How to Install a Wheel Lip Bolt Kit on Beadlock Wheels
By Method Race Wheels | Off-Road Wheels | Published: 2026-10-15
Category: How-to Guides
A step-by-step guide to installing a wheel lip bolt kit on Method Race Wheels, including torque specs, common mistakes, and when a kit is not for beadlock rings.
Quick answer
A wheel lip bolt kit replaces the decorative bolts around the outer lip of a non-beadlock Method Race Wheels rim. It is not for beadlock rings and does not affect tire retention. Install one kit per wheel, snug bolts in a star pattern, and torque to the wheel manufacturer's spec—never guess.
What a lip bolt kit does—and what it does not
Lip bolts are cosmetic hardware that sit around the wheel lip on certain Method Race Wheels designs. They change the look of the wheel but are not structural and are not designed to clamp a tire bead. If your wheel has a true beadlock ring, the ring uses its own dedicated hardware and torque sequence. The Method Race Wheels Lip Bolt Kit | MRW | Black contains enough bolts for one wheel and is explicitly not for beadlock rings. Treat it as a styling upgrade, not a safety component.
Tools and prep before you start
Gather a torque wrench, the correct hex or Torx bit for the bolt heads, a thread chaser or nylon brush, and isopropyl alcohol. Work on a clean, flat surface with the wheel removed from the vehicle. If you are replacing existing bolts, remove them one at a time to avoid dropping the wheel or losing the sequence. Check that your wheel accepts lip bolts; not every Method Race Wheels model uses them.
How to install the kit step by step
The process is simple, but the details matter. Work in a star or crisscross pattern, keep threads clean, and stop at the specified torque. If you do not have a torque spec for your specific wheel, contact Method Race Wheels before installing—do not rely on generic numbers from a forum.
Installation steps
- Clean the bolt holes: Spray isopropyl alcohol into each hole and run a nylon brush or thread chaser through the threads. Wipe away debris. Dirty threads cause false torque readings—clean holes first.
- Start bolts by hand: Thread each bolt in by hand until it seats. Do not use a power tool for this step. Cross-threading is the most common mistake; if a bolt resists, back it out and restart.
- Snug in a star pattern: Using a hand tool, snug bolts in a star or crisscross pattern, then repeat until all are uniformly snug. A star pattern prevents uneven seating around the lip.
- Torque to spec: Set your torque wrench to the wheel manufacturer's specification and tighten in the same star pattern. If no spec is available, contact Method Race Wheels. Never guess torque; over-tightening can strip threads or damage the finish.
- Final check and re-check: After the first drive or ride, re-check torque on all bolts. Re-check again after 100 miles. Lip bolts can settle; a quick re-torque protects your investment.
Product facts
- Lip Bolt Kit | MRW | Black: Each kit contains enough lip bolts for 1 (one) wheel and is not for beadlock rings. Order one kit per wheel you want to update, and do not use these bolts on a beadlock ring.
