Back in 2019 I replaced 6 damaged lugs, less than a year after getting the Ascent. I think it was a tire place having trouble with my wheel locks during a rotation.

I did it myself and do recall them seeming softer than the replacements.

The process is documented in this thread

 

1. Not sure on that Dennis. Maybe? By looking at your picture old to new these look the same. As far as too narrow maybe not cut deep enough into the stud which would reduce holding power? a fine thread can usually tighten down more without stripping. You might be on to something though. Nick

 

Just for the record... The original complaint that brought this to my attention asserted that the thread pitch on Subaru's tire studs is too narrow. I have no idea if this is true or if there is an industry standard. Here's a picture ...

 

This is my sixth Subaru and have never broken or stripped a lug bolt or nut. Tire stores are the biggest problem. Using an impact wrench and overtightening. I do my own rotation and I watch closely when I have new tires put on. I can safely say if you put some anti seize on the lug bolts you should not have any problems ever, as long as they are torqued properly and not tightened up real tight with an impact. If you want to avoid ever breaking another one just jack your car up, remove the wheel slowly, if you use an impact take the lug nuts off slowly, as most Subaru's have a closed end lug nut you can't spray them with lubricant. Once the wheel and tire are off apply anti seize to the lug bolts, it doesn't take a lot, only enough for a film on the threads. Re install the wheel, slowly tighten with an impact on low speed, just enough to stop the impact with low speed and no power. Let the car down making sure the lug bolts are semi tight, say 40 pounds. Now work your way around the wheel in an alternating pattern. I start off torqing to 70. Once done I torque to 90. Drive the car around the block and recheck the torque, as moving and turning can loosen the wheel. I know this sounds like a lot of work but it's not. Hope this helps. Nick

 

. Once done I torque to 90. Drive the car around the block and recheck the torque, as moving and turning can loosen the wheel. I know this sounds like a lot of work but it's not.

Costco actually requires in-writing that you come back after 25 miles for re-torqueing.

 

Our Outback and Forester both had problems with broken wheel studs and we always use a torque wrench. It got to be a bit irritating. Discount Tire broke one of them off and told us we were responsible for the repair/replacement.

 

Just had to do all studs and lug nuts on my '14 crosstrek, 120K miles and I swap wheels twice a year, so get a lot of on and off ... and probably over torque them ( 95 FT LB ) so inevitable ...

 

I just heard for the first time about this allegedly recurring issue with Subarus. I have owned 5 of them over 50+ years w/o encountering a case.

I asked my local service rep about it today and he said that they do have occasional problems but they sound to be very infrequent maybe monthly..

For my own peace of mind I bought a set of studs and lugs to keep in the car in case they are needed in a roadside tire change away from a dealership.

Dennis

It would be better to buy a torque wrench. The spec for the Ascent lug nuts is 89. Over tightening is what strips struds

 

I'm with you and have owned 9 Subarus in 40 years and never had an issue with studs and lugs. But like all vehicles improperly maintained anything will fail occasionally. Over torqued especially by an impact wrench or just not properly rotating wheels...