Be cautious of spacers
01-11-11, 07:57 PM
#46
Pole Position
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: NC
Posts: 294
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
They did withstand it for a year. That's the problem with many mechanics - they do what they think is good and ignore technical documentation. Be very glad the mechanics who work on aircraft for the airlines are not so cavalier.
The wheel bearing stress issue is well known. Anyone running an offset (spacer + wheel) different from stock can expect wheel bearings to die sooner than if they ran factory offset. The harder you drive, the shorter the bearing life will be (which is also true even with the factory offset, but you'll get maximum life at the OEM spec no matter what, it just won't be as long as someone who doesn't push the car hard.)
The wheel bearing stress issue is well known. Anyone running an offset (spacer + wheel) different from stock can expect wheel bearings to die sooner than if they ran factory offset. The harder you drive, the shorter the bearing life will be (which is also true even with the factory offset, but you'll get maximum life at the OEM spec no matter what, it just won't be as long as someone who doesn't push the car hard.)
01-17-11, 05:03 AM
#47
From a mechanical engineer's perspective, I don't see why anyone would install these types of spacers on their cars. Because of its design, the spacer itself has to support the entire weight of that corner of the car, PLUS the moments generated by the offset loads on the studs. Those are definitely fatigue cracks, and possible overtightening of the nuts may have attributed to the failures. Also, using aluminum as the material is suspect too. If they were make from through-hardened steel, I would have a little more confidence in them.
I would never run the V2 types of spacers. If somebody "HAD" to run spacers, go with the V1 style that are 1) hubcentric, and 2) requires you to change out to longer studs. That way, the spacer itself is always only under compression, and the holes are not loaded such that they are sources for fatigue cracks. The proper way to get a better fitment is with wheels with more aggressive offsets. Either way (V1 spacers or higher offset wheels), you will be inducing extra moment loads on the hub bearing, leading to premature failure.
Function over form...I always give a thumbs down to V2 type spacers.
I would never run the V2 types of spacers. If somebody "HAD" to run spacers, go with the V1 style that are 1) hubcentric, and 2) requires you to change out to longer studs. That way, the spacer itself is always only under compression, and the holes are not loaded such that they are sources for fatigue cracks. The proper way to get a better fitment is with wheels with more aggressive offsets. Either way (V1 spacers or higher offset wheels), you will be inducing extra moment loads on the hub bearing, leading to premature failure.
Function over form...I always give a thumbs down to V2 type spacers.
Last edited by mugenh22a4; 01-17-11 at 05:46 AM.
03-07-11, 08:32 PM
#49
Spacers were never the best idea. Usually it is best to get the correct wheel specs and avoid adding spacers. Afterall, spacers are just an extension and presents an opportunity for stress points. I would also question the quality of certain spacers, the quality and construction, as well as how well-engineering they are to be 100% flat as I heard low grade spacers induce vibrations and whatnot.
Good to hear nothing bad happened and you discovered the problem prior to any accident. Take care =)
Good to hear nothing bad happened and you discovered the problem prior to any accident. Take care =)
03-07-11, 09:40 PM
#53
Pole Position
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: NC
Posts: 294
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Ever since I had major issues on my previous car, a GS400, using 25mm spacers I have been very, very wary since. Basically, several months into using the spacers, I had consistent noises galore coming from the left rear wheel.
Annoying thing was how every other mechanic had different interpretations of why I was getting strange noises. Eventually, after digging into it way too long, I found out my wheel bearing had to be replaced!
I hope no one else has to go through I went through regarding a messed up wheel bearing.
Annoying thing was how every other mechanic had different interpretations of why I was getting strange noises. Eventually, after digging into it way too long, I found out my wheel bearing had to be replaced!
I hope no one else has to go through I went through regarding a messed up wheel bearing.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
whazzzzuup
Wheels and Tires Classifieds
2
06-27-10 10:23 PM
Eggman
Wheels, Tires & Brakes Forum
12
04-21-08 10:21 AM
