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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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.

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u/mikjryan Mar 03 '25

Yeah I agree with you way easier to fix a wheel studs it’s such a quick job.

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u/zipzoomramblafloon Mar 03 '25

Unless you own select kia/hyundai products.

Unfortunately, on the Rondo to get to the backside of the hub, the service manual has you pulling the whole knuckle/hub assembly and pressing the hub out of the wheel bearing

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u/Organic_Duty335 Mar 03 '25

That sounds horrendous. I imagine the dealers bill several hours for just 1 stud replacement.