Vodafone McLaren MP4-27 Mercedes

[Matt Somers]

It's not cross threading you have to worry about its galling. Not seen a pic of the threads yet though perhaps they have reduced the amount and increased the size/pitch like Ferrari's

[adrianjordan]

The general idea is that you can't...

That's the general idea...but with McLaren this season I wouldn't rule anything out...

Is there not some sort of system that aligns the wheel so that the nut won't fasten until the wheel's properly aligned (thus minimising the risk of cross-threading nuts...)

[Matt Somers]

The larger retracting pins like on the Ferrari solution help to keep the wheel aligned correctly. I did an article a whole back on my blog about it somersf1.blogspot.com

[Coefficient]

high nose, normal small DRS-flap

Does that pod/engine cover look different? Looking at the top of the Vodafone logo on the side it appears taller than the top surface which makes me see a u pod. Anyone else see that?

Nevermind, see it now.

[PlatinumZealot]

Lets see it on the car first.

[flyboy2160]

So what happens when they crossthread a nut?

They need to change all 4 wheels.

i'd be surprised if the nuts are permanently attached to the wheels. they only really need something as simple as a circlip or a pushbutton pin to keep them from falling out but allowing them to turn.

if so, then i also wouldn't be surprised if the mechanics aren't ready to quickly swap out the nut during the pitstop if they really screw up its threads.

[raymondu999]

Does that pod/engine cover look different? Looking at the top of the Vodafone logo on the side it appears taller than the top surface which makes me see a u pod. Anyone else see that?

It's in two pieces - the sidepod cover and the engine cover. They're just not aligned, that's all.

[ParanoiD]

Just read an article on Autosport Mag, it said that McLaren opted the high nose because the lower nose has limited potential to be explored. Will this limit the potential development of the MP4-27? and if it will and let say they opted to change to higher chassis which will be costly, does that take their much of their resource which again will limit held back their development?

Just a thought anyway..

[gray41]

Any new bits?

[Maynard G. Krebs]

Then they're up the proverbial creek without a paddle, because the nut is embedded in the wheel they can't just swap the nut, they'll have to get a full new set of wheels and tires because you cant mix.

Why can't you mix?

[myurr]

Then they're up the proverbial creek without a paddle, because the nut is embedded in the wheel they can't just swap the nut, they'll have to get a full new set of wheels and tires because you cant mix.

Why can't you mix?

It's against the rules. Tyres are allocated as sets of 4 and have to be used as a set.

[volarchico]

Just read an article on Autosport Mag, it said that McLaren opted the high nose because the lower nose has limited potential to be explored. Will this limit the potential development of the MP4-27? and if it will and let say they opted to change to higher chassis which will be costly, does that take their much of their resource which again will limit held back their development?

Just a thought anyway..

Your username appears quite appropriate after a post like this.

[PlatinumZealot]

Then they're up the proverbial creek without a paddle, because the nut is embedded in the wheel they can't just swap the nut, they'll have to get a full new set of wheels and tires because you cant mix.

Why can't you mix?

It's against the rules. Tyres are allocated as sets of 4 and have to be used as a set.

Used as a set..meaning you can't swap them individually after being on the car... but if there were not put on the car I don't see why not?

[beelsebob]

Used as a set..meaning you can't swap them individually after being on the car... but if there were not put on the car I don't see why not?

They're allocated in sets, with numbered labels on.

[PlatinumZealot]

Change the labels behind the scenes?

Anyway, I agree with the guy that said they nuts probably have a clip or some quick release mechanism holding them in the centre section of the wheel.