And in general, why would some cars use lug bolts, instead of lug nuts? Lug nuts are so much easier for owners. About the only advantage of lug bolts is that they are easier to work with aftermarket wheels, and wheel spacers. Is that right?
how to hold wheels steady while installing wheel bolts?
- Thread starter qqzj
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2ndGearRubber
Well-known member
Place a lug bolt and the required socket through one of the holes. Lift the tire onto your knee as you place it against the hub. Lean forward slightly while standing on one leg, which will keep forward pressure against the wheel and stabilize you while tightening. Ideally clock the wheel before lifting it up so it's somewhat lined up with one of the stud holes. I prefer to use holes visible from above while standing, so anything from 9-3 o'clock is preferable.
When on jack stands, do the same except lift the tire onto the hub first. Then place your foot underneath for stabilization while you start the bolt with the socket you already placed in one of the holes.
You can also buy hangers, which are just long studs to make this easier. If I was going to DIY, I'd buy the hangers. When working on a rack, the method I listed first is very easy so I never bothered buying them.
When on jack stands, do the same except lift the tire onto the hub first. Then place your foot underneath for stabilization while you start the bolt with the socket you already placed in one of the holes.
You can also buy hangers, which are just long studs to make this easier. If I was going to DIY, I'd buy the hangers. When working on a rack, the method I listed first is very easy so I never bothered buying them.
/Thread.
kudakev615
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vavet
Well-known member
If the wheels are hubcentric, it makes it much easier. Keep the bolts and the socket within arms reach. Lift the wheel in place. Once the weight of he wheel is on the hub, then it just needs a slight force to keep it from falling off. Align the wheel Holes with the hub holes. Grab the bolt and socket. Once you get one bolt started, the rest are easy.
Lucid Moments
Well-known member
Came here to suggest something like this. I think I used the exact same set a couple of times at a friends shop. Also if it is your personal car I would install studs as soon as possible. It is only a nuisance to have to deal with at home, but imagine having to deal with it on the side of the highway if you have a flat.
BlakeTheCarGuy
ALLIANCE MEMBER
I hate lug studs especially on the Jeep’s which I work on a lot if we get one traded in. I bought one of the Snap-on hangers for it. I have no idea why they chose to do it it’s a stupid idea. One thing that always helps me is do one of the bottom ones first to hold it in place that goes for lug studs or regular lug nuts. Actually one of my coworkers got hurt because he tried to catch a falling wheel that had lug studs so no thing to hold it with. After that he bought a couple of the hangers. The reason he tried to catch it is because he doesn’t wear steel toes and it was heading right for his foot.
The car came with a hanger, in the tool kit. It's probably plastic, but it will work. If it's still there.... Single metal ones are available, and greatly ease side of the road wheel changes.
kudakev615
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what pushed me to purchase the lisle set was that i had to take off all four wheels on a 2018 bmw X7 for wheel repair. im talking 22 inch wheels with run flat tires weighing 70-80 lbs a piece.
Walkers
Well-known member
If you are using a floor jack, raise the car enough that the wheel is just touching the ground. This way you are not dealing with any weight, just lining up the holes.
BolognaBlake
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I probably remove and install a couple dozen wheels with lug bolts everyday.
I generally have the vehicle with the wheels just a few inches off the ground. Squat down so that my knees keep the wheel on the hub while I zip out the bolts, then when I stand up, I bring the wheel with me.
When I reinstall, I squat down and lift the wheel so the holes are aligned, then press my knees against the wheel to hold it while I install the lug bolts.
That's the quickest way for me.
I generally have the vehicle with the wheels just a few inches off the ground. Squat down so that my knees keep the wheel on the hub while I zip out the bolts, then when I stand up, I bring the wheel with me.
When I reinstall, I squat down and lift the wheel so the holes are aligned, then press my knees against the wheel to hold it while I install the lug bolts.
That's the quickest way for me.
I’m on my 3rd VW, and they all have lug bolts. I bought a set of wheel studs designed to replace the bolts. I keep 2 of them and a T-handle allen wrench for them in the car. I just hand tread one in, put the wheel on and once I’ve got a couple bolts started use the Allen wrench to pull the stud. Before I had them, It seemed like every time I’d take off a wheel I’d need one person to hold the hub while the other spun the wheel to line up the holes.
Packard V8
Well-known member
In the years since ballers/wannabees running "dubs" became a thing, the local wheel repair shop takes the entire staff to Hawaii for a week in the spring on the profits from that huge wheel/skinny tire combination. He loves it even more when they put the dubs on Escalade/2500 series trucks. In a good winter, they'll bend all four of the wheels.
jack vines
vanapplebomb
Well-known member
I always replace lug bolts with studs. It’s pretty easy to drill out the holes and press in studs.
Just need a drill press to drill holes straight and a hammer (although a press is better).
If you do not have a press, the easiest way to get the stud straight is to use the lug nut to back up the stud. Slide the threads through the hole, and gently snug the nut up to pull the stud straight. Then hammer it in a bit, then pull up with the nut again, and just repeat. After three or four cycles of that, it will be started well enough to continue going straight in if you hammer carefully. You have to hit it square, or it will start to bigger up the hole.
Just need a drill press to drill holes straight and a hammer (although a press is better).
If you do not have a press, the easiest way to get the stud straight is to use the lug nut to back up the stud. Slide the threads through the hole, and gently snug the nut up to pull the stud straight. Then hammer it in a bit, then pull up with the nut again, and just repeat. After three or four cycles of that, it will be started well enough to continue going straight in if you hammer carefully. You have to hit it square, or it will start to bigger up the hole.
Ign
Well-known member
My old Audis included "hangers" in the spare tire kit, basically just all-thread with a not-threaded part for the wheel to rest on. They were actually plastic IIRC
I've noticed the rear wheels on my Kubota L2800 have 2 wheel studs with nuts, the rest are bolts. I thought that was kinda cool as the studs act as "hangers"
I've noticed the rear wheels on my Kubota L2800 have 2 wheel studs with nuts, the rest are bolts. I thought that was kinda cool as the studs act as "hangers"