Wobble bolts
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Wobble bolts are a means of reducing inventory for large wheel distributors. While there is nothing wrong with the bolts themselves, at least liability has not yet been challenged in case of a failure, you must consider all aspects of your purchase, is the wheel the proper offset for your Fiat? is the hub bore or centering rings the proper diameter so you will not have harmonic vibrations? and obviously the bolt circle is wrong because it is 4x100 not 4x98 as it should be.
That being said,
for the sake of saving a few bucks, buy proper wheels, that use proper bolts, that have proper hub rings or bore, and are offset properly for your 500.
Need proper wheels let us know
That being said,
for the sake of saving a few bucks, buy proper wheels, that use proper bolts, that have proper hub rings or bore, and are offset properly for your 500.
Need proper wheels let us know
The best wheels out for this car OZ ALLEGGERITA HLT, and they only come in 4x100 with the correct centering ring, and wobble bolts. They are the lightest stiffest wheel on the market right now
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1,213 Posts
That depends on what do you mean by "a few" bucks since you can go on any classefied forums and pick up a set of really nice 16 or 17s for like 3 or 4 hundred VS $800-1100, and to some of us that's a lot of moolah considering you might have to buy tires as well if you're going with a different size rim!
just my 2c
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22,120 Posts
I was looking at a lightweight rim option and about all I saw was from OZ, sadly I found most of the tires for the rim in the size I wanted are mainly intended for summer use only.
If I changed my size preference perhaps I would get different options but I do not wish to do that.
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2,574 Posts
I've used them for years on different cars. Wobble bolts are used in manufacturing for large equipment and are even used in military air craft applications.
I use them on my Fiat. I put my family in that car with no worries at all.
Use a centering ring and proper torque. That's my only advice. People will obviously argue the safety of such, and some will even have stories about "what they've seen or heard". I can tell you first hand I've never had an issue.
I used to work as a tech at a garage that sold after market wheels and tires for several years. I've never seen a problem. Some have had vibration issues, but they were not using a centering ring.
I use them on my Fiat. I put my family in that car with no worries at all.
Use a centering ring and proper torque. That's my only advice. People will obviously argue the safety of such, and some will even have stories about "what they've seen or heard". I can tell you first hand I've never had an issue.
I used to work as a tech at a garage that sold after market wheels and tires for several years. I've never seen a problem. Some have had vibration issues, but they were not using a centering ring.
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2,574 Posts
I think a large part of the trepidation of using them is the word "wobble". The bolt does not wobble at all. The thread portion and the "head" of the bolt are a single piece. Just like your factory lugs. The seat portion is the portion that moves.
Wobble bolts is a slang term. I think they are officially called, movable conical seat lugs or some such.
Most Fiat performance shops are banking on the fact the few 4X98 wheels exist. And they offer them. You have your pick of the litter with 4X100 wheels. They are everywhere and those retailers can't go up against giants like Tirerack.
I had a supporting vender here (I won't name them) say that they have had some issue with Competizione wheels rubbing in the fender liner in the rear of the 500s. They mentioned offering a 5mm spacer in the back if I wanted.
I found it funny they argued against 4X100 wheels yet wanted me to use an aftermarket spacer to clear the rear fenders on "better" fitting wheels they offered....which did indeed rub after installation.
Wobble bolts is a slang term. I think they are officially called, movable conical seat lugs or some such.
Most Fiat performance shops are banking on the fact the few 4X98 wheels exist. And they offer them. You have your pick of the litter with 4X100 wheels. They are everywhere and those retailers can't go up against giants like Tirerack.
I had a supporting vender here (I won't name them) say that they have had some issue with Competizione wheels rubbing in the fender liner in the rear of the 500s. They mentioned offering a 5mm spacer in the back if I wanted.
I found it funny they argued against 4X100 wheels yet wanted me to use an aftermarket spacer to clear the rear fenders on "better" fitting wheels they offered....which did indeed rub after installation.
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90 Posts
I've dealt with TireRack for nearly ten years for business, and they NEVER recommended them before. Not sure why they would change it now...especially considering how close some popular lug patterns are so close.
5x114.3 to 5x115 (vice versa). Or 5x120 to 5x120.75 (vice versa). Why they would now recommend using wobble bolts on a 4x98 application (using 4x100) wheels...is beyond me. I would recommend against it.
5x114.3 to 5x115 (vice versa). Or 5x120 to 5x120.75 (vice versa). Why they would now recommend using wobble bolts on a 4x98 application (using 4x100) wheels...is beyond me. I would recommend against it.
