108 wheel bolts/screws

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Nick_in_Suffolk

Member
 Suffolk
Despite the hilarity that my plan to dismantle 108 wheels caused in another thread, I want to go ahead. The corrosion is not so bad that my dealer would replace the wheels (the 2 rears were replaced under warranty a couple of months ago and were much worse). There is only the early beginnings of corrosion on a couple of the 'spokes' on the fronts.

My only (?) problem is the screw/bolt head. There is a twelve (well, its more than 6) pointed star internal spline on the screw/bolt. What type of fixing is this?
 
Nick_in_Suffolk I still think you're mad for doing it :D

Is it a Torx head on the bolts (although that has 6 points) - not sure what else it could be after that? Other than that I would have a look and the Screwfix website and see if you spot the right tool.
 
Could that be the lock bolt? Check your tool kit for the key. Tool kit should be located in da boot next to da battery. Here, I'll take some pix and post in a few...
 
Hehe.... :P

Just looked for them, they look like "Star Bits" (never heard of that before) http://www.screwfix.com/app/sfd/cat/cat.jsp?cId=100193&ts=15206
 
Now I said it before (in the other forum) but I'll say it again ... I think splitting your wheel apart is a bit of a risky move. Check out the wheel refurb how to. I bet you could 'repair' the minor damage you are describing without resorting such drastic measures.
 
BTW, if you do go ahead, please post some pics ... I sure would like to see what it looks like split apart.
 
I have 108's on my Z4 which was built August 06 and been sitting at a dealer until May 07 when I collected it so it's nearly a year old.

Question is, how long for the corrosion to start. I think I have spotted some on the very edge already, although you cannot feel anything if you run your finger over it.

I did wonder about running a bead of silicone around the split rim join on the inside but not sure if this would help or not.

where is the corrosion showing generally?

how much does waxing/protecting keep the corrosion at bay?
 
Corrosion, at least on my wife's car, strarted at the base of the spokes on the inside rim. I suspect that it is caused by salt and other road/brake detritus getting in form the outside and lodging in the small gaps that exist. I can't imagine, from an engineering persepctive, that the spokes load the wheel rim, except through the bolts. I am not sure that unless both sides are treated that applying a silicon bead will help.

Since we had the 2 rear wheels replaced (that was after 22k miles, and no winter driving for us, the car's 2nd owners), I have been far more meticulous in my cleaning regime, which involves removal of each wheel, use of non-aggressive cleaning materials and applying a spray (brake dust) protectant film afterwards. Perhaps in another 2 to 3 years I will know if it has been worthwhile.

In the meantime, I am going to try and split a wheel. The spare I have may be called into action sooner than I had thought.
 
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