Wheel Spacers Advantages / Dis-advantages

**jake1210** · October 2nd, 2007 08:45 PM

I just want to know what are the advantages/dis-advantages of using wheel spacers and upto what size (thikness) is allowable. Right now i am planning to use a 12mm universal wheel spacers to correct my wheels (rims) offset.

**v6dreamer** · October 3rd, 2007 12:49 AM

Originally Posted by jake1210

I just want to know what are the advantages/dis-advantages of using wheel spacers and upto what size (thikness) is allowable. Right now i am planning to use a 12mm universal wheel spacers to correct my wheels (rims) offset.

Advantage: You could mount your new rim to correct the offset.

Disadvatage: Extra expense, ugly.

Before buying spacers you must know you car wheel offset and the rim that your goin to use. You must know this so you can caculate how many MM of spacer that your goin to put. If you used too thick spacer your wheel will stake out, then youll going to have a problem of rubbing the fender. What kind of car are you driving anyway?

**mbeige** · October 3rd, 2007 02:27 AM

Main disadvantage is the suspension geometry will change, putting more stress on the suspension components than normal because you're essentially increasing the lever arm so the unsprung weight (wheels, control arms, etc) will put a heavier load due to the longer moment arm.

**shampooking** · October 4th, 2007 10:14 AM

Originally Posted by mbeige

Main disadvantage is the suspension geometry will change, putting more stress on the suspension components than normal because you're essentially increasing the lever arm so the unsprung weight (wheels, control arms, etc) will put a heavier load due to the longer moment arm.

well said...

**niky** · October 4th, 2007 01:35 PM

The most important stress will be on your lugs. If your spacer is too thick, there won't be enough thread left for the nuts to hold onto. They could loosen easily, wear out, or even break prematurely because of the stress. If you need to use thick spacers and they leave very little of the thread on the lugs showing, consider buying longer lugs.

**mbeige** · October 4th, 2007 05:06 PM

In addition to what Niky said it might be better to measure the spacer, then find lugs that have an additional amount identical to the spacer width. That way it's just a wider stance but the lugs can still thread properly.