Wheel spacers are components that are installed between the vehicle hubs and wheels, pushing the wheels outward for a few millimeters. Generally, it is not necessary to add wheel spacers on all 4 tires. If the clearance issues only occur on the front wheels, then you can put wheel spacers on the front only. It would make sense that installs the same size spacers on the front wheels because this ensures the track width is the same.
Some vehicles have different track widths, so there’s no significant downside to this geometry. It won’t have any adverse effects. Conversely, it is a rewardable modification. Many people use wheel spacers for the front only in order to keep wheels and tires from rubbing. If you have installed bigger brake calipers and don’t want to change the wheels, this is particularly effective. In addition, having wheel spacers on the front only kind of gives it a cool look.
What Size Wheel Spacers Do I Need In Front Wheels Only?
Mostly, it is not recommended to use wheel spacers to move the wheels too further out. Properly getting the wheels flush with the fenders is safe. The fenders can still cover your tires. Whether you have OEM or aftermarket wheels, measuring the wheel clearance is important to figure out the perfect size of front spacers. Take a straight edge and place it against the outermost part of one front rim/tire, then measure from the outside wheel to the fender line.
For aftermarket brakes, you would need at least 3mm in all directions from the wheel to the caliper. Compare the height of the stock brake and the new one, assuming the increased height is 9mm, then you need 12mm wheel spacers on the front. For those people who prefer the front and rear track width to be symmetric, adding wheel spacers on the front only is a common operation. Even if you don’t change the stock configuration, wheel spacers can make your vehicle look sporty.
Will Running Wheel Spacers On the Front Only Cause Vibration?
As long as you are using quality hub-centric wheel spacers and correctly torqued every wheel lug, installing wheel spacers on the front wheels only will be fine and not cause any shaking or vibration. Well-produced hub-centric wheel spacers can create a firm and stable wheel connection. Almost all OEM wheels are hub-centric. It is this contact point that bears the weight of the vehicle. That is why you need hub-centric wheel spacers to keep the wheels centered on the hub properly.
Generally, hub-centric wheel spacers are machined with center rings in the middle. These hub-centric rings fit perfectly the axle and the space inside the center bore of the wheel. This helps keep the wheel perfectly balanced both during installation and road use. It is important, especially if you are only installing wheel spacers on the front wheels.
