Parts for your 2012 Subaru Tribeca-Wheel studs nuts

2012 Subaru Tribeca wheel studs and nuts — what they do and how to look after them

Per Subaru’s 2012 Tribeca Factory Service Manual (Wheels and Tyres, and Brake sections) and the Subaru Electronic Parts Catalogue, the 2012 Tribeca is built with press‑in wheel studs and separate wheel nuts (M12×1.25 thread), not wheel bolts. The Owner’s Manual and FSM specify tightening the wheel nuts to around 120 N·m, confirming that wheel studs and nuts are absolutely fitted and relevant on this model.

On this Tribeca, the wheel studs are the threaded pins pressed into the hub, and the wheel nuts clamp the wheel to the hub face. Together, they handle braking and cornering loads, keep the rotor correctly located, and maintain even clamping so the wheel stays seated against the hub. Subaru’s use of studs and nuts also makes roadside tyre changes simpler and reduces the risk of rotor misalignment during brake work.

As part of regular servicing, it’s smart to give the studs and nuts a quick once‑over. Look for damaged threads, signs of stretching (a “waisted” look), or corrosion that won’t brush away. If a nut binds, don’t force it—cross‑threading will ruin the stud. Subaru technical literature calls for clean, dry threads, avoid lubricants or anti‑seize on the studs or nut seats, as this alters clamping force. Always tighten with a torque wrench to about 120 N·m and use a star pattern so the wheel centres properly.

• After refitting wheels, recheck torque after 50–100 kilometres—especially if new wheels or nuts have been fitted.
• Replace any stud that’s stretched, stripped, or rusty to the point the threads won’t clean up. Press‑in studs are serviceable individually.
• Use quality conical‑seat nuts with the correct M12×1.25 thread, mismatched threads will damage the studs.
• If a nut comes loose or a wheel’s been run with low torque, inspect the mating faces for fretting and the studs for fatigue.

When replacing a stud, the FSM outlines pressing the old stud out of the hub flange and drawing in a new stud squarely using a suitable spacer and a new nut—never by hammering. With the right parts and the factory torque spec followed, Tribeca owners across Australia and New Zealand can expect long, drama‑free service from their wheel studs and nuts.

Popular questions about 2012 Subaru Tribeca wheel studs and nuts

What’s the correct torque for the Tribeca’s wheel nuts?

Subaru specifies about 120 N·m for the 2012 Tribeca’s wheel nuts. Tighten in a star pattern on a clean, dry interface, then recheck after 50–100 km. Over‑ or under‑torque can lead to warped rotors, loose wheels, or stretched studs.

Can a damaged wheel stud be replaced individually?

Yes. The Tribeca uses press‑in studs that can be pressed out of the hub and a new stud drawn in squarely. It’s a straightforward workshop job that avoids replacing the entire hub, provided the hub flange isn’t damaged.

Should anti‑seize be used on the studs?

No. Subaru’s service guidance is to keep threads clean and dry. Lubricants or anti‑seize change friction and can over‑clamp the joint at the specified torque. If corrosion is present, clean the threads or replace the affected hardware.