Over tighented Wheel Bolts

S

srhutch

Legend
 East Sussex, UK
The dealer has overtightened all the wheel bolts on my car when they replaced all the wheels, I am guessing the wheel guy didnt like the fact I complained about his work.

I couldnt shift the bolts with a spider wrench, wrench from E46, I broke a 17mm socket using my torque wrench, and ended up buying an extendable wheel wrench to remove.

Now I believe there is a serious issue here as the bolts may have been stretched beyond their elastic limit and therefore may sheer. As a result I am planning to request the dealer change all 16 bolts and 4 locking bolts.

Do you think this is realistic, or do you believe there would be no problem?
 
You should definitely go back and have them change all bolts/locks. And you might want to double check that the holes are not cross-threaded.

And never, never ever use a torque wrench to loosen the bolts. Use a breaker bar to loosen the bolts.
 
I would also worry about wheels/spacers/discs if the bolts were overtightened that much. Definitely check everything!
 
Can you change the torque on the wrench gun? According to TIS, the tightening specification shows 120+/-10Nm for wheel bolt.
 
If you can get them to change them good luck, but imho they'll tell you to take a hike. They'll say their equipment sets them to a correct torque, etc.

I have experienced several stretched bolts on my Jeeps and they are really easy to spot. Simply once they are overstretched they continue to stretch as you try to get them to their correct torque.

Generally they are made of a softer material than the hub that they bolt into, so it's the bolt that's damaged not the hub.
 
cj10jeeper said:
If you can get them to change them good luck, but imho they'll tell you to take a hike. They'll say their equipment sets them to a correct torque, etc.

I have experienced several stretched bolts on my Jeeps and they are really easy to spot. Simply once they are overstretched they continue to stretch as you try to get them to their correct torque.

Generally they are made of a softer material than the hub that they bolt into, so it's the bolt that's damaged not the hub.
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Some people now use titanium wheel bolts (£6 each). Other than saving weights, what are the other benefits? Stronger?
 
I know nothing of them so can't comment. Sounds like a high end performance car trick where a few grams matter, not something really needed on a 'normal' road car. Probalbly makes for great bragging rights in the GTi fraternity
 
cj10jeeper said:
I know nothing of them so can't comment. Sounds like a high end performance car trick where a few grams matter, not something really needed on a 'normal' road car. Probalbly makes for great bragging rights in the GTi fraternity
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True. People from Ferrrari forum say those bolts save 0.8lb per wheel.
 
cj10jeeper said:
If you can get them to change them good luck, but imho they'll tell you to take a hike. They'll say their equipment sets them to a correct torque, etc.

I have experienced several stretched bolts on my Jeeps and they are really easy to spot. Simply once they are overstretched they continue to stretch as you try to get them to their correct torque.

Generally they are made of a softer material than the hub that they bolt into, so it's the bolt that's damaged not the hub.
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I know what you are saying but how did their equipment get it so wrong this time last week I removed the bolts without issue to check the wheels they removed he day before.

I believe the wheel fitter was just being an arsehole as I complained about his work.

So if I can torque upto 74ft lbs without a problem which I can you would say they bolts should be fine?
 
GP20 said:
Torque to 88ft-lbs. .

And what caused you to complain about the tech in the first place?
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They had my car in last week to replace all four wheels under warranty but only wanted to change three which I declined as I could end up with an odd wheel. I advised I would recheck the wheels for corrosion which I did and found the tech had put some huge scratches on the supposed good wheel by touching the disc and damaged some of the bolt holes on each wheel.
 
Go with GP20's torque figure. I use 90 lbs. Check them in a week and if they are still OK then no issue whatsoever

The tech may be an idiot, but I see it as an uphill complaint with little successful outcome.
 
I think I will contact the dealer just to advise the wheels are OK, and suggest they have a quiet word in the fitters ear about it and leave it at that
 
I say go back there and raise some hell. :fuelfire:

At least get it documented. If you eventually run into any problem at least you'll have the option of getting BMW UK involved. As a matter of fact after you get the dealer to document the issues, contact BMWUK immeditely even if nothing's wrong at this moment.
 
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