Parts for your 2016 Subaru Forester-Wheel studs nuts

Wheel studs and nuts on the 2016 Subaru Forester

On the 2016 Subaru Forester (SJ), the wheels mount to the hubs using press‑in wheel studs and separate lug nuts, not wheel bolts. This setup is confirmed by the Subaru Owner’s Manual torque specification for wheel nuts (120 N·m/88.5 ft‑lb) and the Subaru parts catalogue listing for M12×1.25 hub studs and nuts across Forester SJ variants. So wheel‑studs‑nuts absolutely are relevant to this model, whether it’s a base 2.5i or the XT on factory alloys or steel spares.

Each stud is a high‑tensile fastener pressed into the hub flange, the matching nuts clamp the wheel to the brake rotor hat and hub face. Correct clamping force keeps tyre loads evenly distributed, prevents rotor warp, and stops the wheel fretting on rough Kiwi and Aussie roads. Because Subaru uses a fine M12×1.25 thread, nuts should spin on by hand before any rattle gun is used, making cross‑threading less likely and keeping the stud’s temper intact.

During servicing or any tyre rotation, torque the wheel nuts in a star pattern to 120 N·m on clean, dry threads. Subaru literature advises against lubricants or anti‑seize on studs or nut seats, as it can over‑stress the studs. After any wheel off/on, re‑check torque after 50–100 km. If a nut won’t run on smoothly by hand, stop—inspect for burring, rust, or stretched threads. Damaged nuts are cheap, damaged studs should be pressed out and replaced with quality OE‑spec items.

Typical signs a stud or nut needs attention include wheel nuts that won’t hold torque, visible thread galling, broken or missing studs, and vibration after a wheel service. Replacement is straightforward: with the brake calliper and rotor off, press the old stud out, draw the new stud fully home using a flat washer stack and a sacrificial nut, then refit and torque the wheel. The 2016 Forester uses five M12×1.25 studs on a 5×100 PCD with 60‑degree tapered‑seat nuts, always finish with a calibrated torque wrench, not just an impact driver.

Clean the hub face so the wheel seats flat, and replace any swollen or locking nuts. If in doubt, a workshop spec check is insurance.

Popular questions about 2016 Subaru Forester wheel studs and nuts

What is the correct wheel nut torque for a 2016 Subaru Forester?
The factory spec is 120 N·m (about 88.5 ft‑lb) on clean, dry threads. Torque the nuts in a criss‑cross pattern and recheck after 50–100 kilometres if the wheel has been off. A calibrated torque wrench is the go, avoid “sending it” with an impact for final tightening.

Can anti‑seize be used on Forester wheel studs?
Subaru service information advises against lubricants or anti‑seize on the threads or the nut seats. Lubrication alters friction and can lead to over‑tightening at the same torque setting, risking stud stretch or failure. Keep threads clean and dry instead.

What size are the wheel studs and nuts on a 2016 Forester?
The 2016 Forester uses five M12×1.25 studs with 60‑degree tapered‑seat nuts on a 5×100 PCD hub. If replacing, match thread pitch, seat style, and overall nut height to ensure proper clamping and wheel fitment.