If you’re a car enthusiast looking to modify your vehicle, you’ve likely heard about wheel hub spacers. These simple yet effective components can make a big difference in both the performance and aesthetics of your car. But what exactly are wheel hub spacers, and why might you want to install them? wheel hub spacer In this blog post, we’ll dive deep into everything you need to know about wheel hub spacers, from their benefits and how to install them to key considerations to keep in mind.
What Are Wheel Hub Spacers?
Wheel hub spacers are metal or plastic discs that are placed between your vehicle’s wheel and the wheel hub. Their primary purpose is to increase the distance between the two, essentially pushing the wheels outwards. This allows for a wider stance and can also give the vehicle a more aggressive, custom look. Spacers come in different sizes, typically measured in millimeters, and can range from a few millimeters to several centimeters depending on the desired result.
Types of Wheel Hub Spacers
There are two main types of wheel spacers:
- Slip-on Spacers: These are the most common and simpler type. They slip over the wheel hub and require the use of the vehicle’s existing wheel bolts to secure the wheels in place.
- Bolt-on Spacers: These are more robust and secure. They come with their own set of bolts, which attach to the wheel hub, creating a new surface for the wheel to bolt onto. Bolt-on spacers are usually thicker and provide a stronger, safer fit.
Benefits of Using Wheel Hub Spacers
1. Improved Vehicle Handling
By pushing the wheels outward, wheel spacers can improve a car’s handling by increasing its track width (the distance between the left and right wheels). This wider stance can enhance stability, especially when cornering, reducing body roll and making the vehicle feel more planted to the road.
2. Enhanced Aesthetic Appeal
One of the most common reasons car enthusiasts install wheel spacers is for cosmetic purposes. A wider stance often gives the vehicle a more aggressive and sporty look, making it stand out on the road. Spacers can help achieve that “flush” look where the wheels sit evenly with the wheel arches, giving your vehicle a more polished appearance.
3. Increased Brake Clearance
In some cases, wheel spacers can provide extra clearance between the wheels and the brakes, which may be necessary if you’re upgrading to larger brake components. This additional space ensures that your new, larger brakes fit properly and don’t interfere with the wheel’s fitment.
4. Wheel Alignment Adjustment
Sometimes, wheel spacers are used to adjust wheel alignment issues. This can help reduce tire wear and ensure that your wheels are positioned properly for optimal performance. By using spacers, you can correct camber or toe angles, especially if you’ve installed aftermarket suspension components.
5. Compatibility with Aftermarket Wheels
If you’re upgrading to aftermarket wheels that don’t fit exactly with your car’s original specifications, wheel spacers can help create the necessary clearance. Whether you’re looking to fit a larger wheel or simply want more customization options, spacers can make your new wheels work with your vehicle’s hub.
Installation of Wheel Hub Spacers
Installing wheel spacers is relatively straightforward, though it’s important to do it correctly to avoid any safety issues. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to install wheel hub spacers:
Step 1: Choose the Right Spacer
Make sure you choose the correct thickness and type of spacer for your vehicle. The thickness should correspond to how much you want to push the wheels out, and the type should match your vehicle’s wheel hub and bolt configuration.
Step 2: Lift the Vehicle
Use a jack to lift the car off the ground and secure it with jack stands. Make sure the car is stable before proceeding.
Step 3: Remove the Wheels
Use a lug wrench to remove the wheels from the car. This will give you full access to the wheel hubs and the surface where you’ll be installing the spacers.
Step 4: Clean the Wheel Hub
Before installing the spacers, clean the wheel hub and the back of the wheels to remove any dirt or debris. This ensures a smooth, secure fit for the spacers.
Step 5: Install the Spacers
For slip-on spacers, simply slide them onto the wheel hub. For bolt-on spacers, align the holes with the wheel hub and secure them using the provided bolts.
Step 6: Reinstall the Wheels
Once the spacers are securely in place, mount the wheels back onto the hub. Tighten the lug nuts to the manufacturer’s recommended torque specifications.
Step 7: Lower the Vehicle
After ensuring that the wheels are properly secured, lower the vehicle back to the ground. Double-check all bolts for tightness.
Key Considerations Before Installing Wheel Hub Spacers
While wheel spacers can provide many benefits, there are several things to consider before deciding to install them:
1. Vehicle Manufacturer’s Recommendations
Before installing wheel spacers, it’s important to check whether your vehicle’s manufacturer recommends or approves the use of spacers. Some manufacturers may not support the use of spacers, as they can alter the suspension geometry or cause additional stress on certain components.
2. Effect on Suspension and Steering
Wheel spacers change the geometry of your vehicle’s suspension and steering, which can lead to increased wear on suspension components such as bearings, ball joints, and bushings. If you’re using large spacers, it may be a good idea to upgrade suspension components to accommodate the additional strain.
3. Legal Considerations
In some regions, installing wheel spacers may be illegal due to their impact on the vehicle’s handling and safety. Always check local regulations to ensure that spacers are permissible on public roads.
4. Proper Torque Specifications
If you’re installing wheel spacers, make sure that the lug nuts are properly torqued. Improper torque can lead to loose wheels, which can be dangerous. Always use a torque wrench and follow the recommended specifications from your vehicle’s manufacturer.
5. Spacer Quality
Not all spacers are created equal. It’s essential to choose high-quality spacers from reputable manufacturers to ensure safety and durability. Cheap or poorly made spacers can crack, warp, or fail, leading to serious accidents.
Conclusion
Wheel hub spacers are an affordable and easy way to enhance your vehicle’s aesthetics and handling. Whether you’re looking for a wider stance, more clearance, or just want to give your car a custom look, spacers can provide a significant improvement. However, it’s important to take into account factors such as vehicle manufacturer recommendations, suspension impacts, and local regulations before making a decision.