Techy question regarding bolts

[Space Cadet]

There are 6 (I think without checking) little countersunk Allen bolts which fix my steering wheel to the QR boss, partially because I've rounded one of the bolts and partially because I fancy adding a bit of colour, could I swap these bolts for some good quality Pro-Bolt anodised aluminium bolts? I'm not sure what the standard bolts are made of - they might actually be aluminium but like I say I'm not sure. The car is a track car and I'm held in place by a 6-point harness so hopefully I would never hit the wheel so theoretically it would only be subjected to sideways stress. Anybody with an engineering head on them that could advise? - thanks.

 

[Jaff.]

I can't see a problem with changing them tbh. Is there a number on the bolts you currently have? Like 8.8 or 10?

if it has 8.8 or something it shouldn't be an issue changing them

 

[Space Cadet]

Thanks, I'll check the number tonight. I think they originally came with an OMP wheel, which I've changed since and now also fitted a QR Boss so they've been 'used' quite a few times.

 

[Jaff.]

Tbh I can't see there being much stress on those bolts at all, plus with the load shared over 6 of them I think you should be fine

 

[Space Cadet]

Thanks. I'm not great with stresses - I'd presume that the bolts would only be subjected to a 'sideways' cutting stress when turning the wheel as opposed a 'pulling' stress from being stretched say like the head bolts in the engine. I could be talking complete rubbish of course.

 

[Fred@BTM]

8.8's are more than enough, from memory they should be M6 (but nor sure!)

 

[Jaff.]

Yes essentially, there shouldn't be too much stress on them. In a crash however is another story, but I can't see an issue there either. Like I said check what number is on them and if its an 8 then any bolt will do

 

[Space Cadet]

Thanks Fred. The 8.8 that Jaff was referring to may be the number appearing on the original bolts, I wont be able to confirm until I get home tonight. My original question is whether I can replace these with some Pro-Bolt aluminium bolts, or whether they would have to be stronger and made of say stainless-steel? Thanks again Jaff, will check the bolts tonight.

 

[Fred@BTM]

na they should be fine, its not got to hold that much

 

[Space Cadet]

na they should be fine, its not got to hold that much

Thanks!

 

[BIGASH]

They are M6 countersink Mark as I ordered some the other day. I did look at Pro bolt but they didn't do an orange I liked lol

 

[Space Cadet]

Hey James. Ha ha ORANGE!! - I was just going to go for blue as that's the interior scheme - orange is reserved for the chassis! Did you order them in aluminium or go for something stronger?

 

[BIGASH]

I just ended up getting these Mark after the lack of orange Pro bolts http://bit.ly/13mdViT

I'm not sure what they are made of to be fair but they are 10.9 bolts

 

[Space Cadet]

Thanks James, I cant view the link at work but a quick Google search informed that 10.9 is as hard as they get so probably unlikely they're aluminium. I'll have a look at what rating the bolts I already have are and report back later/tomorrow.

 

[Space Cadet]

Right, the bolts I already have are 10.9, but none of this matters now anyway as I've just ordered some lovely blue Pro-Bolt aluminum bolts - so if they fail and I crash I've only got my vanity to blame. Don't whatever you do look at the Pro-Bolt site though because you'll end up spending far more than you ever intended to do, as I've just done... bolts for the door panels, handles, steering wheel, various bits n bobs, engine rocker cover etc etc. God I've got to get a life.......

Just looked at your link James, they look perfect for what you want and probably the same as supplied with the wheels. Plus you've probably saved about £100!

 

[BIGASH]

Haha lol! Good work Mark

I'm sure the ones you've bought will be perfectly fine! You big tart

I only needed to buy some as my wheel only had 4 bolts fitted from day 1 so I thought I better add another two!

 

[Space Cadet]

Thanks James, you know me well enough by now it seems!!

 

[Kelv]

I'm sure the ones you've bought will be perfectly fine! You big tart

lol @ Tart.
looking at Marks car, I'm pretty convinced he has a little OCD.
its a work of art, but I can fully understand the justification for calling him a Tart

 

[Space Cadet]

.....I knew I should've charged more for those tyres!! Thanks for the kind words Kelv and to think it’s still a long way from being finished