If your original lug bolts on your Exige or Elise are stuck and you keep shearing the 10 point adapter tool, you will be faced with the decision to drill the…
If your original lug bolts on your Exige or Elise are stuck and you keep shearing the 10 point adapter tool, you will be faced with the decision to drill the…
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Hi Suq, I created the video in order to save money. Your dealer will
charge quite a bit to remove the wheel, but they will be able to do it
similar to the way I showed. You won’t be able to get the RPM speed and
keep up with the machining if you use a cordless drill. Good drills aren’t
cheap (I used Milwuakee brand, but DeWalt and Craftsman are good too), so
you would need to balance that against the cost (they charge by the hour)
of taking it to the dealer. My local dealer was estimating $200-$250 per
wheel so it was an easy decision for me since all four of my wheels had
this issue. Good Luck, Dan
One thing I forgot to mention, the Lotus center cap can just be popped off
(pulled off) by hand before you start any work in that area. If you do
decide to purchase the original softer metal Lotus 10 point lug bolts, put
a thin layer of grease on the cone area and torque to 75-80 lb-ft.
Great question, I haven’t heard of more durable replacement bolts with the
same 10 point pattern but BMW 3 and 5 series cars have a similar shape and
thread (M12x1.5, 60deg cone seat) and I have heard Lotus owners replacing
them with these, just make sure you match up the lengths. If you don’t
want to go with the stud and lug nut kit, the BMW lug bolts are much more
durable (hardend steel) than the stock Elise/Exige lug bolts (near pot
metal) and you can use a regular socket to remove them. I would not have
been able to use a 3/8 inch drill bit (without pilot holes) on the Exige
lug bolts if they were made of the same material the BMW bolts are made
with. Just having to use that 10 point adapter key, made out of near pot
metal, is the main downside. The benefit of a stud and lug nut kit is it
allows you the option to use thin spacers for track time, but either way
you won’t maintain that factory ten point look.
put tape on the correct depth so you don’t go any deeper than required
do they make a replacement bolt that are more durable?