Abstract: A self-tensioning, disc spring assembly is provided. The assembly has a circular disc spring with an outer diameter and an inner diameter defining a center hole. The disc spring has a height greater at the inner diameter than at the outer diameter. The disc spring is also resiliently compressible such that it can be flattened. A zinc element, being zinc or a zinc alloy, is provided in the form of a ring or other shape, or a surface deposit on the disc spring or nut, to prevent rusting of the lug bolt. In addition a method of fastening a rim to a hub is also provided. The method has the steps of: positioning the rim on the hub so that the at least one lug bolt passes through the at least one mounting hole of the rim; providing a tensioning disc spring assembly on the at least one lug bolt; screwing a nut onto the at least one lug bolt to a preselected torque so that the disc spring flattens when a preselected torque amount is achieved.