OJ's DNA

Hey guys, posting for a friend with a 99 ML 320 - he's owned the vehicle since new and until recently has always had the original 16" wheels on. A few months back he added a set of 20" wheels and tires and last week while driving at 25 mph near his home the right front wheel departed the vehicle. I noticed that he has wheel studs that are tightened into the hub, then the wheel is placed over those studs - then a nut goes over the top of that holding the wheel down. My question is are these acceptable for this vehicle? All of my Mercedes have used the wheel stud that is one piece with the curved bottom around the nut end - I hold the wheel against the hub, and thread the wheel stud on. Seeing the type he had threw me off and I wanted to ensure they were safe before he started driving again. I can add pics to illustrate if necessary, thanks.

Plutoe

Hey Biff, you answered your own question---the wheel came off----do you think that is acceptable??-----take the pimp wheels off and go back to the design!!

Maj. Dundee

I totally agree with Plutoe. Imagine what would have happened if it came off at 70MPH. You wouldn't be asking for advice.

OJ's DNA

Of all the forums I participate in, Volvo, Suzuki, Ford, etc. I can always count on a smart-**** comment from a member of this forum, thanks for not disappointing Plutoe. I actually woudn't mind the comment if you had attempted to answer the original question - what's acceptable for this chassis?

The first picture are the wheel lugs I've always seen on my Mercedes (W201, W124, W210, etc) remember I don't own a W163 so I don't want to assume what I'm used to is what is right. Again, the first picture is what I'm used to seeing on Mercedes - the 2nd picture is what he has on his aftermarket wheels - if these are no good I'll take the guidance and have him immediately take the things off the vehicle. Thanks -

Plutoe

You answered your own lug nut question-----and by the way you need to spend more time with family vs pimping all those auto forums.

OJ's DNA

Ha-Ha, hey my E300TD is better than yours...and no, I still have not answered the question if both those lug nut scenarios are technically acceptable - that is the question.

Maj. Dundee

The lug nuts or lug bolts must conform to the rims that were used.

What exactly happened? Did all the studs come out or all the nuts come loose?

OJ's DNA

After being on the vehicle for a month or so, the front wheel departed at low speed - two of the wheel studs were missing (assumed to have 'backed out') and the other three broke or sheared off at the hub, brake rotor.

I asked a tire guy behind the counter at a local place I get work done at and they also suggested to go back to the OE wheel but when I pressed about the wheel studs he noted they are largely accepted, but of course the parameters must be right, ie length, quality of steel, thread, etc. - thanks Maj Dundee