Washers -VS- Wheel Spacers
#1
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Washers -VS- Wheel Spacers
Hey there everyone.
I have a small yet large dilemma regarding caliper clearance and wheels. After just recently picking up a set of wheels, mounting them, and attempting to roll them a bit, it was noticed that the car was "stuck" per say. Upon investigating the situation, realized front wheels were hitting my front brake caliper just by a bit, yet enough to keep the wheel from rolling freely.
My question is this, based on my 56 year old neighbors' advice, rather than going with wheel spacers, can't I just put a washer (or two) or a small nut in between the wheel and hub on the studs as opposed to going with wheel spacers?
I am literally needing to clear from 1/3 to 1/2 inch at most. I was told by my neighbor that for such a small clearance requirement, there would be no real justification to dish out all the extra cash for wheel spacers. Instead I should head out to Home Depot and pick up a few thick washers to place onto the studs behind the wheel. What do you guys think; or better yet know? Please keep in mind, it is only a small amount of clearance needed.
I know my neighbor means well and all, but I just want to get the advice from some of you who are quite a bit more savy on such matters than my well-meaning neighbor. After doing some research on the internet regarding this, I came across what I assume is respectable advice. The following link will talk a bit about this idea. Scroll down on the attached page/link and look for the "Brembo" logo and see for yourself on the small paragraph adjacent to the "Brembo" logo.
http://www.performancealloys.com/all...el_spacers.asp
Thanks guys!!!
PS: This is not for my G, but instead for my sister's Toyota Highlander in which she uses for everyday driving to work, grocery store, and to pick up her children from school. So there are little ones involved here and that is why I want to make sure I can assist in getting her to ride as safe as possible.
Thanks again guys!!!
I have a small yet large dilemma regarding caliper clearance and wheels. After just recently picking up a set of wheels, mounting them, and attempting to roll them a bit, it was noticed that the car was "stuck" per say. Upon investigating the situation, realized front wheels were hitting my front brake caliper just by a bit, yet enough to keep the wheel from rolling freely.
My question is this, based on my 56 year old neighbors' advice, rather than going with wheel spacers, can't I just put a washer (or two) or a small nut in between the wheel and hub on the studs as opposed to going with wheel spacers?
I am literally needing to clear from 1/3 to 1/2 inch at most. I was told by my neighbor that for such a small clearance requirement, there would be no real justification to dish out all the extra cash for wheel spacers. Instead I should head out to Home Depot and pick up a few thick washers to place onto the studs behind the wheel. What do you guys think; or better yet know? Please keep in mind, it is only a small amount of clearance needed.
I know my neighbor means well and all, but I just want to get the advice from some of you who are quite a bit more savy on such matters than my well-meaning neighbor. After doing some research on the internet regarding this, I came across what I assume is respectable advice. The following link will talk a bit about this idea. Scroll down on the attached page/link and look for the "Brembo" logo and see for yourself on the small paragraph adjacent to the "Brembo" logo.
http://www.performancealloys.com/all...el_spacers.asp
Thanks guys!!!
PS: This is not for my G, but instead for my sister's Toyota Highlander in which she uses for everyday driving to work, grocery store, and to pick up her children from school. So there are little ones involved here and that is why I want to make sure I can assist in getting her to ride as safe as possible.
Thanks again guys!!!
Last edited by ZIG35; 10-06-2009 at 04:28 AM.
#3
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Damn... That's a great idea!!!
Hey but that wouldn't strongly hinder or damage the overall structual integrity of the caliper would it, putting at risk passangers during evasive, harsh, and emergency manuvering if needed? In other words, it wouldn't weaken the pressure or force bearing capabilities while braking of the caliper by cutting it down some? I would hate to hear that an accident would have been avoidable, but the braking equipment gave out due to tampering. What do you think?
Thanks again!!! Awesome idea indeed!!!
Hey but that wouldn't strongly hinder or damage the overall structual integrity of the caliper would it, putting at risk passangers during evasive, harsh, and emergency manuvering if needed? In other words, it wouldn't weaken the pressure or force bearing capabilities while braking of the caliper by cutting it down some? I would hate to hear that an accident would have been avoidable, but the braking equipment gave out due to tampering. What do you think?
Thanks again!!! Awesome idea indeed!!!
#5
#7
If you need 1/3(~8.5mm)1/2"(~12.5mm) of clearance, then I would absolutely use a spacer as opposed to a washer, along with extended studs. I would not run any spacer larger than 3mm without swapping for extended length wheel studs. A local member has broken wheel studs with 5mm spacers on the stock studs
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#11
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Scroll down on the attached page/link and look for the "Brembo" logo and see for yourself on the small paragraph adjacent to the "Brembo" logo.
http://www.performancealloys.com/all...el_spacers.asp
http://www.performancealloys.com/all...el_spacers.asp
"If you are fitting alloy wheel spacers to ensure clearance from upgraded or larger brake callipers such as Brembo, we recommend that you use washers on your studs (if your car has studs) to SIMULATE the thickness of the spacer you require.
When you have enough washers to SIMULATE the calliper clearance you require, measure the thickness of these washers as this will be a guide as to the thickness of the wheel spacer you require. "
#12
#14
So it comes down to the determination of keeping the wheels. If you keep them then the spacers are the way to go, simply the safer method of the three.