Stud choices

[cjj]

I'm looking at swapping the exhaust studs on the little city coupe - they're M6 x 35 standard (35 x shank x 35 I believe).

They look vaguely like this




I believe they are just carbon steel as standard and can have problems with seizing.

I was looking at some stainless replacements, but I've noticed some don't have the shank - I don't really know how much difference this makes, beyond the obvious indication of them being 'home'.

There's also a lot of debate as to whether people use stainless nuts or not, Nordlocks or not, or just the copper plated steel ones.

Anyone done similar on the cars to advise?

[colnerov]

Hi, The shanks reduce the number of stress risers in the length of the stud. Stainless nuts can gall on the threads, it can happen when tightening. The copper plated nuts provide a barrier between the stud and nut and are less likely to rust together making dismantling less problematic.

Colin

[duggers]

Use steel studs and brass nuts.

[ferny]

What material are they screwing into? If it's aluminium then don't use stainless. In fact, in high temperature situations stainless offers no benefits.


I've been using ceramic jointing compounds on assembly for a couple of years now. So far, it's worked well and helped when taking things apart. It's meant to work in high temperature situations. It is only a small amount of experience so far though.