Replacing rusty wheel bolts - best replacement?

[Bobby Dazzler]

My W203 will be treated to refurbed alloys in the near future, and I'm planning to replace the rusty wheel bolts at the same time.

I recall RAD rust resistant bolts from AlloyWheelsDirect getting a mention before - anyone got a set and care to share their experience?

Any alternatives I should consider?

Bolt Pack 4: Rust resistant bolts

Set of 20 bolts (5 per wheel for 4 wheels) RAD part number: 4052 Shaft Length/mm: 24 Thread pitch: M12x1.5 Drive type: 17mm Seat type: 14mm radius Application: Mercedes - to fit most alloy wheels from these models (230/211/219/163/164/169/245/221/216/251) to these models (107/124/126/129/168/170/171/201/202 203/208/209/210/414)

£41

 

[nigel cross]

I got a set still the same as the day I put them on

 

[Bobby Dazzler]

I got a set still the same as the day I put them on

How long have you had them fitted to the car?

 

[GordonTarling]

RADs were on my S210 for 3 years or so, with no sign of rust.

 

[Sickpuppy e220]

I just used to clean and paint silver with a top coat of clear nail varnish lol.

 

[Sickpuppy e220]

Ooooooops
Don't tell the missus!!!!

 

[Adam230K]

I had these on my 202 when I had the brabus monoblocks on there. 2.5yrs and not a spec of rust.

 

[Bobby Dazzler]

Ooooooops
Don't tell the missus!!!!

I won't volunteer the information, but if she asks then I'll have no choice!!



Looks like RAD bolts it is.

 

[jaymanek]

My RAD's have lasted ages but after a few years i sometimes find a tiny bit of surface rust on the corners of them, clean them up and they are ok again.

 

[Bobby Dazzler]

RAD bolts ordered today, and on their way.

My wheels will finally get refurbed over next few weeks - I'm still running my winter set up as I've put off switching over until refurb.

I was fed up of waiting for slave wheels (5 months!!) so I've taken the plunge and purchased a new set of alloys for my winter tyres which will enable me to carry on driving during the refurb.

I currently run my 225/45 17 winter tyres on staggered 7.5j front and 8.5j rear AMG IV alloys. It's certainly possible to run 225s on 8.5j, but MB recommend running 7.5j front AND rear when using winter tyres, so I've gone for brand new 7.5j ET37 AMG III all round for winter, and I'll keep my to-be-refurbed staggered AMG IV for summer.

I collected the new ones this evening - actual wheels shown below. I've decided to give them a few coats of Autoglym SRP and EGP. Having read up it seems there's little between a wheel sealant and products designed for bodywork.

View attachment 25167

 

[C43AMG]

RADs were on my S210 for 3 years or so, with no sign of rust.

+1 i put a set on the S-class as the ones that come as standard where useless. So far so good.

 

[derek matheson]

Mecedes C Class Coupe

Attached copy of picture of RAD bolts fitted to my 2005 C Class coupe after 18 months. I live in the north of Scotland however, and subject to significant salted roads over the winter.

I do not use wheel cleaner only standard car wash and wax.

Took the issue up with RAD in Germany, who were not at all helpful and passed the issue onto me. Blaming something must be on the surface for this to happen ??? Normal use however.

You decide !!

 

[Dieselman]

Mine have a bout 25% as much rust as that after 5 years.

 

[312 Sprinter]

I bought new ones from Mercedes and painted them to match the wheels.

 

[fatdazza]

I bought new ones from Mercedes and painted them to match the wheels.

Daft question (maybe) - when you use a socket on them does the paint not scratch / chip off?

 

[Dieselman]

Daft question (maybe) - when you use a socket on them does the paint not scratch / chip off?

Not if you use a rubber socket.

 

[312 Sprinter]

Daft question (maybe) - when you use a socket on them does the paint not scratch / chip off?

To an extent it does, but I thinly etch prime them so the paint sticks well. Then I apply a thin coat of paint. If you use a good quality socket it's fine. You can only really see the top of the bolt. Minor damage on the corners just doesn't show.

 

[removed]

Not if you use a rubber socket.

What about the locking bolts / socket?
I'm interested in this solution, if I can avoid scratching the bolts

 

[br0ke]

I've got shiny plastic nuts .... that fit over the top of the proper ones.
I had to cut the one for locking nut and fit a magnet inside it and it sticks very well. I put some grease in them all to keep the water at bay.
Ebay Nuts
Magnets


ShinyNuts.JPG

 

[SilverSaloon]

i sprayed all my wheel bolts on my 107 SL in a similar way to Sprinter....

still look good after unbolting them several times.