Bimbo question: wheel nut colors

[klutz_100]

Google failed me this time.

Racing cars have red and blue wheel nuts. Which is left and which is right?

Thanks

[jano11]

If my memory is still good it's red on the left, blue on the right!

[rockinanko]

blue nuts!?

i only know in aircraft...it's red on left & green on the right.

hehe...

marc
SGP

[sjelic]

Originally Posted by jano11

If my memory is still good it's red on the left, blue on the right!

True , memory perfect

[jano11]

Originally Posted by sjelic

True , memory perfect

Thanks, I was not sure anymore after Marc posted about the green ones!

[klutz_100]

Cheers! I woudl have guessed the other way round Red = Right

[dozman]

Jano is correct - Red left, Blue right.

[generationx]

This stems back to shipping practise where Port is red and Starboard is green. I think it's easier to anodise metal parts blue than green...
Port, being a fortified red wine, was always traditionally that colour.

[Entau]

why is it set in such way? how do you guys know?

sorry for asking such a silly question

[freakray]

Originally Posted by Entau

why is it set in such way? how do you guys know?

sorry for asking such a silly question

The nuts are threaded for different hands (left hand thread and right hand thread) so that they don't work loose with the forces acting on the wheels - the design is so that they can only tighten under load so they don't loosen during the race.
The coloration is so that they can't be confused during a wheel change as putting a LH nut on the RH thread will destroy the wheel hub.

[gionc]

Originally Posted by freakray

The nuts are threaded for different hands (left hand thread and right hand thread) so that they don't work loose with the forces acting on the wheels - the design is so that they can only tighten under load so they don't loosen during the race.
The coloration is so that they can't be confused during a wheel change as putting a LH nut on the RH thread will destroy the wheel hub.

I'm ever wondered how the old school wheels fasteners (like '50-'60 Sports/proto car) would work: your explanation Ray seems work also for those: was them different by side too?

[klutz_100]

Originally Posted by freakray

The nuts are threaded for different hands (left hand thread and right hand thread) so that they don't work loose with the forces acting on the wheels - the design is so that they can only tighten under load so they don't loosen during the race.
The coloration is so that they can't be confused during a wheel change as putting a LH nut on the RH thread will destroy the wheel hub.

Great info but above all nice to see you Ray.
Seems like I haven't noticed you around for a while.

The port/red will help me remember (even if it's only an old sailor's tale ) Thanks