Whats the difference between radius and tapered bolts and how do you know what wheels use what? Cheers
Ones have a radiused head, the others are tapered! If you look at the bolt, the area where the head reduces in size down to the threaded section will either by rounded (a bit like half a sphere). These are `radiused` bolts. If the area is straight (like an upside down cone), it is a `tapered` bolt. Looking at the bolt hole in the wheel, you`ll see the area where the bolt `seats`. This will either be `radiused` or `tapered` to match the requisite bolt. Only ever use the correct bolt, because the wrong one, when torqued can cause pressure points, because the bolt is not `seating` properly, and could cause stress fractures around the hole and/or eventually work loose. Hope that makes sense!
It is also good to know that most aftermarket alloy wheels require a 60 degree taper, and standard VW steels utilise the radiused head.
Domed ones are usually, but not always used for steel wheels.....and tapers for alloys(usuallly) I had a problem when I bought my Mk2 because the genuine VW alloys had tapered seats in them but the bolts were domed....however VW only list the domed ones!
I used these guys they do good hubcentric spacers too The bolts arrived next day great service http://stores.ebay.co.uk/AC-Motorsport-Services The merc wheels and standard mk5s both used the radius bolts
