Parts for your 2016 Subaru Impreza-Wheel studs nuts

2016 Subaru Impreza wheel studs and nuts

Wheel studs and nuts are absolutely used on the 2016 Subaru Impreza. Subaru’s 2016 Owner’s Manual specifies “wheel nut” tightening torque (typically 120 N·m), the factory Service Manual lists press-in “stud bolts” on the hubs, and Subaru’s OEM parts catalogues show separate wheel studs and conical-seat wheel nuts for this model. Unlike some European vehicles that use wheel bolts, the 2016 Impreza runs five M12 x 1.25 studs per hub with matching nuts on its 5x100 PCD hubs. That’s the standard Subaru arrangement across the GP/GJ generation.

On this Impreza, the wheel studs and nuts do a simple but critical job: clamp the wheel firmly to the hub so tyres track straight, bearings last, and braking feels consistent. The nuts seat on a 60‑degree taper to centre the wheel and hold it true. Because the clamping load is what matters, correct torque and clean, dry threads are key. Subaru specifies tightening the wheel nuts in a criss‑cross (star) pattern to 120 N·m (around 88–90 ft‑lb), with no oil or anti‑seize on the threads or seats unless a Subaru bulletin says otherwise.

As part of regular servicing or any tyre rotation on a 2016 Impreza, it’s worth giving the studs and nuts a quick once‑over:

• Check for damaged threads, stretched studs, rounded or cracked nuts, and heavy rust or galling.
• Clean the stud threads with a nylon brush, wipe the nut seats and wheel tapers so they’re free of grit.
• Tighten with a quality torque wrench, star pattern, to 120 N·m, re‑check after 50–100 km, especially on new wheels.

Replace parts when they show any of the following:

• Cross‑threading, visible necking/stretching, or a stud that spins in the hub.
• Nuts with damaged hexes, worn tapers, or corrosion that won’t clean up.

Stud replacement on the Impreza is straightforward for a trained tech: the brake calliper and rotor come off, the old stud is pressed out, and a new OEM‑spec stud is pressed in square to the hub. While some DIYers draw a stud in with a sacrificial nut and washers, using a press avoids hub damage. Always fit new nuts if threads are suspect, and stick with the correct M12 x 1.25, 60‑degree conical seat style to suit the factory studs and wheels. Done right, the car tracks nicely, tyres wear evenly, and there’s less chance of brake shudder or stud failure down the road.

Popular questions about 2016 Subaru Impreza wheel studs and nuts

What’s the correct torque for the wheel nuts?
Subaru specifies 120 N·m (about 88–90 ft‑lb) for the 2016 Impreza. Tighten in a star pattern on clean, dry threads and seats. After wheel or tyre work, it’s good practice to re‑check torque after 50–100 kilometres.

What thread size are the wheel nuts?
The 2016 Impreza uses M12 x 1.25 wheel studs and matching conical‑seat nuts. The factory wheel pattern is 5x100. Always use 60‑degree taper nuts that match the wheel seat profile.

Can damaged wheel studs be replaced individually?
Yes. Each stud is a press‑in type and can be changed one at a time. The usual process is to remove the calliper and rotor, press the old stud out, and press the new one in square. A press is preferred over drawing the stud in with a nut to avoid hub damage.