caliper together. Hang the caliper with a bungee cord to avoid damaging or stressing the brake line. Remove the brake rotor by sliding it off the brake system; use a wood mallet to nudge it free if it fails to slide off easily; removing this cover to the brake system will allow you to work directly with the studs.
Line up the wheel stud you wish to remove with the gap in the back of the brake wall. Use a hammer and chisel to remove the stud; select a chisel that is smaller than the bolt hole to make sure no unnecessary damage is done. Rotate the studs around until all have been removed in the same manner.
Insert the replacement stud into the bolt hole. Use penetrating oil to help lubricate the bolt hole. Pull the stud through the hole slightly before sliding a lug nut onto the stud to draw it further. Use a couple of washers to help smoothly draw the stud in. Tighten the lug nut until the stud is fully seated against the back of the brake wall. Remove the lug nut and repeat the process for the other wheel studs.
Assemble the brake system, reattaching the rotor and caliper. Slide the wheel back onto the hub and studs, and tighten the lug nuts over the wheel. Jack the car up, remove the jack stand and lower your Beetle’s tires to the ground.