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#1 Disc to Hub bolts & nuts orientation
Posted: Wed May 13, 2026 8:26 pm
by andrewk
Hi,
I’ve seen pictures of two different ways the bolts and nuts attach the disc to the hub, most commonly with the nuts facing the front (picture 1).
However originally on my car and other pictures of unrestored cars I’ve seen, the bolts go through the disc and the nuts secure from the inside (picture 2).
The manual says “bolts fit from outside to in - knock on wheels”.
Therefore is the correct way to secure the discs as in picture 1?
Sorry if this a naive question and any clarification is appreciated.
Many thanks,
Andrew
pic 1:
pic 2"

#2 Re: Disc to Hub bolts & nuts orientation
Posted: Wed May 13, 2026 10:55 pm
by bitsobrits
Photos show my three E-types, 2-3.8's and 1 4.2, (all series 1) had the nuts on the outside, nearer the wheel.
I'm not asserting that was correct, just how they were, and how I replaced them when changing out discs.
All the photos I could find online during an admittedly short search showed the nuts to the outside, as your first photo.
Perhaps the specified orientation changed somewhere during the production run?
#3 Re: Disc to Hub bolts & nuts orientation
Posted: Thu May 14, 2026 9:08 am
by mgcjag
Service manual drawing for S1/2 cars....nut outside...is there similar for S3 with wire wheels?....Steve

#4 Re: Disc to Hub bolts & nuts orientation
Posted: Thu May 14, 2026 5:00 pm
by andrewk
Dear Steve & Steve,
Thank you both for your input.
I can't find anything in the Service Manual for cars with wire wheels.
Interestingly, I found two separate listings on Ebay for hubs & disc with the bolts going through the discs.
Assuming your cars have non vented discs, it does make me wonder if the orientation of the nuts & bolts was changed by the factory on S3 cars because they are vented?
I'm hoping others can chime in on the topic, even if its to confirm that it really doesn't matter which side the nuts and bolts go?
Pics of the parts listed on Ebay.
Many thanks,
Andrew

#5 Re: Disc to Hub bolts & nuts orientation
Posted: Fri May 15, 2026 8:01 am
by ManniB
A picture from my '72 S3 during disassembly.
Regards, Manfred

#6 Re: Disc to Hub bolts & nuts orientation
Posted: Fri May 15, 2026 8:04 am
by mgcjag
Hi Andrew...for cars with steel wheels the bolts came through the discs from the rear....with wire wheels is threre a possible contact with the wheel if bolts come from rear....Steve..PS iv posted this on JL as it got me interested
https://forums.jag-lovers.com/t/s3-fron ... lts/472250
#7 Re: Disc to Hub bolts & nuts orientation
Posted: Fri May 15, 2026 1:10 pm
by Bob.
This Jaguar illustration clearly shows bolt heads outwards with wire wheels. Looking at the nut it seems possible it would foul the wheel if outboard.
This claimed 15,000miles S3 currently for sale on BAT shows the same orientation.

#8 Re: Disc to Hub bolts & nuts orientation
Posted: Fri May 15, 2026 2:28 pm
by mgcjag
Great info Bob....where is that drawing from...no mention of wire wheels in my S3 manual or have i missed it?....Cheers....Steve
#9 Re: Disc to Hub bolts & nuts orientation
Posted: Fri May 15, 2026 2:46 pm
by mgcjag
Just thought I would put the 2 drawings together...S3 on left

#10 Re: Disc to Hub bolts & nuts orientation
Posted: Fri May 15, 2026 4:03 pm
by Bob.
No, you didn't miss it Steve, it's from the press release.
Bob
#11 Re: Disc to Hub bolts & nuts orientation
Posted: Sun May 17, 2026 5:40 pm
by andrewk
Guys,
Thank you so much for helping, I really appreciate it !
Looks like mine were installed wrong, it was just by chance I had noticed other S3 cars - mainly on Ebay listings TBH.
Goes to show, choose who does work on your cars carefully.
I'm grateful for your efforts in responding.
Cheers,
Andrew