Does anyone know if wheel studs are made of the same type of steel as ordinary bolts please?
You just answered your OWN question – “ordinarly bolts”. No, they are not. Bolts are graded as to their properties, most “normal” bolts aren’t hardened. The next grade up is Grade 5, medium duty. Grade 8 is probably what the wheel studs are made of, meaning they’ll deform some before breaking off. So if you are thinking of subbing a “normal” bolt for a real wheel stud, DON’T. THey’re not designed to take the stress of a 3,000 or 4,000 lb car ( or even a 2,000 lb car ). There’s a reason they have steel grades, for safely. A wheel coming off is NOT a good thing at speed. NAPA or any other high-line parts store will carry the correct wheel stud for your car. If you have just ONE broken off, you can run on the 4 left if you have 5, in an emergency. But ONLY in an emergency, and do NOT speed, throw the vehicle into hard turns, or subject it to major stresses. Driving 55 MPH or less, babying the car, coasting to stops, etc. It’s not recommended, but you can drive a car with only 4. 3 good st
