Parts for your 2016 Subaru Exiga-Wheel studs nuts

2016 Subaru Exiga wheel studs and nuts — what they do and how to look after them

Yes, the 2016 Subaru Exiga uses wheel studs and separate wheel nuts. This is confirmed by Subaru’s technical literature: the Subaru FAST electronic parts catalogue lists press‑in hub studs with separate nuts for the Exiga/Crossover 7 platform, and the 2016 Owner’s Manual (wheels and tyres section) references tightening “wheel nuts” after wheel removal/refit. The Subaru workshop manual for the same platform specifies a dry-thread wheel nut torque in the typical Subaru range (around 120 N·m). Those sources make it clear the Exiga isn’t a wheel-bolt design, it’s a stud-and-nut setup.

On this model, the studs are pressed into the hub from behind and the nuts clamp the wheel to the hub face. Simple, reliable, and easy to service. Subaru commonly uses M12 × 1.25 thread studs with a 60‑degree taper nut, and the Exiga/Crossover 7 follows that convention. The design helps with quick wheel location on the studs, which is handy for roadside tyre changes and workshop rotations.

For servicing, the goal is clean, undamaged threads and correct clamping force. Best practice is to start the nuts by hand, snug them in a star pattern, then finish with a torque wrench to the workshop spec (typically 120 N·m for dry threads). Avoid lubricants or anti‑seize on the threads or the nut seats unless Subaru specifically instructs otherwise—torque values are based on dry friction, and lubrication can over‑stress the studs.

• Inspect at each tyre rotation: look for stretched, rusty, or cross‑threaded studs and rounded or flaking-chrome nuts.
• If an impact gun is used, only for removal or light snugging—final torque by hand with a calibrated wrench.
• Re-check torque after 50–100 km following a wheel refit.

Replacing a damaged stud is straightforward but can require hub or brake component removal. The old stud is knocked out from the rear, the new one is drawn in squarely using a stud installer tool or a stack of washers and a sacrificial nut. Take care not to load the wheel bearing incorrectly while pulling the stud in. If several studs are damaged or corroded, it’s smart to replace the set of nuts at the same time—use the correct 60‑degree taper and thread pitch. Sticking with genuine or reputable aftermarket parts keeps clamping force consistent and prevents vibration or brake rotor runout.

Done right, these little bits of hardware quietly do a big job—safe, even clamping that protects your wheels, hubs, and brakes on every trip across town or down the coast.

Popular questions

What’s the correct wheel nut torque for a 2016 Subaru Exiga?
Subaru workshop guidance for this platform lists a wheel nut torque around 120 N·m on clean, dry threads. Always confirm against the vehicle’s owner’s or service manual and use a torque wrench. After any wheel refit, re-check torque after 50–100 km.

How can someone tell if Exiga wheel studs or nuts need replacing?
Look for hard-to-start nuts, visible thread damage, rust pitting, or studs that have stretched (threads look thinned). Nuts with damaged seats or peeling chrome should go. If a nut tightens unevenly or won’t hold torque, replace it and inspect the matching stud.

What size are the Exiga’s wheel studs and pattern?
Most 2016 Exiga/Crossover 7 models use M12 × 1.25 studs with a 60° taper nut and a 5×100 PCD. Variations can exist across trims/markets, so it’s wise to confirm by VIN or checking the vehicle placard and parts catalogue before ordering.