Are you an off-road enthusiast who wants to run bigger tires or gain more stability on your 4x4? Wheel spacers could be your solution. These basic steel plates can considerably transform your vehicle's performance and appearance by offering it a bigger track size as well as tire clearance.
On or off-road ready, here's how you can choose and install the right alloy wheel spacers. We'll cover how to install wheel spacers on your vehicle. We also include tips on how to get better traction and prevent fender rub so you can safely and effectively take full advantage of your 4x4's off-road performance.
Why Install Wheel Spacers?
For the uninitiated, it’s hard to see why people would want to install wheel spacers (well, except for the aesthetic upgrade). From our experience, off-road enthusiasts–and anyone who cares– may want to fit wheel spacers on their vehicle for the following reasons:
- Improved Handling: By widening your vehicle's track, wheel spacers can enhance stability and cornering performance. This is the main advantage of installing a wheel spacer.
- Enhanced Aesthetics: Most people secretly just love the stance of a vehicle with enough clearance—and wheel spacers can give vehicles that aggressive stance. This fills out the wheel wells for a sportier look.
- Clearance: they offer more space for bigger brake systems or wheels with alternate offsets.
- Customization: Spacers give you the range to choose the appropriate wheel and tire size as an enthusiast off-roader.
But it should be further emphasized that these advantages on spacers can only be attained when the wheel spacers are installed correctly. We’ll get instructions for the correct installation shortly.
Types of Wheel Spacers
First, it is critical that you familiarize yourself with the various types of wheel spacers on the market before we move on to your installation process:
- Hub-centric wheel spacers: These will center around the hub of your vehicle, giving a nice fit that decreases vibration. At Orion Motor Tech, you’ll find perfect-fit, hub-centric wheel spacers for your FJ Cruiser, Tacoma, Golf cart, and more.
- Lug-centric wheel spacers: These rely on the lug nuts for centering, which can be less ideal for some applications.
How to install hub centric wheel spacers differs slightly from lug-centric ones, so be sure you know which type you're working with.
Preparation: Tools and Safety First
Before you begin to properly install wheel spacers, gather the following tools:
- Jack and jack stands
- Lug wrench or impact gun
- Torque wrench
- Wire brush
- Anti-seize compound
- Thread locker
Like most DIY tasks, you need a safety-first working condition. Always jack up your car with proper Jack stands, never on just a Jack ALONE!
How to Install Wheel spacers: Step-by-Step Instructions Guide
Suppose you already have a high-quality wheel spacer (if not, check out Orion Motor Tech Wheel Spacers and select the one which makes the most sense for you). The following is what you will need to do to install wheel spacers in your vehicle:
Step 1: Loosen the Lug Nuts
First loosen the lug nuts of the wheel you are working. Don't remove them completely yet – just break their initial tightness while the wheel is still on the ground.
Step 2: Lift the Vehicle
Using your jack, lift the vehicle and secure it on jack stands. Double-check that the vehicle is stable before proceeding.
Step 3: Remove the Wheel
Now, fully remove the lug nuts and take off the wheel. Set it aside in a safe place.
Step 4: Clean the Hub
Use your wire brush to clean the hub surface thoroughly. Any dirt or corrosion can prevent the spacer from sitting flush, potentially causing vibration or even safety issues.
Step 5: Install the Spacer
At this point, your hub-centric spacers should pop onto the hub rather snugly. In the case of lug centric spacers, you will need to align them with the existing studs.
Step 6: Apply Thread Locker
Put a dab of thread locker on the projecting studs or bolts that will fasten the spacer. This helps to ensure that they do not come loose with time.
Step 7: Secure the Spacer
Secure the spacer with the bolts or nuts. Check with a torque wrench to make sure they are on tight to the factory spec.
Step 8: Reinstall the Wheel
Reinstall the wheel on the hub/spacer assembly. Hand-thread the lug nuts to establish alignment.
Step 9: Lower the Vehicle
Slowly lower the vehicle to the ground. This permits the wheel to fix to its last position.
Step 10: Final Torque
Using your torque wrench, tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern to the appropriate amount. This will allow it to sit flat and make sure the tire is pressed adequately into place.
Special Considerations
How to install wheel spacers on a truck may require additional steps due to the vehicle's weight and typical use. Always consult your spacer manufacturer's guidelines for vehicle-specific instructions.
For those wondering how to install universal wheel spacers, be aware that these may not be suitable for all vehicles. Universal spacers often lack the precision fit of vehicle-specific options, potentially compromising safety and performance. Orion Motor Tech have wheel spacers for your specific vehicle.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Over-torquing: This can damage threads or even break studs.
- Neglecting regular checks: Spacers should be inspected and re-torqued periodically.
- Mixing spacer types: Never use hub-centric and lug-centric spacers on the same axle.
- Ignoring weight ratings: Ensure your spacers are rated for your vehicle's weight and intended use.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even when you know how to install wheel spacers, issues can arise. Here are some common problems and their solutions:
1) Vibration at high speeds
Cause: Improper torquing or hub-centric rings not seated correctly
Solution: Re-torque all nuts and ensure spacers are properly seated
2) Unusual tire wear
Cause: Wheel alignment affected by spacer installation
Solution: Get a professional alignment after installing spacers
3) Squeaking or creaking noises
Cause: Dirt or corrosion between the spacer and hub
Solution: Remove spacers, clean all mating surfaces, and reinstall
Conclusion
While taking on the role of a handy DIY guy can be scary (we know some of you actually love it), putting on wheel spacers is a simple project that will give your rig added flair, coolness and probably a minuscule gain in handling. So, keeping all that in consideration and following these instructions, you are good to go and can safely use the wheel spacers as an advantage.
Is your car finally due for an upgrade with wheel spacers? Explore Orion Motor Tech, whose top-quality wheel spacers are crafted to fit perfectly and give you the best performance! Our experienced customer service team is on hand to choose the perfect spacers for your vehicle and requirements, so make sure you get in touch with us if you have any doubts! Check out our website or contact us today to get started on improving your ride!