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453 Posts
You didn't say WHY you would recommend against it.
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I've dealt with tire rack when it was magazine order only..(and their featured wheel was the mini truck "hammer" style wheel... 1989 what!) They actually sold ICW wheels....oooof!
I know they take their wheel fitment and associated hardware very seriously. I've had them flat out refuse to sell me certain wheels I knew would fit (I had friends who had them) because it wasn't listed for my car and they didn't have the chance to test them on that model.
They would open themselves up to a huge liability law suit if they put anyone in harms way or sold a questionable product. It's impossible to know if they have or haven't sold these types of lugs because they do not list them on their site. I don't blame them for not listing them either. There's a huge "this doesn't sound safe" contingent that would never order anything. If you have any doubts, call them on the phone and talk to the technical specialists. They don't care if you buy a 4X100 wheel or a 4X98 wheel (they sell both) Buy the style, correct offset, and correct hub bore size and they will get you what you need to insure fitment.
4X98 and 4X100 is .5mm difference per lug.
I'd have way more reservation using tuner lugs or spacers..and people don't seem to mind those nearly as much.
I personally don't care if you decide 4X98 is better or 4X100 is better. I'm just saying that I have zero issue going 4X100 with movable conical seat lugs. I've used them long before Fiat was ever sold in the states. If the situation calls for it, I'll use them long after this car is out of my garage and is someone else's car.
I know they take their wheel fitment and associated hardware very seriously. I've had them flat out refuse to sell me certain wheels I knew would fit (I had friends who had them) because it wasn't listed for my car and they didn't have the chance to test them on that model.
They would open themselves up to a huge liability law suit if they put anyone in harms way or sold a questionable product. It's impossible to know if they have or haven't sold these types of lugs because they do not list them on their site. I don't blame them for not listing them either. There's a huge "this doesn't sound safe" contingent that would never order anything. If you have any doubts, call them on the phone and talk to the technical specialists. They don't care if you buy a 4X100 wheel or a 4X98 wheel (they sell both) Buy the style, correct offset, and correct hub bore size and they will get you what you need to insure fitment.
4X98 and 4X100 is .5mm difference per lug.
I'd have way more reservation using tuner lugs or spacers..and people don't seem to mind those nearly as much.
I personally don't care if you decide 4X98 is better or 4X100 is better. I'm just saying that I have zero issue going 4X100 with movable conical seat lugs. I've used them long before Fiat was ever sold in the states. If the situation calls for it, I'll use them long after this car is out of my garage and is someone else's car.
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90 Posts
Improper and or questionable fitment. And I've had friends use 'wobble' bolts before only later to have issues with a lugnut (or two) shear off completely.
'Tuner' lugnuts are just wheel locks for all 16, 20, 24, or 32 of your studs. Spacers/adapters are made to be made to be hubcentric (if it isn't a hubcentric spacer, that is what you don't use). The other issue is the potential increase in improper torque values on your studs. Just because you haven't had issues before doesn't mean it is ok. And Fiat had sold cars in the United States prior to 1987.
I know Tire Rack more than most are very careful about what they recommend. And there have been more than a few instances where they've given me disclaimers about things because they aren't listed on their website, but they work perfectly fine. The interesting thing is that they have been so careful on so many things, but not here? Why that is is beyond me...
If they are not doing the same thing with wheels that fit General Motors vehicles (most being 5x115), to fit Ford cars (typically 5x114.3), than why not? It would be FAR LESS difference than the 4x100 on a 4x98 Fiat 500. That said, the most important thing as always is to stay safe, and thoroughly enjoy your Fiat 500s!
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2,574 Posts
How do you know they aren't?
I raised issue with tuner lugs because of the size of the seat. They are smaller than an OEM lug seat.
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2,574 Posts
FTR, I'm not being argumentative. Just asking questions because I am by no means an expert on this topic. I want to learn as much as I can from anyone I can learn it from.
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90 Posts
The wheels are stamped with the size, offset, and lug pattern. They are also stickered on the barrels as to the wheel sizes, offset, and lug pattern.
And yes the tuner lug seats are smaller than stock, but the seating style is still correct. The seating style is more important than the seating size. A ball seat lug (Honda factory wheels are ball seat) no matter if it is small, medium, or large will properly seat a wheel with a conical lug seating (most aftermarket wheels).
Oh no, no argument, just a good discussion between enthusiasts is what I see.FTR, I'm not being argumentative. Just asking questions because I am by no means an expert on this topic. I want to learn as much as I can from anyone I can learn it from.
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