How Dangerous are Wheel Spacers?

This aftermarket part sure sparks debates. However, wheel spacers are only dangerous when they are not installed correctly. There are two major concerns associated with them — poor material quality and their effect on suspension and tire wear. However, wheel spacers are hardly more dangerous than any other modification affecting performance.

In this article, we will look closely at what wheel spacers are and their functions. We will also discuss some of the concerns commonly associated with them and provide tips on how to avoid common mistakes and ensure your safety on the road. Finally, we will look at some popular misconceptions and real issues caused by adding spacers to your vehicle.

As with any other aftermarket part, they have their own benefits that attract car enthusiasts. The reason why people use them despite the ongoing debate on their safety is the versatility they offer for wheel customization. Wheel spacers allow people to install larger wheels and easily alter offset. Swapping wheels for aftermarket options is one of the simplest ways to make a truck look bigger or create a sportier look for your car. But despite their benefits, there are still some drawbacks and potential dangers if you decide to install spacers:

1. Faster suspension wear

Wheel spacers increase the distance between wheels while the suspension parts remain in the same place. This changes the suspension geometry and creates more work for the system.

2. Potential tire wear issues

If the spacers' size is not right the tires can rub against the wheel well or other components when the car turns. Oversized spacers can also dangerously decrease the distance from the tire to the fender, causing it to rub against it.

3. Extra load on bearings

Additional length can add more pressure to the wheel bearings. This strain can prompt deterioration.

4. Can cause wheel detachment

Faulty parts or installation errors can lead to dangerous accidents like losing wheels.

5. Quality issues

Some manufacturers sell cheap spacers of questionable quality. They warp and crack under strain and can cause all sorts of trouble.

So this was a brief outline of the most common issues associated with wheel spacers. However, there is much more to discover about this topic. And so we will go into more detail in the following paragraphs.

Can Spacers Damage Wheel Bearings?

A wheel bearing is an essential part you should not mess with. It is the element that connects the wheel to the axle. Bearings have balls or tapers, according to their type, that roll inside a set of metal rings allowing the wheel to rotate smoothly.

Wheel spacers basically push the wheels out and further away from the body, creating more track. But this has a side effect that impacts the bearings in a negative way. Due to the increased distance between wheels, they suffer from extra load caused by spacers. This becomes a greater concern for trucks and heavy or loaded cars. With more weight, the bearings are being pushed to their limits. And thus, constant vibration and shocks from potholes pose a great danger to their integrity.

This is a serious issue. However, it can be easily avoided. Most dangers linked to wheel spacers are usually caused by a lack of information that leads to poor choices of size and other characteristics or errors during installation. Wheel spacers are safe enough to use daily if they are installed correctly.

To avoid putting your wheel bearings through hell, mind the vehicle track. Most car manufacturers recommend limiting your track increase to 50mm. If you stay within this safe range, the bearings should be able to put up with extra effort.

Do Wheel Spacers Contribute to Tire Wear?

Wheel spacers only pose a danger to your tires when they are too big to fit the wheels between the well walls and fender. The tires can rub against the well or other parts inside of it when you go a sharp-angled turn. This can damage not only the tires but other parts as well. And if the spacer is too large, the wheels are pushed so far that they start to rub against the fender. Constant friction at high speed will overheat the rubber and lead to very rapid deterioration of the material. That is if the fender doesn't brake off first.

Do not let that happen. It is fairly easy to do. Just measure carefully when you choose spacers and leave some extra room for the occasions when you drive with luggage or a whole family aboard. And once the spacers are on, turn the wheels to the max to see if they have enough clearance.

Wheel Spacers Put More Pressure on Studs?

To install spacers, you will need to switch to longer wheel studs. They will keep both the wheel and the spacer in place, safely attached to the hub. But more length means more pressure on the studs. The studs get especially vulnerable if you over-torque them while installing. The torque combined with weight pulls at studs and causes metal fatigue or mechanical damage.

To not get in trouble, do not get carried away with the size of spacers. It is always best to consult a professional mechanic. And also, pay attention to how much torque you apply to the studs. Usually, manuals contain all the necessary information.

Will Spacers Ruin Suspension?

Wheel spacers change the suspension geometry. The spacer pushes wheels further from the suspension components and alters the scrub radius. The scrub radius is a value determined by the position of the steering axis and the wheel center. It affects steering stability, cornering and other important things.

That is why proper research saves you from making mistakes. If you know what to look out for, you will not make impulsive choices. Check the scrub radius before making any assumptions. If you already have a positive scrub radius, remember that spacers can only push it further into the positive area. Moderation is the key here.

What is the Safest Type of Wheel Spacers?

Since safety is the most important thing, you should also know that some spacers are better than others. This is not only about size or material. There are two types of wheel spacers: hub-centric and lug-centric. Hub-centric spacers are the best option because it is built to minimize the load and friction points and eliminate vibration.

Take this article as a sign to start your own extensive research. Knowing some obvious pitfalls will help you avoid any problems with spacers and enjoy your custom wheels.