Actually, it is optional to use Loctite on wheel spacers. As long as you use quality wheel lugs and properly torque them, they will never come loose. If you don’t intend on removing the spacers after installation, then use Red Loctite. Red is permanent. But if you would like to use spacers for a certain period, Blue will be fine. Remember only use it on the studs holding the spacer to the hub (not the spacer to wheel studs).
Another reason for using Loctite is it inhibits the integration of moisture. It fills the gaps between the threads hence no rust, in this case, using a Blue threadlocker is OK. When applying a Loctite threadlocker, make sure the nuts and bolts are clean and free from oil or dirt. Both surfaces must be clean to develop full bonding strength. Use a good torque wrench and tighten each lug nut to the correct specs, you are worry-free of wheel spacers failure.
How Should Wheel Spacers Be Torqued To?
It is extremely important to properly tighten the wheel spacers. After setting the wrench to the required torque specification, attach the socket to the socket size of your wheel bolts. Then, tighten the wheel bolts a quarter turn at a time following the crisscross sequence (in a “star” pattern). This ensures that each bolt is forced evenly. With a standard click-style torque wrench, you can feel a click around the head of the wrench.
Another important point is that even if you torque down each bolt of the wheel spacers, due to wear and tear over time, your steel lug bolts are likely rusting. For long-term tightening, it is critical to keep the bolts away from rusting or corroding. In most modern steel applications, this problem is easily overcome by coating. If you’re looking for a set of good rust-proof wheel bolts, the Dacromet or Electroplating wheel bolts are a good option.
Is It Hard to Remove Wheel Spacers?
Removing wheel spacers isn’t hard. However, if you use Loctite on the wheel spacers, things may be a little troublesome when you intend to remove the wheel spacers for routine maintenance. That is because the threadlocker will glue the studs and nuts together. It makes the removal process hard. But like any other adhesives, using a heat gun to melt it will be useful.
To make the removing process easier, BONOSS wheel spacers come with disassembly grooves. The disassembly grooves refer to the small notches which are distributed on the corner of wheel spacers. Normally, a notch leaves a limited clearance between the brake rotor and spacer. When removing the spacer, get a flat-head screwdriver and place it on one notch. Pound a hammer to the screwdriver at a 45-degree angle, and be gentle, but convincing, until it loosens. It should come off pretty easily.
