Lug Bolt Vs. Nut

Anybody know why the Germans use bolts rather than studs and nuts to hold the wheels on?

On my w123 there are about 6 threads of engagement. On my GM car there about

13 threads of engagenent.

I know if you do the math that the 6 threads would provide enough strength but more seems better.

Has any of you had the female threads in the hub strip out?

Thanks

Reply to
Commuter
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I never gave it much thought, but now that I am giving it a little it occurs that replacing a lost bolt is an easier proposition than replacing a broken stud off a wheel.

Reply to
Steve Harder-Kucera

That's the same as saying replacing a lost nut is an easier proposition than a broken bolt in a hole. It doesn't really address the differences at all!

Stripped thread in a hole = new wheel. Stripped thread off a stud = new stud. You do the math. Similar amount of work to change.

Changing a flat when you have to lift the wheel and find the hole with a bolt is somewhat harder than lifting and placing a wheel on studs.

Reply to
Happy Trails

No, but I had all five bolts snap off (four while driving, the fifth at stand still). I still don't know whether I overtightened the bolts or forgot to tighten them, but I now always use a torque wrench. BTW, the bolts could not be drilled out and I had to replace the hub.

pej

Reply to
Per Erik Jorde

Just an observation:

I had steel rims on my W123 and Alloy Rims on my W124. They use different length bolts. In fact, since my spare wheel has a steel rim, I have a set of shorter bolts just for the spare, which look just like the ones I used to have on my W123.

Are you using alloy rims? They will need longer bolts, and I believe I have more than 6 threads of engagement on mine. See difference here:

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Anybody know why the Germans use bolts rather than studs and nuts to hold

Reply to
WS

The number of threads of engagement is determined by the thickness of the flange at the hub.

Reply to
Commuter

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