Parts for your 2008 Subaru Impreza-Wheel studs nuts

2008 Subaru Impreza wheel studs and nuts (wheelstudsnuts)

Per Subaru technical sources — the 2008 Impreza Owner’s Manual, the Service Manual (Wheels & Tyres), and the OEM parts catalogue — this model uses pressed-in wheel studs with matching wheel nuts, not wheel bolts. So wheelstudsnuts are absolutely relevant to this vehicle.

On a 2008 Subaru Impreza, wheel studs and nuts clamp the wheel to the hub face with even, reliable force. The studs are splined into the hub, and the nuts (60° conical seat) draw the wheel up square as they’re tightened. Correct clamping keeps the wheel centred, protects the brake rotor from distortion, and stops vibration or stud fatigue.

Subaru service information specifies clean, dry threads and proper torque — 120 N·m (about 88.5 ft·lb) — tightened in a star pattern. That torque and sequence are key for even seating. Over‑tightening stretches studs and can crack nuts, under‑tightening risks loosening and hub or rotor damage.

During routine servicing, it’s smart to give the wheel studs and nuts a once‑over. Look for damaged or flattened cone seats on the nuts, burrs or galling on stud threads, and any sign of stretching or rust pitting. If a nut doesn’t spin freely by hand for the first few turns, stop — cross‑threading a fine‑pitch Subaru stud (M12 x 1.25) is easy and expensive.

Replacement is straightforward: remove the wheel, caliper, and rotor, then drive the damaged stud out of the hub flange and pull a new OEM‑spec stud in square using a sacrificial nut and washers, or a proper stud installer. Avoid impact guns for the final torque on the wheel nuts. For alloys or steels, the seat is the same conical style, just ensure you’re using the correct nut type and a 19 mm hex as per Subaru’s spec.

Best practice for Aussie and Kiwi roads: after any wheel service or tyre rotation, re‑check torque after 50–100 km. Keep hub faces clean (no paint or grease on the mating surface), and never lubricate stud threads unless a Subaru bulletin explicitly instructs it — lubrication changes torque readings and clamping force.

• Signs it’s time to replace: stripped or rusty threads, a nut that won’t hold torque, visible stud stretch, or a broken stud.
• Spec quick hits: M12 x 1.25 thread, 60° conical seat, 19 mm hex nuts, torque 120 N·m.

What’s the correct wheel nut torque for a 2008 Subaru Impreza?

The factory torque is 120 N·m (about 88.5 ft·lb). Tighten in a star pattern on the five studs, then re‑check after 50–100 km of driving. Use a torque wrench and avoid lubricating the threads, as Subaru specifies clean, dry installation for accurate clamping.

What thread size and seat style does it use?

The Impreza runs M12 x 1.25 wheel studs with 60‑degree conical (tapered) seat nuts, typically with a 19 mm hex. Using the wrong seat style or thread pitch can damage the wheel or studs and compromise clamp load, so stick with OEM‑spec or equivalent quality hardware.

Can a broken wheel stud be replaced without a new hub?

Yes, in most cases. Remove the wheel, brake caliper, and rotor, knock the damaged stud out from the rear of the hub flange, and draw a new stud in square. Some rear hubs may need a bit more clearance, but a full hub replacement is rarely required unless the flange is damaged.