Introduction:
Are you looking to enhance your vehicle's stance and handling? 1.2-inch hub centric wheel spacers might be the solution. This comprehensive guide explores everything you need to know about these spacers, from their benefits and installation to potential drawbacks and safety considerations. We'll delve into the importance of hub centricity, different spacer types, and how to choose the right ones for your car. Understanding 1.2-inch hub centric wheel spacers is crucial for a safe and effective modification.
Understanding Hub Centric Wheel Spacers
Wheel spacers are precisely engineered components designed to increase the distance between your vehicle's wheel mounting surface and the wheel itself. A 1.2-inch spacer adds 1.2 inches to this distance on each side of the vehicle. Hub centricity is a critical feature: it means the spacer is precisely machined to fit snugly onto the wheel hub's center bore, providing a secure and stable connection. This is in contrast to lug centric spacers, which rely solely on the lug nuts for centering. Hub centric spacers prevent vibrations and ensure the wheel is correctly aligned.
Benefits of Using 1.2-Inch Hub Centric Wheel Spacers
- Improved Wheel Clearance: Spacers create extra space, preventing rubbing between tires and suspension components, especially beneficial with wider wheels or lowered suspensions.
- Enhanced Vehicle Stance: A wider track improves the vehicle's appearance, giving it a more aggressive, muscular stance. This is a popular modification for aesthetic reasons.
- Better Handling (Potentially): While not always guaranteed, some drivers report improved handling due to a wider track, providing increased stability, especially during cornering. However, this depends on various factors, including vehicle type and tire setup.
- Brake Caliper Clearance: In some cases, spacers can help accommodate larger brake calipers that may not otherwise fit under the stock wheels.
Drawbacks and Considerations
- Increased Stress on Wheel Bearings and Studs: Spacers add extra leverage on your wheel bearings and wheel studs, potentially leading to premature wear if not properly installed and maintained. Regular inspections are essential.
- Potential for Vibration: Though hub centric spacers minimize this, improper installation or low-quality spacers can introduce vibrations.
- Reduced Effective Wheel Travel: The added spacer may slightly reduce the amount of suspension travel, potentially affecting ride comfort and off-road capability.
- Legal and Insurance Implications: Modifying your vehicle's dimensions might not comply with local regulations. Always check your local laws and inform your insurance provider.
Types of 1.2-Inch Hub Centric Wheel Spacers
While all aim for hub centricity, there are variations in material and construction:
- Aluminum Spacers: Lightweight and popular choice, offering a good balance of strength and weight reduction.
- Steel Spacers: More durable and potentially stronger than aluminum, but heavier.
- High-Grade Steel Spacers: Offer superior strength and durability for high-performance applications, but are usually more expensive.
Choosing the Right Spacers: A Step-by-Step Guide
Selecting the correct 1.2-inch hub centric wheel spacers requires meticulous attention to detail:
- Vehicle Compatibility: Determine the bolt pattern (number and arrangement of lug nuts), wheel hub bore diameter, and stud length of your vehicle. Incorrect dimensions can lead to unsafe conditions.
- Wheel Compatibility: Verify that your wheels have a hub bore diameter that is smaller than the vehicle’s hub diameter. The spacer will fill this difference.
- Spacer Material: Consider the material's strength and weight for your application. Aluminum is commonly used for street applications, while steel might be preferred for off-road or high-performance use.
- Hub Centricity: Ensure the spacer is specifically advertised as hub centric for your vehicle's make and model.
- Lug Nut Length: Check if your existing lug nuts are long enough to accommodate the increased distance created by the spacers. You might need longer lug nuts for a secure fit.
Installation and Maintenance
Warning: Installing wheel spacers incorrectly can be dangerous. If you lack experience, consult a professional mechanic.
- Clean the Hub: Thoroughly clean the hub mounting surface to ensure a snug fit.
- Install the Spacer: Carefully place the spacer onto the hub, ensuring it's fully seated and centered.
- Mount the Wheel: Attach the wheel to the spacer using the correct lug nuts and torque them to the manufacturer's specifications.
- Torque Check: Regularly check the lug nut torque to prevent loosening and potential wheel detachment.
Case Study: Improving Handling with 1.2-Inch Spacers on a Subaru WRX
A Subaru WRX owner, known for their modifications on online forums, experienced improved cornering stability after installing 1.2-inch hub centric spacers. They noted a reduction in understeer and increased responsiveness during quick maneuvers. However, they also emphasized the importance of regular inspection of the wheel studs and bearings, as well as using high-quality spacers and longer lug nuts. This highlights the potential benefits but underscores the need for proper installation and maintenance.
Conclusion:
1.2-inch hub centric wheel spacers can enhance a vehicle's appearance and potentially improve handling. However, it's essential to carefully consider potential drawbacks, choose high-quality components, and ensure correct installation. Regular maintenance and inspections are vital for safe and reliable operation. Always prioritize safety and comply with local regulations when modifying your vehicle. Remember, improper installation can lead to serious accidents.