Can Trailer Hub Be Changed from Bolts to Standard Wheel Studs

Products Featured in This Question

Replacement Trailer Hub Bearing - 15123

(1953)

$11.54

Replacement Wheel Stud, Screw-In, 1/2" x 2"

(90)

$12.86

Question:

How can I change bolts to standard studs?

asked by: Gary A

Expert Reply:

It is potentially possible to change a hub from bolts to standard screw-in wheel studs. In order to do this a number of features have to match up between the bolts and studs.

The diameters of both the original bolts and the replacement studs must be the same. Their thread pitch must also match to ensure the screw-in studs, like Redline # 25-53 for instance, will properly fit into the threaded holes in the hubs. This particular screw-in stud has a 1/2-inch diameter with fine threads (20 TPI, or 20-threads per inch). Finally you want to also make sure that the amount of available stud that remains accessible for mounting your wheel is enough for the wheel material and lug nut to fit.

I linked our main page for all screw-in type wheel studs. You could find the best potential items and order one of each to see which works best.

If this does not pan out you can use new hubs with the stud pattern you need, such as the popular 5-on-4-1/2, provided that you can find a hub that uses the same bearings as the hub with the bolts. Both the inner and outer bearing parts must match between the old and new hubs in order for the new ones to fit properly on your trailer's spindles.

I linked for you our main page for all trailer hubs. Once you have your inner/outer bearing numbers simply click on those parts using the filters on the page and you will then see all hubs that use those same inner and outer bearings. Be sure to use a hub that is correctly rated for the axle capacity.

expert reply by: Adam R