Eagles International Forum

Hello gentlemen,

My left rear drive wheels mysteriously broke several of the lug bolts. A mobile repair outfit is unable to locate any replacements. I need to locate and replace all 10 lug bolts plus nuts. Does anyone know where I can obtain these quickly? I am stuck at a rest stop pending this repair. Many thanks!

What style bolts do you have? They are probably stud-centric, but the only other style is hub-centric. The next important detail is whether you have steel wheels or aluminum. Best to post on the Bus Conversion Magazine Forum, that will get you the best possible responses. Don't forget to indicate where you are located, and how many exactly are broken. The bolts on either side of the broken ones should be replaced as well.

Thanks, Walter. I believe they are stud-centric with aluminum wheels. I am informed the repair company has located an outfit that will manufacture new studs, which takes time of course. I’m replacing all of them. Not sure what cost will be. One of those blank check situations.

It sounds like this is the drive axle. If so, there is an inner and outer stud. The outer stud has different lengths depending on the use of steel vs aluminum wheels. Also, the studs on the driver side are left hand threads.

When I installed my aluminum wheels, I bought the longer outer studs and they were off the shelf parts as I recall.

Having someone make the parts is a huge undertaking unless they have lots of experience. I would be really concerned about the material they use.

Jim

When I got my bus, 1977 05 I replaced some rear inner studs, got them at a truck parts/supply off the shelf Tulsa area. You might try IBP in Florida. Good luck Bob

Thanks Jim and Bob. I tried IBP - no luck. IBP recommended trying Goodson Bus in NC, which I will do. I am told these parts aren’t available at regular truck repair facilities.
Steve

The inner studs may be special, but the outer studs should be standard (again, left handed if on the driver side).

Jim

Having them made up special sounds like a huge price jack up. Generally, there would be a minimum quantity to make a special run. Goodson's is not cheap, but they may very well have the parts on the shelf. The remaining question is why those studs snapped? Over tightening might be the culprit, or someone going the wrong way on a left hand thread. Aluminum wheels are not torqued to the same level as steel wheels; 450 ft. lbs is enough.

Thanks again, I appreciate your expertise. Still checking sources. The possible over-torque crossed my mind too. That new aluminum wheel was replaced in October 2018.

Check the rims carefully, there could be hairline cracks between the stud holes. Whoever does work on your wheels should know the difference between stud-centric and hub-centric rims. Many younger people have only been exposed to hub type with the flanged nuts. The owner of Bus Conversion Magazine had someone ruin his rims by putting the nuts on backwards within the last year. Do not assume they know what they are doing. Final torquing of the nuts should be done with a Torque Wrench, not with a large impact wrench to the tightest possible level.