Stripped/cross threaded wheel bolts

[Turbo]

The proper solution would be to fit a new drive flange. You will also need a new wheel bearing as you will damage the bearing when changing the flange. It is a fairly straightforward job, probably 3-4 hrs labour for a decent mechanic. You could speed up the process by getting a complete hub from a breaker but you run the risk of it being the wrong part or having a knackered bearing.

If it was me I wouldn't be driving this until it was repaired. There is a chance of the bolts failing & causing an accident. If it's discovered that you were using the van with this fault your insurance would be void & you would be in big trouble!

 

[Bill Edwards]

Lubed or unlubed?

Lubricated every time. Sometimes it's stated that bolts should be lubricated with light oil, other times the figure may be for dry. However, I would sooner have a little over tightening (which to a sensible degree will cause no harm) than a dry bolt.
Also bear in mind that a dry bolt can catch as it turns and may give a less reliable torque reading.

 

[waddycall]

It's only taken the best part of two months but it's finally sorted. I got a hub from a breaker, stripped, cleaned and painted it and fitted a new bearing. Thanks to doubleboosts vid for hints and tips on that bit. I have no press but used the end frames of my steel bench and a bottle jack to do the pressing. I also changed the discs and pads and the offside anti roll bar linkage - the source of the knock that prompted me to take the wheel off in the first place and discover the knackered bolts.
Thanks for the advice and thanks to double boost for the wheel bearing vid.

 

[Pete.]

My son in law had this very thing happen with his Golf. The tyre fitter coughed for new hubs, bearings and bolts and paid for them to be installed.

 

[mechman]

Strange thing with my 93 cavalier the thread I was told was a conduit thread, one tap available at £20 so after I recovered from being concussed I used a spare wheel bolt ground 4 flutes in it (very roughly) heated it and quenched it, it used it as a tap worked perfect ,but back to the thread there was nothing wrong with the hub/bolts until I had new tyres fitted.

 

[the snooper]

My son in law had this very thing happen with his Golf. The tyre fitter coughed for new hubs, bearings and bolts and paid for them to be installed.

bet he never did it again

 

[mechman]

bet he never did it again

What happened to common cement. if you're in the game surely you make sure that the thread has entered first. Can anyone remember that time served meant it.

 

[the snooper]

What happened to common cement. if you're in the game surely you make sure that the thread has entered first. Can anyone remember that time served meant it.

that'll be Portland

 

[mechman]

that'll be Portland

aye

 

[waldershelf]

I wouldn't put copper grease on the threads, just between the wheel and the hub.

Bit of an old chestnut this one, I've seen this one discussed loads of times. I never used to use any lube on wheel threads but one guy I worked for (on Porsches) insisted on copper slip. I never use it on my Land Rover, The alloy wheels always need torqueing up when refitting wheels and again after a few miles, good practice anyway but essential in Defenders and early disco's for some reason they come loose if you don't