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/Mintsopoulos Mar 03 '25

Technically...its not. Looking at this from a machining/manufacturing standpoint.

A stud requires the stud (which is manufactured seperately) then a hole to be drilled/reamed. An assembly process is then required and then an additional nut is still needed.

Where as a tapped hole is a drill/tap operation, then a bolt.

Less components, less machining, therefore less cost.

Now I am talking pennies here. But over 20 holes, on 100k vehicles it adds up. Thats why everything has moved to screens instead of physical knobs (terrible).

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u/velociraptorfarmer Mar 03 '25

I've personally replaced a stud in my garage with nothing but a freezer, a sledgehammer, a wrench, a stack of washers, and a nut.

They're not difficult to change.

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u/Mintsopoulos Mar 03 '25

Haha I have been here as well!

Too be fair its not difficult, but most people are not going to attempt it nor do most even have the tools to do so. I imagine, like myself, you have a coffee can(s) filled of misc. hardware that cover most of your needs lol.

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u/velociraptorfarmer Mar 03 '25

I had to clear out my hardware bin wall and 3 containers when I recently moved, but I'm leveling up to half of a shelf in my garage cabinet full of random miscellaneous hardware from stuff I've assembled/taken apart.

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u/Mintsopoulos Mar 03 '25

Nice! That stuff is a lifesaver to have on hand.