Front Rotor Screw Broke

[steve_]

I replaced my wife's driver side driveaxle. While attempting to remove the 30MM nut off of the outboard side of the axle, I sheared the rotor screw. I was able to get the screw to come out while an extractor set.

My question is, can I reinstall the rim/tire without a new screw? It looks like the screw lines the rotor and hub up with no other reason for install. I understand things are installed for a reason. The screws are .99 cents at ecs tuning but I don't have time to wait for shipping. I leave for business this coming week and would rather not leave my wife without her Beetle for 3 weeks. It would only be a temporary solution until I get home and the part comes in. I tried the local auto parts store and couldn't find an exact match. Is there any other reason that screw is in place?

Need advice....

Stephen

[turboturbo]

You don't need the screw. It is only there to hold the rotor in place on the manufacturing line. Up here, they seize in place and we drill the heads off them.

[IndyTom]

X2, The screw wouldn't impair safety. I had a 2004 Audi TT where I broke off the screw when I changed the rotor and I never did replace it. All it does is line up the rotor with the holes in the wheel hub. You can always replace it later if you feel the need but it is perfectly fine to put the wheel on without that screw.

[macdave]

It's only there for safety at the VW factory. It keeps the rotor from falling on someone when the car is hoisted around the factory.

[Toad]

yup.

it does make it harder to line up the wheel holes with the hub holes and bolt it all together, but it gets easier with experience.

and when the wheel gets bolted back on, it will hold the rotor in place and the screw doesn't do much help then.

[steve_]

Thanks for the responses all.

[turboturbo]

Of course, if VW used lugs instead of those stupid bolts, it wouldn't be hard to line up the rotor with the hub and wheel after removing the screw...

[IndyTom]

Originally Posted by turboturbo

Of course, if VW used lugs instead of those stupid bolts, it wouldn't be hard to line up the rotor with the hub and wheel after removing the screw...

Actually with one of these it is a cinch.
Volkswagen New Beetle 1.8T > Wheels > Tools > ES#4135 ECS Wheel Hanger Installation Guide Tool - 14x1.5 Thread - Priced Each - ECS#1070A

[turboturbo]

Or, a bolt from Lowes for 25 cents. lol

[TechnoTrix'd]

Originally Posted by turboturbo

Or, a bolt from Lowes for 25 cents. lol

Yep found these at Home Depot as well. You just need a 14 x 1.5mm machine screw with the taper head.




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