Why Are the Bolts Shorter After Changing the Wheel Hub?
2 Answers
Excessive force when changing the wheel hub can cause the bolt shank to break. Root cause of bolt breakage: If a torque wrench is used for tire bolts, they won't break. Bolts that break are often those previously tightened with an impact wrench. To improve efficiency, repair shops typically set the impact wrench to maximum torque, gradually stretching the bolts over time, leading to breakage. How to remove a broken bolt when changing a tire: Replacing a tire bolt requires removing the brake disc. Over time, the brake drum can rust, and if it's a drum brake, prolonged use can create a step due to wear. The brake disc can get stuck by the brake pads, making it difficult to remove. This vehicle is designed with two screw holes on the disc, allowing two long screws to easily push the disc out—a very user-friendly design. Without these screw holes, one would have to use a hammer with a wooden block to slowly tap it out.
I've heard my buddies talk about the issue of lug nuts becoming shorter after changing wheels. It's usually because the new wheels are a bit thinner than the original ones. The stock wheels needed longer lug nuts to go through and secure properly, but with thinner aftermarket wheels, the seating depth is shallower, requiring shorter lug nuts. If the lug nuts are too long, they might hit the brake rotor or the inner side of the tire—and that's no joke. I learned this the hard way when I was younger—I reused the original lug nuts, and the wheels wobbled badly on the road, scaring me into pulling over immediately. Later, a mechanic told me that when changing wheels, you must check the offset value and hub depth, and buy specialized lug nuts—don't skimp on safety. Loose wheels at high speeds are no laughing matter—minor repairs are expensive, and major ones could lead to accidents. I advise fellow car enthusiasts to measure the old lug nut length and new wheel thickness before modifying, then buy matching ones—don't cut corners for convenience.
