Wheel Studs, 14mm Extra Long, 5 Pc

OVERVIEW

When you are pushing the limits of your air-cooled Volkswagen, whether it is on the drag strip, the sand dunes, or just cruising the boulevard with a set of custom alloy wheels, wheel security is the foundation of your safety. These EMPI extra-long 14mm wheel studs are the definitive solution for builders who have found that standard lug bolts simply do not offer enough thread engagement. When adding wheel spacers to clear disc brake calipers or opting for aftermarket wheels with thick center sections, the factory-length hardware often leaves you with dangerously few threads holding your wheels to the hub. These studs provide an additional 1/2 inch of overall length compared to standard studs, with an extra 3/16 inch of reach on the outboard wheel side, ensuring you have the "bite" necessary to keep your rollers locked down tight under high-torque conditions.

Upgrading from a lug bolt configuration to a stud and nut setup is one of the most functional modifications you can make to your Beetle, Bus, or Ghia. Not only do these studs provide superior strength and more consistent torque readings, but they also make the process of changing a tire significantly less frustrating. Instead of trying to balance a heavy wheel on the hub lip while simultaneously searching for the bolt hole with a flashlight, the wheel simply slides onto these high-tensile studs and hangs in place while you thread on your lug nuts. Manufactured by EMPI, a name synonymous with VW performance for decades, these 14mm x 1.5 thread studs are engineered to withstand the lateral forces and heat cycles common in performance driving, making them a "must-have" for any serious air-cooled project.

FITMENT

These 14mm x 1.5 thread wheel studs are designed for a wide variety of Volkswagen applications and custom builds. Please verify your hub thread size before ordering, as some early models used 12mm hardware.

• Volkswagen Type 1 Beetle: 1968-1977 (Standard and Super Beetle models with 14mm hubs).
• Volkswagen Type 2 Bus: 1971-1979 (Ideal for late Bay Window models).
• Volkswagen Type 3: 1966-1973 (Fastback, Squareback, and Notchback models).
• Volkswagen Karmann Ghia: 1967-1974.
• Volkswagen Thing (Type 181): All years.
• Custom Applications: Perfect for Dune Buggies, Sand Rails, and Manx clones utilizing 14mm threaded drums or disc brake conversions.

SPECS

Precision engineering meets heavy-duty durability. These specifications ensure a perfect fit for your high-performance wheel setup.

• Thread Pitch: 14mm x 1.5 (Standard VW Large Thread).
• Overall Length Increase: 1/2 inch longer than standard EMPI studs.
• Wheel-Side Extension: Provides an additional 3/16 inch of thread engagement for thick-centered wheels or spacers.
• Quantity: 5 Piece Kit (Enough for one complete 5-lug hub).
• Material: High-tensile heat-treated steel for maximum shear strength.
• Finish: Corrosion-resistant coating for long-lasting durability in harsh environments.
• Part Number: 70-2878-0.

PRO TIPS

1. Proper Thread Seating is Non-Negotiable

When installing these studs into your drums or rotors, it is imperative that you use a high-strength permanent thread locker, such as Red Loctite, on the end that threads into the hub. You want the stud to become a permanent fixture of the hub. Ensure the internal threads of the hub are bone-dry and free of grease or old anti-seize before application. Screw the stud in until it bottoms out completely; if the stud is not fully seated, it can "creep" inward over time, leading to a loss of torque on your lug nuts and potentially catastrophic wheel failure. Don''t skip the cleaning stepBrakeleen is your best friend here.

2. The Rule of Thread Engagement

A common mistake in the VW world is "guessing" if a stud is long enough. The engineering standard for safe thread engagement is that the depth of the nut should equal the diameter of the stud. For a 14mm stud, you need at least 14mm of thread engagement inside the lug nut. This usually equates to about 9 to 10 full turns of the lug nut. If you are using thick spacers and find you are only getting 5 or 6 turns, you are in the danger zone. These extra-long studs are specifically designed to bridge that gap and give you those critical extra rotations for a secure mechanical bond.

3. The 50-Mile Torque Check

New wheel studs and custom wheels have a "settling" period. Even if you torque them perfectly to 80-90 lb-ft (depending on your specific wheel manufacturer''s specs) on the lift, the heat cycles of driving and the physical vibration of the road can cause the components to seat further into each other. Always re-torque your lug nuts after the first 50 miles of driving following a stud installation. This ensures that the stud has not stretched and the wheel is still perfectly centered. It is a five-minute safety check that can save your fenders, your wheels, and your life.