“Wheel spacers are for idiots…!”
#16
Besides using spacers for looks, spacers can also be used for one other thing - to clear brakes. At least that is what I used them for in the front of my car. Otherwise my wheels wouldn't fit my brakes and I'd have to buy new wheels. I've had them on over well over a year and 0 problems including track and autocross. I know a few other people that has as well, 0 problems.
#17
I thought offset was the determining factor to premature wheel bearing and suspension wear. i.e. +30 offset and you add a 10mm spacer = +20 offset, which would cause the same wear if you purchase a wheel with +20 offset. I think the horror stories are from ppl who installed the spacers incorrectly or purchased poorly made spacers.
#18
#19
I thought offset was the determining factor to premature wheel bearing and suspension wear. i.e. +30 offset and you add a 10mm spacer = +20 offset, which would cause the same wear if you purchase a wheel with +20 offset. I think the horror stories are from ppl who installed the spacers incorrectly or purchased poorly made spacers.
#22
I've actually seen people snap wheel studs off with spacers.
That guy didn't know what he was talking about saying spacers would rob HP, but he was right in saying they add stress...specifically on the lugs. My moving the wheel out away from the hub, it puts more leverage on the studs and can lead to snapping them.
If you drag race or autoX, they don't let you run with spacers on.
Needless to say, there is plenty of evidence out there showing that bad things can happen with spacers.
I usually tell people that if the wheel requires a spacer to fit, then it doesn't fit period and you should find a new wheels.
And if you are going to use spacers anyway, upgrade your lugs to hardened lugs. Should be $20/wheel but worth the extra strenght and safety factor. Also, use high quality reputable spacers if you must. I wouldn't put $20 autozone spacers on my car.
That guy didn't know what he was talking about saying spacers would rob HP, but he was right in saying they add stress...specifically on the lugs. My moving the wheel out away from the hub, it puts more leverage on the studs and can lead to snapping them.
If you drag race or autoX, they don't let you run with spacers on.
Needless to say, there is plenty of evidence out there showing that bad things can happen with spacers.
I usually tell people that if the wheel requires a spacer to fit, then it doesn't fit period and you should find a new wheels.
And if you are going to use spacers anyway, upgrade your lugs to hardened lugs. Should be $20/wheel but worth the extra strenght and safety factor. Also, use high quality reputable spacers if you must. I wouldn't put $20 autozone spacers on my car.
#25
im no pro but by using any common sense if you have a wheel that sits good because the offset is correct even then some stress is there, and the same stress is there if you had the same weight wheel but a offset that isnt perfect so a 20mm spacer is used, either way the weight of the wheel on the bearing is going to be the same with or without the spacer. spacers are only bad if you like to purchase them form ebay and are poor quality.
#27
I see A LOT of misinformation in this thread.
1. Spacers add additional stress to the wheel bearings compared to the same wheel without the use of the spacer, but no more than a wheel with a lower offset. a 9.5+10 will result in the same stress on the bearings as a 9.5+30 with a 20mm spacer. PERIOD.
2. Spacers, when used with replacement extended length studs are not much more likely to fail than a stock stud. Most people who snap studs are those who use spacers without replacing the stock studs with the longer supplied studs. Not enough thread engagement on lug is the major cause of stud snapping.
3. AutoX absolutely allows spacers, as well as many other sanctioned racing associations. Many race teams use spacers to get brake clearance. Heck, even Bogart wheels, one of the premier drag racing wheel suppliers includes spacers for some of their wheels for brake clearance.
1. Spacers add additional stress to the wheel bearings compared to the same wheel without the use of the spacer, but no more than a wheel with a lower offset. a 9.5+10 will result in the same stress on the bearings as a 9.5+30 with a 20mm spacer. PERIOD.
2. Spacers, when used with replacement extended length studs are not much more likely to fail than a stock stud. Most people who snap studs are those who use spacers without replacing the stock studs with the longer supplied studs. Not enough thread engagement on lug is the major cause of stud snapping.
3. AutoX absolutely allows spacers, as well as many other sanctioned racing associations. Many race teams use spacers to get brake clearance. Heck, even Bogart wheels, one of the premier drag racing wheel suppliers includes spacers for some of their wheels for brake clearance.
#29
#30
Registered User
iTrader: (11)