Chrome Plated Lug Bolts - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Alkraut · #1 03-04-2007, 01:37 PM

Has anyone put the chrome plated repro lugbolts on their car? They are available on the internet and look like the originals with the ball seat at midpoint and the 17MM head. I think they would look nice on the 560SL wheels, especially with the AMG type caps that have the chrome star.

I'm interested in good quality and fit. I also heard stories about chrome plating causing "hydrogen embrittlement" on bolts in tension. Anyone know if this is a factor here? Thanks. Al

jstreeter · #2 03-04-2007, 02:11 PM

I guess anythings possible, but I thought hydrogen embrittlement was related to zinc chromate processes, although I guess any electroplating process could cause it. Usually they heat relieve the parts anyway to eliminate all those worries. I used some of these bolts to put a set of SLK wheels on my slc.

t walgamuth · #3 03-04-2007, 02:13 PM

i have some that i bought to use with spacers on my autocrossing setup.

they withstood three or four autocrosses running hoosier slicks. i suspect that this is more stress than they will ever see on the highway with highway tires.

tom w

Strife · #4 03-04-2007, 05:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alkraut

Has anyone put the chrome plated repro lugbolts on their car? They are available on the internet and look like the originals with the ball seat at midpoint and the 17MM head. I think they would look nice on the 560SL wheels, especially with the AMG type caps that have the chrome star.

I'm interested in good quality and fit. I also heard stories about chrome plating causing "hydrogen embrittlement" on bolts in tension. Anyone know if this is a factor here? Thanks. Al

I picked up a set at a good price on eBay, then I got those plastic "caps". I actually liked the caps more and stuck with them. No rust, no damage (you take them off with a tool when you want to get the lugs underneath off), and they lend a little bit of theft-resistance. They are natually a little bigger than original and this fills the holes for the lugs better.

Alkraut · #5 03-04-2007, 05:23 PM

Thanks all!

Strife, I checked the picture of your car, and your wheels look great! That's the look I will pursue. Are your center caps painted a color between the star? I probably will get the ones with the "non metallic" gray between the chrome star, as it will match the wheel.

Roncallo · #6 03-04-2007, 06:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Strife

I picked up a set at a good price on eBay, then I got those plastic "caps". I actually liked the caps more and stuck with them. No rust, no damage (you take them off with a tool when you want to get the lugs underneath off), and they lend a little bit of theft-resistance. They are natually a little bigger than original and this fills the holes for the lugs better.

I hate those plastic caps. Too much trouble getting them off. I know if I ever brought them to a tire store, they would be removing them with a chisel. I'm getting a set of chrome lugbolts, even if I have to replace them every year.

John Roncallo

nobby · #7 03-04-2007, 07:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Strife

I picked up a set at a good price on eBay, then I got those plastic "caps". I actually liked the caps more and stuck with them. No rust, no damage (you take them off with a tool when you want to get the lugs underneath off), and they lend a little bit of theft-resistance. They are natually a little bigger than original and this fills the holes for the lugs better.

I have the plastic caps as well and have had no issues with them. On and off three times. You need the tool, though.

page62 · #8 03-04-2007, 08:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Roncallo

I hate those plastic caps. Too much trouble getting them off.

A tube of Anti-Seize is your friend!

Strife · #9 03-05-2007, 01:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by page62

A tube of Anti-Seize is your friend!

They don't go on well until you take rust off the heads of the bolts. I then put a little white grease on underneath.

I would probably be willing to use the chrome bolts if I could find a socket that will definitely not mar the bolts. I'm not that meticulous about this but it has been my experience that if you actually use chrome bolts and torque them down, the edges have the chrome come off and immediately rust.

Maybe one with a soft (lead alloy) layer inside the socket? I think that these exist.

rfpmoxie · #10 03-09-2007, 04:47 PM

I've been unable to find plastic caps for a '90 300sl . Any hints?

Thanks in advance,
Ron

Roncallo · #11 03-10-2007, 05:03 AM

Performance Products has them

John Roncallo

Roncallo · #12 03-10-2007, 05:09 AM

Ive been meaning to try these as well as the impact tourque sticks they sell.

http://www.torquestick.com/cart/customer/product.php?productid=107&cat=16&page=1

John Roncallo

Quote:

Originally Posted by Strife

They don't go on well until you take rust off the heads of the bolts. I then put a little white grease on underneath.

I would probably be willing to use the chrome bolts if I could find a socket that will definitely not mar the bolts. I'm not that meticulous about this but it has been my experience that if you actually use chrome bolts and torque them down, the edges have the chrome come off and immediately rust.

Maybe one with a soft (lead alloy) layer inside the socket? I think that these exist.

rfpmoxie · #13 03-11-2007, 07:40 PM

Thanks Roncallo, but this is what Performance Products indicates when you punch in 9 300SL

Chrome Lug Bolt Covers

There are no parts available for your 1990 300SL . You can select a different vehicle or search for a different product.