Spacers to increase the disc outreach
Content
A wheel spacer is a part that is mounted on a vehicle to move the wheel relative to the hub. Due to it, the track expands, the center of the suspension roll is reduced. Thanks to the installation of spacers, the lateral stability of the machine is increased and the driving is easier.
The part itself is a small disc made of a metal alloy with holes. Some motorists send their vehicle for a spacer installation procedure to make the car look more reliable. Spacers to increase the disc offset give the green light to the installation of a more powerful braking system, as there is more free space.
Application of spacers
One of the most common reasons why there is a need to buy spacers is to purchase new discs. Original parts make an ordinary car stand out from others. Wheel rims have many parameters:
- diameter;
- width;
- the size of the center hole;
- departure.
With the latter, difficulties often arise when operating a car.
Spacer functions
- increasing driving dynamics;
- an increase in the size of the wheel base;
- widening the track of the car;
- improvement of the exterior;
- purchase of disks with non-standard parameters.
The manufacturer clearly regulates the permissible overhang range, which affects the central disc axle and its location in relation to the hub. The larger this parameter, the smaller the track width will be due to the depth from which the wheel is mounted on the hub. Installation of spacers is necessary if the disk overhang is greater than that set by the manufacturer. In this case, the disc will stop with the brake caliper and stop rotating. When installing the part, consider how deep the bolts will go into the hub. In most cases, standard sized bolts are shorter than necessary.
If the vehicle has studded hubs, spacers will need to be fitted with equipment. In this case, the part is first attached to the standard studs with nuts, and then the wheel is installed.
If necessary, installing wheels with an offset less than the factory spacer will not help. Wheels that are too far forward will significantly increase the pressure on the suspension.
Spacers are suitable if the car enthusiast wants to install an aerodynamic body kit and arch extensions. The discs in this situation are needed to make the wheels look wider.
If the car owner has decided to raise his vehicle off the road surface, you should know how much the clearance will increase after the adapter installation procedure. It depends on several parameters:
- car weight - the higher the car weight, the less lift;
- the height of the spacers;
- the condition of the depreciation struts - the newer they are, the higher the car will be;
- suspension type.
The last parameter has a different effect on the clearance height.
Types of spacers
Adapters are manufactured in different configurations and sizes. In addition, specialists take into account the location of the holes on the parts. The material from which the spacers are made is also an important element of choice. All of the above parameters put a load on the suspension, which can lead to its breakdown and an increase in the risk of an accident. To maximize the safety of the car, when choosing adapters, the parameters of the vehicle must be taken into account.
The main types of spacers:
- Parts with through holes for mounting the hub. To install the adapters, you will most likely need to replace the standard bolts. They must be long enough to fit new components. The standard thickness of these spacers is no more than 10 mm.
- Spacers that not only have holes for bolts, but also for fastener threads. This allows you to attach the part to the hub and screw the disc onto it. To center the wheel, spacers of this type are equipped with a bulge.
By thickness, products are divided into the following types:
- 0 - 10 mm. The small thickness allows the use of discs whose characteristics are not suitable for a particular car. They prevent friction with the car caliper. Such spacers are most often recommended for installation on sports cars.
- 12 - 25 mm. The wheelbase is noticeably increased with the use of spacers of medium thickness, which is an improvement in design. Also, the adapters prevent the wheels from sinking after installing body kits or arched expanders.
- 25-50 mm. This type of spacer is ideal for jeeps or cars with wheel nuts. The kit may include bolts for connecting the hub and the structure.
Influence of spacers on the running gear resource
Before installing the spacers, the motorist quite reasonably raises a question about the service life of the hub bearing. If spacers are used only to ensure the adaptation of new discs to standard sizes, then this will not affect the performance and service life of the undercarriage in any way. If the spacers were installed to improve the appearance of the car, and at the same time the outreach changed and became negative, then the bearing will serve less.
To avoid problems, it is not enough just to install spacers, it is necessary to adapt the vehicle chassis, steering system, suspension and brakes to new parts. Without these actions, the stability of the machine will decrease.
Spacers improve the appearance of the vehicle and have a positive effect on handling. Thanks to them, the car maintains stability on the track due to the increase in ruts and more smoothly enters the turns.
Questions and answers:
How do spacers affect cars? First of all, they increase the ground clearance, which protects the elements located in the lower part of the body from damage when driving on a dirt road or off-road.
How do wheel spacers affect the suspension? This is the same as using negative offset rims. The wider the wheels stand, the greater the load on the chassis and suspension elements.
What are the shock absorber spacers for? These are rubber elements that fit under the spring between the shock absorber and the body. Those who seek to increase the clearance of their cars resort to this.
What is the impact of spacers on handling? Despite the increased load on the chassis elements, the wheel spacers improve the car's handling (it enters the turn more confidently due to the wide track).
