Anti-Seize on Wheel Bolts

[KSMITH1@mailgw.sanders.lockheed.com]

Here in New Hampshire USA, I used Never Seize (R) anti-seize compound 
on Scirocco wheel bolts from 1980 through 1996 without any loosening.  
If one uses M+S tires year round, and doesn't change the tires often, 
it is very helpful in making the bolts removable by hand (i.e., by 
torque wrench, not by fingers).  Otherwise, there is significant 
corrosion, which can marginally damage the threads when the bolts are 
removed.  Never did a bolt loosen after being torqued to 60 ft-lbs.  
Previously I used it on US made Chevy products from 1967 'till 1980, 
similarly torquing the lug nuts.  None of those loosened either.  At 
the specified torque, it is true that the bolt will be tensioned 
slightly greater than for dry, _clean_, smooth threads at the same 
torque.  But considering that most cars are subject to pneumatic 
aggression with likely much higher bolt tension, the hand torqued, 
anti-seize coated bolts are probably better off.  I suggest that at 
standard torques, and less anti-seize than thread clearance volume, 
there is still metal-to-metal contact at the threads, as well as at 
the bolt flange, and it is sufficient to preclude loosening.  YMMV.  
Checking the torque after a few days would be a wise safety 
precaution.

Incidentally, Never Seize is composed of nickel and copper powder in a 
carrier.  However, it is a lousy conductor of electricity, and should 
not be used in electrical paths, such as battery terminals.  Also, 
with reference to a recent post, my Corvair manual specifically 
prohibits use of antiseize compounds on spark plugs, for the reason 
that it changes the thermal resistance across the threads and thereby 
affects the plugs' heat range rating.

***                 ...Kirby    (Kirby A. Smith)                 ***
***              ksmith1@mailgw.sanders.lockheed.com             ***
***              [=]    kirby.smith@lmco.com                     ***
***  Opinions expressed herein are entirely those of the author. ***