Using grade 8 bolts to replace pinch bolt

[QuattroChucko]

Most of you have either had pinch bolt issues or know someone who has, so I'm wondering if anyone has replaced their grade 5 pinch bolt that came from the factory with a grade 8 bolt?

Most grade 8's that I have come across are zinc-plated, which should help a little bit with the rusting issues that cause these to be such a PITA.

Lets hear your opinions on the matter... pros, cons, etc.b

[blmlozz]

the new pinch I used on my A4 was a grade 8, but then again It dosent live on salt roads anymore either. You could also coat the inside(of the knuckle) with anti-seize. It was in there for 6months before I had to take it out again and it worked like a charm.

[biketsai]

Anti-seize ftw.

[onemoremile]

Replacement pinch bolts are $3 at the dealership. If you want to change it then go with stainless from mcmaster.com or other source. Zinc is a plating and will wear off and rust just like the black oxide coating on the stock bolts.

[somebody5788]

I went to NAPA and bought a random bolt of the same size and coated it in anti seize. Worked perfect had 0 trouble getting it out.

[blmlozz]

I went to NAPA and bought a random bolt of the same size and coated it in anti seize. Worked perfect had 0 trouble getting it out.

most napa bolts in their bolt/nut bin are grade 8 or higher, use them all the time as well.

[manufan]

Grade 5 and 8 refers to the tensile strength of SAE hardware. 8.8 and 10.9 refers to the tensile strength of metric (ISO) hardware. Stainless hardware doesn't carry the same tensile rating as carbon steel bolts (size for size) and shouldn't be interchaged in stressed situations. Using an anti-seize product and a factory bolt should solve the corrosion problem.

[iloveturbos]

anti-seize is awesome

[onemoremile]

Stainless should be more than strong enough for the application. All it does is hold the ends in place and it uses it's circumference for that. It is a low stress application. Besides, you ever see the stainless Heim joint rod ends on Baja rigs and monster trucks?

[manufan]

I didn't say that stainless can't be used, I merely said that size for size it doesn't have the equivalent tensile strength.

[Rinna-chan]

Coat in anti-seize and seal up the holes around the bolt with rtv/silicone sealant. I took mine out after a year like that and they came right out.