5 Pc Wheel Stud Kit 12mm

OVERVIEW

If you have ever found yourself struggling on the side of the road or in a cramped garage trying to balance a heavy wheel on a brake drum while simultaneously searching for a lug bolt hole, you know exactly why the EMPI 5-Piece Wheel Stud Kit is a game-changer. This kit is designed to eliminate the "VW balancing act" by converting your traditional 12mm lug bolt setup into a modern, user-friendly stud-and-nut configuration. By installing these high-strength studs into your existing hubs or drums, you create a permanent mounting guide that supports the weight of the wheel during installation. This not only saves your back and your patience but also prevents the accidental cross-threading of your expensive brake components that often occurs when fumbling with loose bolts.

Precision-engineered for the air-cooled enthusiast, these 12mm studs are manufactured by EMPI to meet rigorous standards for strength and fitment. The beauty of this specific kit lies in its simplicity; it requires absolutely no drilling or tapping of your rotors or drums. They are designed to thread directly into the standard M12-1.5 threaded holes found on vintage Volkswagen applications. Whether you are building a rugged woods buggy, a high-performance drag racer, or a meticulously restored street Beetle, these studs provide a secure and reliable foundation for your wheels. The zinc-plated finish offers excellent corrosion resistance, ensuring that your hardware stays functional and looking great through years of use and exposure to the elements.

FITMENT

This 12mm wheel stud kit is specifically designed for Volkswagen models utilizing the 12mm-1.5 thread pitch, typically associated with the "Wide 5" (5x205mm) bolt pattern. Please verify your hub thread size before ordering, as some later models transitioned to 14mm hardware.

• VW Beetle: All models up to 1967 (with 5-lug wheels).
• VW Karmann Ghia: All models up to 1966 (with 5-lug wheels).
• VW Type 2 Bus / Transporter: All models from 1950 through 1970.
• VW Type 3: Early models equipped with 5-lug drums.
• Dune Buggies & Sand Rails: Any vehicle utilizing early VW 5-lug drums or disc brake conversions with 12mm-1.5 threading.

SPECS

• Thread Pitch: M12 x 1.5 (Standard VW 12mm).
• Quantity: 5 Studs per kit (Enough for one wheel).
• Material: Heat-treated high-tensile steel for maximum shear strength.
• Finish: Corrosion-resistant zinc plating.
• Installation: Screw-in design (No drilling or machining required).
• Manufacturer: EMPI.
• Part Number: 00-9516-0.
• Compatibility: Designed for use with open-ended or closed-ended 12mm lug nuts (sold separately).

PRO TIPS

Tip 1: The Double-Nut Installation Method

To ensure these studs are seated firmly into your drum or hub without damaging the threads, use the "double-nut" technique. Thread two 12mm lug nuts onto the stud and tighten them against each other until they are locked together. Use a wrench on the outer nut to thread the stud into the hub until it bottoms out securely. Once the stud is tight, loosen the two nuts from each other and remove them. This method allows you to apply the necessary torque to the stud itself without using pliers or vice grips that could mar the precision threads.

Tip 2: Use High-Strength Thread Locker

While these studs are designed for a snug fit, the constant vibration and heat cycles of a braking system can occasionally cause screw-in studs to back out over time. We strongly recommend applying a few drops of high-strength (red) thread-locking compound to the end of the stud that threads into the drum or rotor. This provides an extra layer of security, ensuring the stud remains a permanent fixture of the hub when you are removing lug nuts during a tire change. Always clean the internal threads of the hub with brake cleaner before application to ensure a proper bond.

Tip 3: Verify Your Lug Nut Seat Type

When switching from lug bolts to a stud-and-nut system, it is critical to match your new lug nuts to the seat of your wheels. Most stock VW steel wheels use a "ball seat" (rounded), while many aftermarket aluminum wheels, such as EMPI 8-spokes or Rivieras, require a "60-degree taper" (conical) seat. Using the wrong nut seat will result in the wheel not centering properly and can lead to the nuts loosening or the wheel mounting holes becoming ovalized. Always double-check your wheel requirements before finalizing your installation to ensure a safe and vibration-free ride.