ECS Tuning

Mark in Baltimore

Are these stainless steel screws stronger, weaker or the same strength as the stock ones? I find the issue has less to do with removal, provided anti-seize has been put on the threads, and more to do with shearing.

IXLR8

Generally, stainless steel fasteners (A2-70) are weaker.

A quality impact driver with a proper fitting quality bit will always get them out.

Mark in Baltimore

That's what I thought, but I don't want to assume anything about the screws in question.

ECS Tuning

I have found that the shearing and stripping attributed to factory screws has less to do with the strength of the material, and more to do with its corrosion properties. A corroded screw is much weaker, as well as much more difficult to remove.

Our stainless screws will not corrode, and with a dab of anti-seize for good measure, will easily last the life of the car.

Benton

Ya. The impact screwdriver (you just whack it with a hammer for those that don't know) is one of the most surprisingly useful tool purchases I have made. I think mine was like $8 at HFT, no issues after years of hard use.

hoggel

Do these screws have a purpose other than to keep the rotor from rattling around when the wheel is off?

IXLR8

Nope, which means they don't have to be tightened to a kazillion Nm.

Mark in Baltimore

Cool, thanks! Cheap enough to try them out. Will place an order soon.

Blue TTop

I don't trust ECS and would never install a non-OEM part from ECS.

Obviously a rotor screw is not a critical component, but ECS is famous for selling poor quality made-in-China brake and suspension parts to the Audi/VW community.

Mark in Baltimore

Thanks. I also received a PM from another member regarding the screws.

FWIW, a quick Google search revealed this: http://www.resellerratings.com/store...ro_Car_Service

JasonAndreas

The OE rotors have a two extra threaded holes that, if the rotor is sticking (because of corrosion) to the wheel hub, you can screw these into which will push the rotor off the wheel hub.

Mark in Baltimore

Found another one that contradicts the first link: http://forums.vwvortex.com/showthrea...ustomer-Review

The 964 guys determined that shipping for four screws is over $11.

https://rennlist.com/forums/964-foru...crews-out.html

IXLR8

Stainless steel fasteners have their place, but they can also be a real headache.

I have a large selection of stainless steel fasteners but I'm very careful as to where they get used.

I myself never use a SS fastener into an aluminium casting (valve cover fasteners, for example), even if an anti-seize is used. You can takes your chances if you wish.

I do not mind using stainless steel fasteners in a bolt-nut configuration where if they seize/gall, I can snap them and reinstall another. Try using a SS nylock nut and a SS bolt without an anti-seize; half the time they locked solid.

Benton

Uhh, yeah. Not knowing what I should look out for, I've avoided stainless fasteners at all costs other than small, low-stress fasteners after having a nut/bolt gall and essentially fuse together at a very inopportune time (without the tools to cut).

That being said, in areas where I'd really like to use stainless fasteners, what should one look for? Specific grades? Manufactured in certain locations?