Parts for your 2012 Subaru Xv-Wheel studs nuts

2012 Subaru XV wheel studs and nuts — purpose, care and when to replace

Wheel studs and nuts are absolutely relevant on the 2012 Subaru XV. Technical references including the Subaru XV/Impreza GP Service Manual (Wheel & Tyre System) and Subaru’s Electronic Parts Catalogue list press-in wheel studs on the hub with matching conical-seat wheel nuts. The factory wheel-nut tightening specification is 120 N·m, as noted in Subaru service literature and the owner’s handbook under wheels and tyres.

On the GP-series XV, five M12 x 1.25 studs are pressed into each hub. The wheel slides over the studs and is clamped by conical-seat nuts, providing consistent clamping force and easy wheel fitment. The design helps locate the wheel accurately on the hub and keeps roadside tyre changes straightforward. It’s a simple, tough setup that suits Aussie and Kiwi conditions.

For servicing, a few good habits go a long way:

• Always tighten wheel nuts in a criss-cross/star pattern in 2–3 stages, finishing at 120 N·m with a torque wrench.
• Recheck torque after 50–100 km whenever a wheel’s been off, especially after tyre or brake work.
• Keep threads clean and dry. Subaru torque specs are for dry threads — avoid oil, grease or anti-seize on studs and nuts.
• Inspect studs and nuts any time the wheels are off. Look for cross-threading, stretched or mushroomed stud tips, rust pitting, and cone-seat galling on nuts.
• Ensure proper thread engagement — at least the full nut depth, typically 8+ turns on M12 x 1.25.
• For aftermarket wheels, confirm a 60° taper nut is used (not ball-seat or mag-seat unless the wheel specifically requires it).

If a stud is damaged, it should be replaced — they’re press-in items that can be driven out of the hub flange and a new stud pressed in from the rear. Depending on access (particularly at the rear with the parking brake hardware), the hub may need partial disassembly. Replace any suspect nuts at the same time to protect the new threads.

Avoid rattle guns set to max as over-tightening can stretch studs and distort rotors. A calibrated torque wrench is the go. With correct torque, clean threads, and the right seat type, the XV’s wheels stay safely clamped and drama-free.

Popular questions about 2012 Subaru XV wheel studs and nuts

What’s the correct wheel nut torque for a 2012 Subaru XV?
Subaru specifies 120 N·m for the XV’s wheel nuts. Tighten in a star pattern in stages, then recheck after 50–100 km. This spec assumes clean, dry threads and standard conical-seat nuts.

What thread size are the wheel studs on a 2012 Subaru XV?
They’re M12 x 1.25 studs. That fine thread pitch is typical for Subaru. Matching nuts should be the correct 60° conical-seat style for OEM wheels or whatever the aftermarket wheel specifies.

How can someone tell a wheel stud needs replacing?
Signs include chewed or flattened threads, visible stretch at the tip, cracks, heavy rust pitting, or a nut that no longer threads smoothly. If a nut binds or won’t torque accurately, replace the nut and closely inspect the stud — if in doubt, swap the stud to prevent future failures.