Wheel bolts
Wheel bolts are a crucial part of a car’s wheel mounting and play a major role in safety, fitment, and durability. Even though they may seem like a small detail, the wheel bolts are what ensure that the wheel is fastened correctly to the hub, which is why it is important to choose the right type for the car, the wheels, and the way the vehicle is used. Incorrect wheel bolts can cause problems with centering and fastening and, in the worst case, lead to damage to both the wheels and the hub.
When changing wheels or modifying a car, it is important to be aware that wheel bolts are not just wheel bolts. Thread, length, seat type, and strength must match both the car and the wheel correctly. Conical seat, ball seat, and different lengths are used for different types of wheels, and if the bolt does not fit precisely, it can result in an incorrect contact surface and unsafe installation. That is why it is important to choose wheel bolts that match the specific setup.
On performance cars, track cars, and other projects with high loads, the demands placed on wheel mounting are often greater than in normal road use. Hard driving, higher grip, stronger braking, and greater wheel load make it even more important that the wheel bolts have the correct quality and dimensions. Here, it is not only about getting the wheel mounted, but about having a solution that remains secure under load and matches the rest of the setup.
When choosing wheel bolts, you should especially consider thread size, thread pitch, under-head length, seat type, and intended use. A correctly chosen wheel bolt provides better and safer installation, while an incorrect solution can cause play, damaged threads, or insufficient retention. This applies both to normal road cars and to more demanding projects where the load on the suspension and wheel mounting is higher.
Aluminium wheel bolts:
Advantages:
Advantages and disadvantages of wheel bolts made from aluminium and steel respectively (click here to open)
- Low weight: Aluminium wheel bolts are usually lighter than steel, which can help reduce the total weight of the vehicle. This can potentially improve acceleration and manoeuvrability.
- Corrosion resistance: Aluminium has natural corrosion-resistant properties, which means aluminium bolts are usually more resistant to rust and oxidation than steel.
- Lower thermal conductivity: Aluminium has lower thermal conductivity than steel, which means aluminium bolts may be less likely to transfer heat from the brakes to the wheels during heavy braking situations.
Disadvantages:
- Lower strength: Aluminium is not as strong as steel, which can make aluminium bolts more likely to break or deform under extreme loads, such as hard braking or heavy cornering.
- Wear: Aluminium bolts can wear faster than steel under extreme conditions such as motorsport and drifting, which may require more frequent replacement.
- Price: Aluminium bolts can be more expensive than steel, which may be a disadvantage for some racers or drift drivers.
Steel wheel bolts:
Advantages:
- Strength: Steel is generally stronger than aluminium, which makes steel wheel bolts more robust and resistant to extreme loads and stress during motorsport and drifting.
- Durability: Steel wheel bolts tend to be more durable and have a longer service life than aluminium bolts, which can reduce the need for frequent replacement.
- Price: Steel wheel bolts are often cheaper than aluminium, making them more cost-effective, especially for those working with a tight budget.
Disadvantages:
- Weight: Steel wheel bolts are usually heavier than aluminium, which can have a negative impact on the vehicle’s total weight and performance.
- Corrosion risk: Steel is more susceptible to rust and corrosion than aluminium, especially if exposed to moisture or salt water, which can shorten the service life of steel wheel bolts if they are not maintained properly.
- Heat transfer: Steel has higher thermal conductivity than aluminium, which means steel wheel bolts may potentially transfer more heat from the brakes to the wheels, which can affect the performance and durability of tyres and brakes over time.
Aluminium Wheel nuts - M12*1.5 - Black (20 pc. set)
