Switching to Aluminum Wheels, are the bolts ok or do I need studs

[beel61]

Hi, I have a tandem axle e-z-loader trailer, it has the standard white spoke wheels and I want to spiff it up a bit. It has shouldered bolts holding the wheels on. Does anyone know if these will work with an aluminum wheels that would normally take a shouldered nut ? Or is there a kit somewhere to install studs on the hub and do away with the bolts ?

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Switching to Aluminum Wheels, are the bolts ok or do I need studs

Regardless what you end up using, make sure the taper on the stud/nut matches that of the wheel. You generally can't tell by looking. If you are using aluminum trailer wheels than the standard taper will likely be ok. If they came off a car or truck you need to check the vehicle specs to see what the taper was and use appropriate nuts/studs

 

[reelfishin]

Re: Switching to Aluminum Wheels, are the bolts ok or do I need studs

If your wheels are made for shouldered nuts, then you will need to convert to studs and use the correct nuts.
I've not seen a wheel lug bolt made or intended for shoulder type rims.

(I'd also make sure the hub and lug to rim surfaces are kept well lubed as aluminum wheels tend to seize to hubs, especially in wet, or salt environments).

 

[Bondo]

Re: Switching to Aluminum Wheels, are the bolts ok or do I need studs

If your wheels are made for shouldered nuts, then you will need to convert to studs and use the correct nuts.
I've not seen a wheel lug bolt made or intended for shoulder type rims.

Ayuh,... It appears it Can't be done without changing the Hubs,....

I've got a set of Mags arranged in a sculpture beside the garage because I'm not ready to change the hubs on My E-Z Loader....
Matter of fact, I gotta replace the tires because of Sun Rot,+ am going with the original steel wheels....

 

[reelfishin]

Re: Switching to Aluminum Wheels, are the bolts ok or do I need studs

I have seen bolt to stud conversions for trailer hubs, someone was making screw in studs to convert over bolt type hubs.

http://www.humphreystrailerparts.co...00&NEXTPAGE=Detail-F.htm&CLIENT=HUMPHREYPARTS

I took several of my hubs, machined the back side of the hub flat, and threaded in 1/2" x 20 grade 8 bolts with green Locktite. They've been fine for years. (Race cars have been using studs installed this way for years).
I suppose on a trailer, you could even tack weld them in place from behind to prevent them from backing out.

http://www.markwilliams.com/detail.aspx?ID=524

http://www.markwilliams.com/detail.aspx?ID=525