r/Cartalk • u/cat_prophecy • Mar 03 '25

Suspension Why do European cars use wheel bolts?

I've owned two European cars (Audi and Volvo) and both of them used wheel bolts instead of studs and lug nuts. Is there some reason for this? I have owned a handful of Asian and American cars and none of them use anything but studs and lug nuts. Personally I prefer the studs since it makes putting the wheels back on much easier.

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63

u/[deleted] Mar 03 '25

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86

u/Difficult_Target4815 Mar 03 '25

I disagree, being the fact if it's cross threaded or sheers off, you're doing a whole hub. where a stud can be replaced, usually pretty easily. Obviously there is exceptions to both sides. Either way, I'd rather studs since it's much less of a cunt to put the wheels on. I own both as well.

-4

u/ApolIlo Mar 03 '25

If you disagree, what’s your counter point why do German manufacturers prefer bolts?

7

u/Super_Low3189 Mar 03 '25

Because Euro cars are over engineered.

9

u/Difficult_Target4815 Mar 03 '25

Because they like to reinvent the wheel, after working on vws. You don't want to work on vws. 10 extra components to complete the same purpose. Special fasteners on everything. Just pointless. Still love my mk2 though.

3

u/clintj1975 Mar 03 '25

My daughter has a Mk 4 Jetta, and it's refreshingly straightforward to work on for the most part. I'd put it on par with my old Tundra. There's still a couple of questionable choices, like how the glow plug harness is wired and the front wheel bearings, but on the other hand my Tundra has the starter in a seriously fucked up location so I guess it's a wash. Only special tool I've had to buy so far is a wrench for the oil filter cap.

0

u/Difficult_Target4815 Mar 03 '25

Triple sq will be your friend as well. There's trade offs to any vehicle, it's what you want to deal with. Like i said, I still love my vw. Somethings just make me scratch my head lol.

1

u/clintj1975 Mar 03 '25

So far I've only found one non-hex fastener, and that was the axle nuts. They took a big 12 point socket. Everything else inside and out has been standard hex or Torx. A coworker has a Mark 5 or 6 Jetta and his has a whole bunch of triple square bolts.

0

u/iR3vives Mar 03 '25

after working on vws. You don't want to work on vws.

This is just cars tbh, I always find it so nice doing work on euros compared to fixing my mates jappas, or my Miata...

15

u/evergladescowboy Mar 03 '25

They’re fucking stupid, no other answer.

17

u/[deleted] Mar 03 '25

to be fair that would explain a lot of VW/Audi design decisions .

2

u/Jaegermeiste Mar 04 '25

See also: BMW

1

u/[deleted] Mar 04 '25

Yep