Wheel Bolt Missing

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Wheel Bolt Missing

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Got some new tyres today, after getting them fitted the guy came up to me and said one of the bolts wouldn't go back in, it was just spinning inside the hub, notably it was a different bolt from the others all round the car but the bolt has been on there since I bought the car...
So I drove the short journey home at relatively low speed on 3 wheel bolts, there isn't any vibrating so I wasn't drastically worried but obviously I want to replace ASAP.
The problem I'm having is I jumped on ebay to get a replacement bolt and I can only find ones with a 60 degree taper for aftermarket wheels? I have the factory fitted alloys and have no idea if tapered bolts are usable, do I need to source another type??

Thanks
 
If it helps -i use the same Bolts from my alloys to bolt me winter steel wheels onto my punto - No issues AT ALL

My advice First - Take 1 of the "good" known bolts out of the wheel // another wheel and see if the thing actually Bolts in and tightens up?

By the fact its spins either
A - its completly WRONG bolt (too small or wrong pitch) = damaged hub face
B - Bolt is different but correct size and pitch = Hub damaged

Is it a front or rear wheel thats failed?

Ziggy
 
It is possible to re-thread if there is enough metal left although I ended up getting a new wheel bearing on my mk1 punto as the thread was so badly damaged it couldn't be redone and the wheel bolted into the bearing itself through the brake.

Wonder if they use a different design on the bravo..Tbf you're probably about to find out.
 
I'm thinking its going to need a new hub/bearing, the bolt doesn't just barely catch any threads, it just completely slides in no turning required at all so doubt there's much metal there to work with. No idea how much it'd be to get a new hub fitted, guess I'll start ringing around :(
 
Depending on how it's fitted together it might just need a bearing on the rear of a mk1 the bearing fitted on the stub axle the brake was on top but the holes in the brake/hub weren't threaded it was the front plate of the bearing itself that the bolts actually grabbed on to.
 
Since its a front wheel - usually they are a splined Hub thats pressed INTO the bearing in the hub carrier

Normally upon pressing the hub face out the bearing - it destroys the bearings race as it a very very snug fit

So probably either a 2nd hand complete Hub setup (easier for a DIY'er)
Or removing your hub and getting a machine shop / garage to press the old out and the new in for you

tbh - if its a mk1punto - go for a scrappy

Ziggy
 
Got some new tyres today, after getting them fitted the guy came up to me and said one of the bolts wouldn't go back in, it was just spinning inside the hub, notably it was a different bolt from the others all round the car but the bolt has been on there since I bought the car...

Thanks

it was obviously held onto the car somehow..,
or it wouldn't have been there in the "fitters" hand.

:idea: buy a good used set of FIAT locking wheel bolts.. @£5,
and check them against the other bolts on your car..,

front hubs are pretty cheap, i've got some here;)

Charlie
 
:idea: buy a good used set of FIAT locking wheel bolts.. @£5,
and check them against the other bolts on your car..,

front hubs are pretty cheap, i've got some here;)

Charlie

I don't personally do locking bolts, never had anyone attempt to steal the wheels off any of my cars especially running factory heavily scuffed wheels :p

I'm not going to do the hub myself because I don't think my tools would be up to it, is replacing a wheel hub a very similar job to replacing a wheel bearing? I have no idea how much it's likely to cost, I've spoken to 3 garages who have all said they would replace the hub but can't quote me without looking at it (n)
Drove it about 10 miles earlier, it doesn't sound any different so I'm not too worried about taking it on short journeys until a garage can look at it, just want a rough price so I know what I'm getting into :cry:
 
I don't personally do locking bolts, never had anyone attempt to steal the wheels off any of my cars especially running factory heavily scuffed wheels :p

I'm not going to do the hub myself because I don't think my tools would be up to it, is replacing a wheel hub a very similar job to replacing a wheel bearing? I have no idea how much it's likely to cost, I've spoken to 3 garages who have all said they would replace the hub but can't quote me without looking at it (n)
Drove it about 10 miles earlier, it doesn't sound any different so I'm not too worried about taking it on short journeys until a garage can look at it, just want a rough price so I know what I'm getting into :cry:

Hi, generally,
you'd unbolt suspension hub -2x lower bolts,
remove steering tie-rod joint,
and lower wishbone swivel

Driveshaft nut:yuck: that's the awkward bit -- darned tight.

then remove the hub to bench

(bearing is now pressed out)

reintroduce hub to car,
sit on swivel,
drop in tie-rod,
2x strut bolts

probably 1 hour for hub-swap ,
an additional 0.5 to 1 hour for bearing swap.( need a press)

deciding factor for me was ABS spec. bearing is @£45 ,
so 2 hours labour +£45 for part,

I bought a used hub for £30 and did the hub swap myself.
 
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