Wheel alignment rings - their role is more important than it seems [guide]

Centering rings are installed on wheels with a non-factory diameter of the central hole, but - contrary to some opinions - they do not transfer loads and do not affect traffic safety. That doesn't mean they aren't needed. After a long time, their absence can become a problem.

When using aftermarket alloy wheels looking for a cheap aftermarket, the focus is mainly on the number of mounting holes and bolt spacing. If it is, and the center hole of the rim is the same or larger, you can usually mount a rim on it. However, the central hole is also used for landing. centering rings made of plastic. They are small hub caps, the outer diameter of which corresponds to the diameter of the central hole of the rim, and the inner diameter of the rim corresponds to the hub.

Contrary to some opinions, they are not needed for driving and do not transmit any effort. Pins or mounting screws transmit all forces and hold the wheel. The centering rings are used to axially seat the rim on the hub and thus seat the rim in such a way that when the wheel bolts are tightened, they fit exactly into the center of the hole. And what else is possible, since the holes in the rims are narrowed or look like a cone, so that it is easier to mount the wheel?

It turns out that there is, as the practice of workshops has shown, but mainly in the field of wheels and suspensions. Workshops are unlikely to deal with this topic, as it is not in their interests. Whereas wheels are always subjected to vertical forces during assembly. Simply put, the wheel drops slightly in relation to the holes. If the central one is too big, then after a dozen puffs a bolt or nut nest is made and, finally, the wheel is slightly shifted relative to the hub axis. This is exactly what the centering rings prevent.

Tell the mechanic or vulcanizer about them

If your car has non-original wheels and centering rings, it is worth informing the mechanic or vulcanizer about this, if they spin the wheels. When repairing a car or changing wheels, the ring may be lost somewhere, even a mechanic may not know about it. When the wheel is old, heavily worn, with worn sockets, vibrations are felt when put on without a ring.