I just got my machined hubs back and I am going to put new studs in them... the olds ones were pretty torn up, and I'm sure as h&ll not going to pay for OEM. Can I use stainless, or should I go with grade 8 (or whatever the hardened metric bolts are called). I don't know if stainless will seize up with the alum hubs... I guess I could use anit-seize but they did have some very strong yellow loctite on them when I took the originals out.... do they make a loctite that is super strong and anti-seize? What do you guys think? I'm leaning towards stainless, unless anyone can convince me otherwise. Thanks.

 

I've been using stainless in mine for about a year or so know. I have had a few problems, but not due to the stainless. First thing that would happen is the studs would back out if an impact was used to tighten the lug nuts, even though I had used loctite (the blue stuff, the removable kind). I always tighten mine by hand, but when I would go to the dyno they would use an impact wrench and the studs would back out. Now I use the green loctite (permanent thread locker) and that problem is solved. Only disadvantage is if you want to remove the studs you need to heat them up with a torch. Not a big deal, how often to you need to change your studs?

Second issue I had was when I started using stainless bolts instead of the stock lug nuts (for looks). After taking them on and off a few times they would jam on the stud. I had to break a stud off one time to get it off!!! Again, this usually happened after using an impact to tighten the lug nuts. After I went back to using the stock lug nuts I haven't had a single problem.

Hope this helps.

 

Stainless on stainless tends to Gall-up (seize).

I wouldn't recommend Stainless unless you had a good reason.

I keep a couple extra in my tool box just in case they get damaged. Generally the lug-nuts will damage them more than anything.

I use an impact but, if they back-out just have an allen with a socket-head so you can easily put it back in.
I'm real careful with the impact on the wheels. There isn't as much meat on these hubs so, don't want to mess anything up.

 

FGR, thanks for the heads up on the loctite... I've always had problems with the red... I won't use it on anything important anymore. I think its designed for bigger bolts than I have used it on in the past.

Duneme, So you say go with hardened... like the OEM's. I was thinking I'd go with OEM lugs either way. I probably should stick with what came on her.... you know they got some real smart cats designing these things now.LOL You are right on the thickness deal... there is not a whole lot of thread on these machined bad boys.... deffinetly don't want to screw them up.

Thanks Guys.... if anyone else can add to this please do... I'm not 100% either way yet.

 

you can shave another couple ounces off by only running 2 studs and nuts, is it raining down there?

 

No rain yet... yea I'll try the two lug thing... just make sure you are riding on that side so when the wheel sheers off the lugs you can have a good view, and give me a play-by-play.LOL

 

Check that... rain just started.

 

i was in a hurry and did not put a pin in the wheal nut, i sent my buddy on one heck of a ride, i just could not do that to you. i think we might have something in common so cant do it to a fellow rider[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img] use all 4

 

Is our common bond the DS or being large and in charge.[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif[/img]

 

i would have to say both.