W210 wheel bolt threads

[IanT]

In my related thread I noted that I have bought some new alloys, but the bolts supplied with them are too long, or appear to be.

The problem is that they are about 5 to 6mm too long and the threads in the hubs don't allow the bolts to go right through. I can't see why, as my quick look around the backs didn't reveal anything that would be damaged if the bolts came slightly proud of the rear of the hub.

Have I missed something here, should I now grind all of the bolts down so that they are the 'right' length, or is it just that the threads need cleaning?

Thanks,

Ian.

 

[C240Sport97]

you tried using your existing (old) bolts?

 

[Shude]

you tried using your existing (old) bolts?

If the old bolts were working in conjunction with a set of oem alloys then it makes sense that they should work with other oem alloys.

 

[IanT]

Well yes, and no.

The wheels I bought are 'copies' of OEM Avantgarde style alloys. I'll post a pic or two in the gallery in a moment. The OEM bolts are much longer (10mm or more) than the bolts supplied, owing to the lesser offset in the new wheels and different seat position. The wheels have the correct offset for the car (ET35 on an 8J rim) and replaced ET41 7.5J rims.

I have solved the problem however - Looking at the rears, they went straight in with no problem. The fronts were obviously risty on the inboard extremities of the thread in the hubs, offside was worst. Any responsible person fitting the new bolts would stop and say 'something's wrong here' as the bolts went in so far, got pretty tight and still there was slack between the alloy and hub. I removed the brake disc and looked behind to be sure, but there's nothing behind there to get in the way if the bolts are slightly proud of the inside of the hub, so I simply cleaned out the rusty threads with a cleaning bolt and the new bolts fitted fine.

In truth they only extend about 5mm inside the inner edge of the hub so there won't be a problem there.

So they're fitted and looking lovely... handling has improved too.

Ian.

 

[IanT]

And the finished pics are here...

http://www.mbclub.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?p=64056#post64056

Ian.

 

[Shude]

And the finished pics are here...

Looking good Ian!

 

[sym]

Very nice - like those Rims. Just like the real thing.

S.

 

[IanT]

Almost better than the real thing - I managed to find a set of these for sale in this country...

Having never owned new alloys before I can see I'll be out cleaning them all the time now, or at least until next week when I horrendously kerb them or something silly. Yes, they do tidy the car up a little... now I need to do a deal with DentWizard to get all the dings sorted and with Chips Away to get my bonnet tidied up.

Hoping I'll get time to give the old girl a wash before tomorrow.

Ian.