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Can Trailer Wheel Studs be Hammered Out with Hub on Axle  

Updated 04/17/2026 | Published 04/14/2026

Question:

I am looking to change the wheel studs on my trailer. Is it ok to hammer these out with the hub still mounted and not risk bearing damage? I have repacked the bearings and reassembled everything. The more I look at it, I think I am going to change the studs.

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Expert Reply:

Hey Ronald, yes you can pound out your older studs and then pound in the new ones with a hammer with the hub installed on the axle. You can also torque the studs down with the lug nuts once you get them mostly through as well. An impact driver would work great for this. Do you have some broken studs currently?

expert reply by:
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Jameson C
Ronald P. profile picture

Ronald P.

4/14/2026

I have some that are rusted pretty badly. I was just concerned with damaging the bearings. But I guess when you take into account the abuse they take driving down the road, a hammer is not going to do much.

Jameson C. profile picture
Etrailer Expert

Jameson C.

4/14/2026

@RonaldP yeah that's a great way to put it into perspective haha.
Ronald P. profile picture

Ronald P.

4/14/2026

@JamesonC What type of impact driver would you recommend? Like an air hammer?
Jameson C. profile picture
Etrailer Expert

Jameson C.

4/14/2026

@RonaldP air would work if that's what you have or the battery operated ones. It doesn't need to be anything super crazy.
See All (4) Replies to Ronald P. ∨
Dylan profile picture

Dylan

4/16/2026

1st. Make sure you put a sledge against the back of the hub before beating the stud, this will offer some resistance and protect your bearing. But hubs are super easy to pull off, it’s much easier to work on if they are off. 2nd. Go on Amazon and order a wheel stud bearing tool. Basically big washer with a bearing in it, makes reinstalling the studs with an impact or even by hand with a standard ratchet a simple task.

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