Parts for your 2020 Subaru Xv-Wheel studs nuts

2020 Subaru XV wheel studs and nuts

Based on the Subaru Owner’s Manual for the 2020 XV (Wheels and Tyres), the Subaru Service Manual for the XV/Crosstrek (Chassis – Wheel and Axle), and Subaru Genuine Parts catalogue listings for MY20 XV, this model is built with five press-in wheel studs per hub and separate tapered-seat wheel nuts (M12 x 1.25). It does not use European-style wheel bolts. Subaru specifies a wheel nut tightening torque of 120 N·m (about 89 lbf·ft) on clean, dry threads.

On the 2020 Subaru XV, the wheel studs and nuts do the heavy lifting of clamping the wheel to the hub. The studs are splined and pressed into the hub from behind, the nuts draw the wheel hard up against the hub face to hold everything true while the car tackles daily commutes and rough Kiwi or Aussie backroads. With a 5x100 PCD and a 60-degree tapered nut seat, proper clamping keeps brake discs aligned, prevents vibration, and protects bearings from undue load.

As part of regular servicing or whenever wheels are removed, it’s worth giving the studs and nuts a quick once-over. Light surface corrosion on the studs can be brushed away, but damaged threads, stretched studs, or deformed nut seats are a cue to replace. Always tighten with a torque wrench to 120 N·m, using a star pattern, and re-check torque after 50–100 kilometres if a wheel’s been off. Subaru’s torque is specified for dry, clean threads—no oil, grease, or anti-seize—so the clamping force is accurate and consistent.

• Check for cross-threading or binding when starting nuts by hand, if it doesn’t spin freely, stop and inspect.
• Replace any stud that’s been over-tightened or has visible necking, studs are inexpensive and designed to be pressed out/in.
• Use correct-seat nuts only (60-degree taper) and avoid damaged or mismatched aftermarket nuts.
• If a wheel’s been driven loose, replace affected studs and nuts—microscopic fatigue can lead to failure down the track.
• Keep the hub face and wheel mounting face clean and flat, debris here mimics a loose wheel.

For replacement, most technicians will pull the brake caliper and rotor to access the stud head, press or drive the old stud out, draw the new one in square with a flat washer and sacrificial nut, then torque the wheel back on. Done right, the XV’s wheel studs and nuts are a dependable, low-fuss setup.

Q: What’s the correct wheel nut torque for a 2020 Subaru XV?

Subaru specifies 120 N·m on clean, dry threads. Use a star pattern and re-check torque after 50–100 km if the wheel was recently removed or rotated.

Q: Should anti-seize or lubricant be used on XV wheel studs?

No. Subaru’s torque spec is for dry threads. Lubricants can overstate clamping force for a given torque and risk stretching studs or warping brake rotors.

Q: Can a single damaged wheel stud be replaced on its own?

Yes. A single stud can be pressed out and a new one drawn in from the back of the hub once the brake rotor is off. If a wheel has been driven loose, replace all affected studs and nuts on that hub for peace of mind.