Wheel Spacer, Dangerous?

[GarrettM]

Why is it that if you run wheel spacers that are huge, it is dangerous?
And are wheel spacers in general dangerous?
I have never been able to figure it out. I know big trucks use them.

[Bill-B]

I dont think they are if you use the proper size hardware

[Teaguer]

A regular spacer beyond a certain width that just rests on your lugs can be dangeraous .

A big spacer that bolts to your hub then you bolt the wheel to the spacer is perfectly safe in all situations .

[fretburnr]

also keep in mind, for our cars they need to be hubcentric. That way the weight of the wheel is supported on the center lip of the spacer/hub and not the lugs themselves.

[AdironRider]

Ive found the largest contributor to spacers are bad are tire shops, etc that dont want to touch them due to liabilty. Because your using a spacer to make a wheel that doesnt fit, fit, a lot of companies are weary in case they fuck something up. At least thats what Ive seen. Ive seen plenty of proper spacer set ups run with absolutely no problems.

[cramer]

also keep in mind, for our cars they need to be hubcentric. That way the weight of the wheel is supported on the center lip of the spacer/hub and not the lugs themselves.

No, hubcentric means the wheel gets mounted exactly centered each time due to the lip on the rotor lining up the wheel properly. The lugs are still doing the work. On a non hub centric wheel, you need to slowly tighten up each lug with the wheel off the ground so the wheel is centered by the lug bolt seat.

Spacers are safe. Even if you run the smaller spacers (less then 20-25mm), increase the length of your lug bolt by the width of your new spacer. This will ensure you have plenty of thread to safely secure your wheel.

[Rennsport]

if you use a 15mm spacers you can use mercedes lug bolts, ive been using them on the front of my 535i for almost a year without any problems.

[dude8383]

if you use a 15mm spacers you can use mercedes lug bolts, ive been using them on the front of my 535i for almost a year without any problems.

More info on this please!

[nando]

get a stud kit - you'll thank me later. hell, even without spacers, get a stud kit!

[uofom3]

get a stud kit - you'll thank me later. hell, even without spacers, get a stud kit!

truth - that is something that is on my list for this year.

Cramer's post is spot on; sound advice.

[Rennsport]

they are longer with a non-threaded shoulder, like these:



i dont know which car they came off of, but i can find out this weekend, i just grabbed them from my dad's buddy who owns a mercedes repair shop.
the length is perfect, the amount of threads sticking out from the back side of the spacer is the same as how many stick out with a stock lug without spacer

[Van Westervelt]

Spacers are safe, so long as you use qaulity parts that fit properly for the application. H&R baby.

[ejnight]

Nice find.

[teamgtnfx01]

when buying spacers how do i tell if they are hubcenteric or not