Wheel bolt grade

[Eric Sanborn]

Ti Kan wrote:

>All this talk about getting lug bolts from hardware stores, etc.,
>I want to bring to everyone's attention that the bolt seat shape
>must be correct for the wheels you have.  This is an important
>issue, above and beyond the size and pitch of the thread.
>
>Most (all?) Audi OEM wheels require bolts with ball-shaped seats,
>whereas many aftermarket wheels need cone-shaped seats.  
>
The bolt head goes on the back side of the hub.  At least in the front 
there is plenty of space.  I did this on my GTI even with drum in the 
back and the head did not interfer with the brake mechanisms.  On the 
GTI I used Honda ball seat lug nuts, but the ones I have are M12.

For the Audi my plan had been Porsche parts or air cooled VW.  I believe 
these are all ball seat.  I just need to find a price that makes me happy.

The length is easy.  People like McMaster only offer limited choices, 
but www.metricmcc.com has them in 40, 45, 50, 60, and 70.   They also 
have shorter sizes, but my quick measurement so far looks like 40 to 50 
will be good depending on choice of lug nut.  Of course you could aways 
cut to length if required.

-- 
Eric Sanborn
'85 4ktq

http://sofadog.net/4ktq/