Paulcw1

I'm getting ready to install some 5mm spacers and need advice on the bolts. I can find M14x1.5, R14 ball seat bolts in either a 30mm shank or 33mm shank but not in a 32mm. Should I go with the slightly short 30mm loosing 2mm of thread engagement or with the slightly long 33mm bolt. If I go with the 33mm bolt will I have to shave them to avoid parking brake interference or will the 1mm of extra length be ok. I'm hoping someone has gone through this already but my search didn't result in any definitive answers so I'm putting it out to the experts on this forum. TIA.

BLKROKT

Go for the longer ones. It's easy to shave a mm off if you have to, although I don't think you will.

When I did mine by hand on a belt grinder, I just eyeballed them. I'm sure my variances between bolts was more than a mm, but less than 3-5mm which is about how much causes the clicking.

Nando_514

I say, save yourself the time and buy a lug conversion. It makes it SOO much easier to put the wheels back on. Also, in your case, depending on how long you get your conversion studs, you can run up to 25mm-30mm spacers safely. So if you end up deciding to go with bigger spacers in the future, you won't have to go through the hassle of finding more bolts and shaving them.

BLKROKT

That's a really good point. The studs are awesome.

GRP

The rear has less tolerance to bolt length. If the rears rotate cleanly with the new bolts then the front will be fine.

Paulcw1

Good info and suggestions. Thanks for sharing your experience.

m a x i m u s

Dumb question, but if I cut off a couple of mm with a hacksaw, don't I run the risk of mucking up the threads on the end?

BLKROKT

Yup. Just file the end threads and chase them with a lugnut/nut.

Paulcw1

Hi Folks,

I just wanted to close the loop on this thread. I ended up getting the 33mm bolts and I installed the 5mm spacers on the rear using the 33mm bolts and I have no rubbing or interference with the parking brake components. Also the hub in the rear sticks out a bit more than 5mm so I was able to install the spacer (hub centric spacer) on the hub with enough additional hub sticking out to guide my factory wheels into their hub centric location. I also was careful when tightening down the bolts to be sure everything remained centered (M14x1.5, 33mm shaft and R14 ball seat bolts). I have not installed any spacers or longer bolts on the front yet but I'll post up if I do. So, to clarify, my 2015 C63 coupe is not lowered and in the rear I'm running 275 35 18 Michelin PSS tires on the factory wheels with 5mm spacers and there is absolutely no rubbing of the tires on anything on either side in the rear. I ran those wheels and tires without the spacers for 2 months also with no rubbing but I wanted a slightly wider stance. When my 275s wear out I'll be switching to a 285 tire and don't anticipate any rubbing with the 5mm spacer but I'll let you know in 6 months when I need new tires (or sooner ). Thanks again for all of the input and advice!