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[okla7788]

I have just installed winter tire with 18" sport edition A7 wheels square setup as recommended on this forum. The wheel bolt to the left rear wheel becomes loose every couple of days (20k city driving each day). I have OEM bolts, no spacer. It was a heck of a time getting the summer wheels of the particular corner. I have torque the bolt to 90 everytime. What's going on?

[M3SQRD]

Originally Posted by okla7788

I have just installed winter tire with 18" sport edition A7 wheels square setup as recommended on this forum. The wheel bolt to the left rear wheel becomes loose every couple of days (20k city driving each day). I have OEM bolts, no spacer. It was a heck of a time getting the summer wheels of the particular corner. I have torque the bolt to 90 everytime. What's going on?

Are the OEM lug bolts the correct length for this wheel? If they are too short in length then you are not getting sufficient thread engagement.

Did you clean the mounting surface and hub? If there is rust, debris or grease between the wheel and mounting surface you could potentially lose preload.

What pattern (e.g., star) are you using to torque the bolts? If a star pattern is not used it could potentially result in non-uniform preload/torque.

Is it difficult to install the lug bolts (i.e., can you install them by hand)? If the threads are damaged in the hub then 100% of your applied torque is not preloading the bolt.

[okla7788]

Thanks for the reply.

I was told by Tire Rack that the OEM should be fine for this installation. If it is a matter of longer bolts that would be an easy fix. I had gone back and wire brushed, and degreased the mounting surface before mounting but still no help.

I did use the stars pattern and the bolts seems to go in fine.

[M3SQRD]

Originally Posted by okla7788

Thanks for the reply.

I was told by Tire Rack that the OEM should be fine for this installation. If it is a matter of longer bolts that would be an easy fix. I had gone back and wire brushed, and degreased the mounting surface before mounting but still no help.

I did use the stars pattern and the bolts seems to go in fine.

To check length, stick one of the lug bolts thru the stock wheel and measure the length of the bolt sticking out of the back side of the wheel mounting surface. Do the same thing with the A7 wheel (obviously need to remove it from the car first).

When you torque the lug bolts do you torque them with the wheel off the ground or "snug" the bolts in the air and torque with wheel on the ground or torque the lug bolts on the ground without first "snubbing" the bolts with the wheel off the ground?