Got my rims today but the wheel shop removed this bolt. The shop is a forum sponsor and seems to know their stuff, but I just wanted a second opinion. What do you guys think? Is this bolt necessary?

 

That bolt is there to keep people from rotating the stock wheels incorrectly. It is supposed to be removed when installing aftermarket wheels. Your car is fine.

I think this was in the top 100 questions thread, you should check it out there is a lot of general info there.

 

Actually, no. The main existence of that bolt is to use it when you are trying to take that big central hub thing out and cannot take it out due to some reason (after you have removed the five main hub bolts, of course) and it jams. You would then use a wrench and screw that little bolt INWARD, which will then pop the hub OUTWARD towards you. Rarely happens though.

So yes, you can take that bolt out, but make sure you keep them somewhere just in case the above situation happens.

 

Actually, no again. That's not just a bolt sticking out the wheel. It a bolt through a short sleeve/tube. The bolt is tightened down so you can't screw it in any more. Now, in theory you can remove the sleeve and use it as a jack-bolt, but that's not the original intent. If it was intended to aid in the removal of the hubs, they would be present on the rears wheels too.

 

yep i put that silly question in there!!!!!

 

No, those are only found on drum brakes.

 

+1

 

Thanks everyone - feel much better now

 

LoL Was your question answered or was that delightful sarcasm?