Steel Grade for Hub Carrier Bolts

[revilla]

To resolve suspension issues covered at length elsewhere on here I will be inserting some shims between my de Dion tube and ears. This will necessitate the use of slightly longer bolts through the hub carrier and ears.

 

I will remove the existing bolts, check the thread (possibly M10?), measure the length, and order some 5mm longer, however I am aware that these are critical bolts carrying significant loads and I'm not sure if there are any other characteristics I should be looking for in the bolts I buy such as grade of steel etc.

 

Mild steel, stainless steel, toughened yellow metal bolts, "8.8" ...

 

Can anyone explain the different characteristics and recommend how to select bolts for this application?

 

Thanks.

 

Edited by - revilla on 4 Jul 2013 20:58:31

[Wrightpayne]

Hi again

 

I'm not an engineering expert, however, two points worthy of mention:-

 

1) Don't use stainless as I don't believe they are suitable for high stress applications as too brittle.

2) The bolts you take out will likely have the rating on the end of the hex head.

 

Edited to say, just looked at mine and they're 10.9

 

 

Ian

 

Edited by - Wrightpayne on 4 Jul 2013 23:12:11

[The Pikey]

Defiantly 10.9 grade as Ian says. I always try and get quality bolts for critical areas. Normally a branded or at least one with the makers initials on the head thinking there is more chance of them making a quality bolt if they are putting their name on it.

 

Jason

[revilla]

Thanks, will look for 10.9 then.

 

@Wrightpayne - You don't know anywhere in the Leicester are which is good for specialist fasteners like this do you? We've got Charnwood Fasteners near us in Loughborough but I've never actually tried them. If there was anywhere local that people have used before and would recommend I'd give them a try.

[Birkin S3 ZA.]

4,8 is mild steel low strength 8,8 is a strong bolt made from carbon steel suitable for most applications.

12,9 is very strong alloy steel most cap screws and grub screws are this grade and special engine bolts for high strength.

Stainless bolts are good for rust and the dustbin 😬

Chris

[Benedict.]

Quoting revilla: 

Thanks, will look for 10.9 then.

 

@Wrightpayne - You don't know anywhere in the Leicester are which is good for specialist fasteners like this do you? We've got Charnwood Fasteners near us in Loughborough but I've never actually tried them. If there was anywhere local that people have used before and would recommend I'd give them a try.

I'll jump in here; I use All Screwed Up on Cavendish road, off Aylestone road.

They've got a surprising amount in stock and are a friendly, small business (to which I have no connection I should add, just a happy repeat customer)

 

There's also Annalexe Bute on the Blaby Industrial Estate. Less of a family business but still useful to know.

 

They both have counters up at which you can turn.

 

There's also Screwfix (counters in Leicester and Loughborough), who sell 8.8 grade hex head bolts and 12.9 grade capheads in various sizes.

 

If all else fails, or you can't get out in office hours (I don't think the former 2 open at weekends) then if you search on eBay, there are huge numbers of screws/bols/nuts available in small quantities of all grades.

 

HTH,

Cheers,

Ben

 

Edit for spilling

 

Edited by - _Benedict_ on 5 Jul 2013 20:59:05

[Wrightpayne]

I was going to suggest all screwed up as I've used them lots. They guy is really helpful and there is no minimum order.

 

It helps that a work 5 mins walk away 😬

 

 

Ian

[revilla]

Thanks guys, all really helpful. I'll make a note of all those places for future reference and get myself along to All Screwed Up. I'm off work on holiday for the next two weeks so no problem to get there on a work day. I was aware of the selection available on eBay but I would prefer to have a look at what is available so a counter service would be better.