If you’re a car enthusiast looking to improve your vehicle’s performance and appearance, wheel spacers might be just what you need. Wheel spacers are a simple yet effective way to widen your car’s stance and give it a more aggressive look. In this article, we’ll look closer at KSP wheel spacers, how they work, and the benefits they can offer.
What are Wheel Spacers?
Wheel spacers are metal or plastic spacers that fit between your car’s wheel hub and the wheel itself. They’re designed to push the wheel outwards from the hub, effectively widening your car’s track. Most wheel spacers are available in thicknesses ranging from 5mm to 25mm, although thicker spacers are available for more extreme applications.
How do Wheel Spacers Work?
Wheel spacers are relatively simple in design and installation. They bolt onto the existing wheel hub, and the wheel then bolts onto the spacer itself. This creates a wider stance and can improve handling by reducing body roll and increasing stability. Additionally, wheel spacers can allow for wider tires or larger brakes, as they increase the clearance between the wheel and the car’s bodywork.
Benefits of Wheel Spacers
One of the most significant benefits of wheel spacers is that they can improve your car’s appearance. By widening the stance, wheel spacers can give your vehicle a more aggressive look, making it stand out from the crowd. Additionally, wheel spacers can improve handling by lowering the car’s center of gravity and reducing body roll. It is particularly noticeable in high-speed cornering, where the vehicle will feel more planted and stable.
Another benefit of wheel spacers is that they can allow larger brakes or wider tires to be installed. Wheel spacers create more clearance between the wheel and the car’s bodywork, giving you more room to work with. Additionally, wider tires can offer improved traction and grip, which can be especially useful in wet or slippery conditions.
Do wheel spacers cause vibration
Wheel spacers can cause vibrations if installed incorrectly or if the wrong size or thickness is used. Improper installation can lead to the spacer being off-center or not securely fastened to the wheel hub, causing vibrations that can be felt through the steering wheel or the car’s chassis. Using a too-thick spacer can also cause issues, as it can place additional stress on the wheel bearings, leading to premature wear and potentially causing vibrations.
To avoid vibration issues, choosing the correct size and thickness of the wheel spacer for your specific car and application is important. Additionally, it’s crucial to ensure that the spacers are installed correctly and securely, following the manufacturer’s instructions or consulting with a professional mechanic. If you experience any vibrations after installing wheel spacers, it’s essential to have the problem diagnosed and addressed promptly to avoid compromising your car’s safety or performance.
How to install wheel spacers
Installing wheel spacers can be a simple process, but it’s essential to ensure that it’s done correctly to avoid any potential safety issues. Here’s a general guide to installing wheel spacers:
- Gather your tools and materials. You’ll need the correct size and thickness of wheel spacers, a torque wrench, a socket set, and any other tools specified by the manufacturer.
- Remove the wheel. Use a jack to lift the car and secure it on jack stands. Remove the wheel nuts and carefully take off the wheel.
- Clean the wheel hub. Use a wire brush or a cloth to remove any dirt or debris from the hub. This will ensure a clean and secure fit for the spacer.
- Install the wheel spacer. Slide the spacer over the wheel hub and ensure that it is seated properly. Depending on the spacer design, you may need to use longer bolts or studs to secure it to the hub. Tighten the bolts or studs by hand, but do not fully tighten them yet.
- Install the wheel. Place the wheel onto the spacer and align the lug nut holes. Thread the lug nuts onto the studs or bolts by hand, but do not fully tighten them yet.
- Tighten the bolts or studs. Use a wrench to tighten the bolts or studs to the manufacturer’s recommended torque specifications. This is important to ensure that the spacer is securely fastened and will not come loose during use. If the manufacturer does not provide a specific torque value, use the general rule of thumb of 80-90 ft-lbs.
- Tighten the lug nuts. This is important to ensure that the wheel is properly fastened to the spacer and will not come loose during use. If the manufacturer does not provide a specific torque value, use the general rule of thumb of 80-90 ft-lbs.
- Repeat for the other wheels. Repeat the process for each wheel that you wish to install wheel spacers on.
- Check for clearance. After installing the spacers, check to ensure that there is adequate clearance between the wheel and the car’s bodywork. If there is not enough clearance, you may need to use thinner spacers or adjust the suspension.
- Test drive the car. Take the car for test drive to ensure that there are no vibrations or handling issues. If you experience any problems, stop immediately and consult with a professional mechanic.
Conclusion
Overall, wheel spacers are a simple and effective way to improve your car’s appearance and handling. They’re relatively easy to install and can offer a range of benefits, from enhanced stability to the ability to install larger brakes or wider tires. However, choosing the right size and thickness of wheel spacer is essential to avoid compromising your car’s safety or performance. If you need more clarification, it’s always best to consult a professional mechanic or tuner before modifying your car.
