Hi guys. I am a bit stuck, and dont want to move my car until I can figure out if I am going to permenantly damage it.
I just installed the recommended McGard Wheel locks, and started getting a thumping in the wheel as I drove to a point about a mile from home. The original wheel bolts are at home, and I just pulled the McGards. On the ones I removed from the rear, there is obvious evidence of the inside having collisons with something. It seems that they are too long and when fully inserted, ended up scraping something enough to take the threads off a part of them. I double checked that they are the correct length, and they are indeed the 1.40 length recommended by MB.
1. Is it possible that the Brabus 2pc VI 19" 9.5 wheels were mounted incorrectly without spacers? The front seem not to have any collison marks, but the backs do.
2. Or, did I just purchase the incorrect length of wheel bolts because the recommended length changed when the Brabus were put on?
2. What was it that they were hitting when inserted too far?
3. Did I do any permanent damage to anything other than the Bolt locks?
Totally bummed out, and going to jog home to get the original bolts. Won't move the car until I hear from one of you guys.
ps - have any of you ever found that the previous owners didnt do stuff quite right? I have found a few things, and its really disappointing
TIA
-----edited title to reflect it was no longer an emergency.
too long bolts in the rear .... do not drive like this you will break emergancy break your fronts should be ok but need some shorter bolts in rear ... if you have shop that can cut lug bolts, messure original wheels with original bolts how long they sticking out then pre cut McGard Wheel Locks they should not stick out more then original ... if you not sure how it's neet to be done let profesional do it or order shorted bolts ... good luck
You are exactly right about the fronts. They seem to be fine. I just replaced the rears and drove home.
Do you think that I need spacers on the rears? I dont really know what they are, but I see that some replacement wheels require them. Would that explain why the OEM length won't work on the rears?
Really appreciate the fast reply. Emergency brake still seems to work, so guess I didnt damage anything horribly. Will have checked out by professional on Monday though.
You may need a 5mm wheel spacer to bring the tire away from the upper ball joint. Go with a name brand like H&R, the spacers will be hub-centric to the car and to the wheel and will have the proper amount of surface mounting area. The less desirable spacers are the ones that are not hub-centric. Also, the much of the "danger" comes from using the less desirable spacers with too short lug bolts or wheel studs. Or the spacer itself does not have enough surface area (total diamter too small). MB spacing tolerances seem to very tight. you will probably need longer lug bolts (custom lug bolts due to the different ball-seat configuration) they can be quite pricey ($3-9 each depending on the ones you need). & Finally do not forget to torque your lugs if memory serves the correct spec for the 210 with alloys is 85 lb/ft.
With all due respect JOE55, spacers are not practical. Brabus 2pc VI requires a 28MM (give or take 2MM) lugbolt. Stock is 35MM (1.40") Though the length is only about 1/4" too long, the real issue may be the threading placement. Stock 35MM threading begins a few MM below the top of the lugbolt shaft. Aftermarket 28MM threading begins at the top of the lugbolt shaft. Just my two cents. If I am wrong...shot me
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Last edited by ruBENZ_00E55 : 03-03-2007 at 09:30 PM.
Joe55, I don't know who did the install, only that it was in So Cal prior to my purchasing it. From what I gather, the second guy to own my 55 did the wheels and suspension. I am looking for a reputable shop in the Bay Area to check on the work, as it appears that the rear wheels are tilted in and wearing oddly.
I also think he had an aftermarket stereo HU in it, and stuffed back in the original prior to selling. The reason I think this is because the Becker stereo doesn't even pick up AM 680 without static, and two other W210 Beckers I have listened to sound perfectly clear.
ruBenz_00E55, thank you for the Brabus info. Looks like you have the same rims that I do, except mine are silver. I may see what I can do with spacers, because I believe that there is room for the wheels to move a bit farther outward, and I like the wide-end look. If that turns out to be a bad idea, do you think I can just cut the bolts to 28mm? The teeth on the McGards go pretty high up.
With all due respect JOE55, spacers are not practical. Brabus 2pc VI requires a 28MM (give or take 2MM) lugbolt. Stock is 35MM (1.40") Though the length is only about 1/4" too long, the real issue may be the threading placement. Stock 35MM threading begins a few MM below the top of the lugbolt shaft. Aftermarket 28MM threading begins at the top of the lugbolt shaft. Just my two cents. If I am wrong...shot me
I agree they are not practical. I'm just trying to figure out what's wrong with his rims and I thought since it was an after market he might need a spacer. I guess you are right on your advise since you have the same rims I stand corrected.
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