Lug Bolt Opinion

[0356kid]

Have an 08C2S and was wondering about any pros or cons on the stainless steel and/or titanium lug bolts being offered for sale. Any known issues with running them and the torque value changing over time when driving with them?

Thx,

[RFM]

I have no experience with the use of stainless steel or titanium lug bolts, however there are a few very important things where attention should be given to: the thread lenght and the shape of the conical part. If they are not perfectly the same then the wheel may come off.

[0356kid]

Thanks RFM. My stock lug bolts are sort of "dingy" looking and I tried powder coating them but even with a soft socket, they still chip. Just wondering about another alternative but you bring up very valid points I hadn't thought of. Thx.

[1schoir]

I installed a set of stainless steel bolts about four years ago and have been running them on my Boxster since then with no problems.

I had read about the potential problem of the bolts loosening over time, etc., and at first was checking the torque on the lug nuts on a regular basis, especially after removing and reinstalling the wheels. I never found that any of the bolts had loosened up. The bolts were one piece, but I believe they now come in the two-piece design, with the floating collar.

The set of stainless bolts I purchased were from MaxSpeed Motorsports and the owner of the concern was very accommodating, responsive and an enthusiast as well.

Here is a photo of what they look like, taken two years ago, after about two years on the car:

Regards, Maurice.

Edited September 19, 2013 by 1schoir

[0356kid]

Thanks Maurice. You are right, I have seen them in a two piece design.

[Mijostyn]

0356kid,

Stainless steel is probably ok if it is T304. Otherwise stainless can corrode the crap out of aluminum. You notice that the 2nd piece on Porsches lug nuts is aluminum just for that reason. Stainless will corrode plain steel like your discs and wheel hubs even faster. Titanium is totally inert.

TiKore Industries makes fabulous Ti lug bolts in both single and two piece designs. The two piece are much more expensive. Porsche uses the two piece design because they torque more consistently. Frankly, if you keep your wheels and lug bolts clean this is not an issue. In the picture to the left you see Tikore's single piece Ti lug bolts. I have driven through one Winter on them and they still shine. They have a beautiful rose hue and IMHO look much classier than chrome or SS. Ti can tarnish but you can polish them up like new with a Dremel tool till the cows come home. The only down side I know of is that Ti galls easily so, you have to use a good Hi Temp antiseize on them.

Edited October 2, 2013 by Mijostyn