So I was fitting some wheels on the car and the wheels would not fit flush on the hub as there are 2 phillips bolt heads on the hub sticking out. Can I remove these bolts without any issue or do I have to leave them on? Are they just there to hold them "in place" while the car was on the assembly line?

 

you are correct, no problem removing. If they do not come off and strip drill the heads off

 

Is this on the rear with a drum brake? Thats the only time there is a set of these screws involved. The brake drums are held in place by these soft metal screws to make it easier to service wheels without upsetting the drum brakes. You can remove them safely. Just realize that the drums are there when putting the wheels on.

 

Thanks

Yes, it's in the rear with the drum brakes. What do you mean by "service wheels without upsetting the drum brakes" and "the drums are there when putting the wheels on"?

 

I think he's saying when you remove the wheels for a rotation or tire replacement, the screw is there to ensure the drum does not fall off in the process. However, a properly adjusted rum brake setup will not allow the drum to just fall off once a wheel is removed.

I also agree that removing the screw will be no big deal. Nothing will be affected by this. I have never had a drum on an RX-7 just fall off. Those things are usually on there pretty good.

 

Just means that the drum stays completely seated any time you take your rear wheel(s) off.

If the screw wasn't there the drum could shift when the wheel is removed and you would end up messing around with it to get it back over the shoes.

Do your screws look OEM? I am pretty sure the OEM screw should be flush (or even countersunk) with the face of the wheel seating surface.

 

The OEM screws are round head and very soft. They will easily deform if not tightened or loosened carefully. I think thats so they are easy to drill out in case of being broken or stuck.

 

I'm not sure if they're oem, but I'm going to remove them so the wheels will sit flush. Thanks for the help and info guys!

 

Are you mounting aftermarket wheels or maybe using an adaptor? Shouldn't the screw head fall BTW the mounting surfaces of the rim so that they don't interfere as you are experiencing?

 

i had this issue when i attempted to put aftermarket wheels on. what i did was use a Counter Sink into the rear drum brakes, then got 2 Hex bolts that are V angles so they sit Flush with the drum so they dont interfere with any wheels you mount

 

Good idea, let me try that!

 

worked perfect for me! good luck!

 

They are used In disc and drum brakes on almost all makes and models to help align and hold everything together when installing the brakes. It just makes it easier to line the caliper bolts up. Other than holding it all in place they do not have to be there after the wheel is installed and torqued. When I get a Chrysler in the shop with those annoying metal threaded washers on the wheel studs I cut them off and throw the away.

the best way to remove them is to smack them with a big hammer and a punch to "move the molecules" and loosen them up.

 

If you check this page you'll see that Mazdatrix sells a countersunk brake rotor screw that might be used as a replacement for the brake drum screw by drilling the brake drum to fit the countersunk screw:

Rear Brakes - Pads, Rotors, Shoes, Drums, Calipers, Kits, Hardware

 

You can find those in parts stores in case you don't want to wait FYI. Thats a disc brake style screw.

 

Yes, it's a "a countersunk brake rotor screw" or disc brake screw.

And yes, best to pick these up at the hardware store.

I realized this when I bought a set for my 1983 drum brakes from Mazdatrix, then realized when they came in they were a common hardware part.

Could have saved $10 or so, but now I know all about the drum screws that hold down the drum while you mount the wheel.