Yes, “hub centric” is very important for spacers. Not all wheel spacers are made the same. In terms of structure, there are two main types of wheel spacers:
- Hub-centric spacers: these spacers are centered on the hub bore, ensuring perfect fitment.
- Lug-centric spacers: these spacers are centered by the lug nuts, which can be less precise.
For the best performance and safety, it is recommended to use hub-centric wheel spacers. Hub-centric spacers are better to keep the wheel centered on the vehicle hub just like the OEM wheels. This eliminates the possibility of wear disorder and prevents the wheel studs from bearing vertical forces. That is why most people believe hub-centric spacers are much safer and provide the best ride quality.
When it comes to choosing the best spacers on wheels, consider these factors:
- Brand reputation and product warranty
- Precise fitment for your specific car model
- Thickness that meets your requirements
- Hub-centric or lug-centric construction
- Quality of materials and process
- Additional function and customer support
Hub-centric vs Lug-centric Wheel Spacers
Hub-centric wheel spacers are designed with center rings that fit perfectly the axle and the space inside the center bore of the wheel. In this way, the wheel is centered by the hub connection and the lugs can hold it flush against the mounting plate. This ensures the wheel is properly centered on the spacer, reducing vibrations and preventing potential safety issues.
Lug-centric wheel spacers come with larger hub bore diameters so that the spacer can fit a wider array of vehicles. The spacer looks like a large washer that fits in the gap between the hub and wheel. Without the support of the hub (because of the gap), the wheel cannot be centered on the axle, leading to annoying wheel vibrations while driving.
How Do I Know if My Spacers are Hub Centric?
The quickest way to know if the spacers are hub centric is to look at the middle hub of the spacers and wheel assembly. If the middle hole of the wheel spacer fits snugly against the vehicle hub, then it is a hub-centric spacer. If there is a gap between the center hole of the wheel spacer and the vehicle hub, then it is a lug-centric spacer. To ensure perfect fitment, BONOSS makes special adjustments to the hub-centric wheel spacers according to the specific vehicle hub design.
These BONOSS forged hub-centric wheel spacers are machined with a chamfer on the interface of the hub-centric lip. In simple words, BONOSS hub-centric wheel spacers come with better multi-stage hub-centric lips. The hub-centric metal ring is machined to be multi-layers, and the bevels fit the corresponding hub flange, which eliminates any possible gaps. Precise BONOSS forged active cooling wheel spacers are helpful in avoiding vibration and excessive tire wear.
Do 3mm Spacers Need to be Hubcentric?
The 3mm spacers don’t need to be hubcentric. Actually, most 3mm wheel spacers are non-hubcentric. Because they are too thin to make integrated hub-centric rings. As long as you leave enough hub protrusion and torque each wheel bolt/nut properly, installing 3mm spacers normally doesn’t cause wheel vibration. Even if it is a 3mm spacer, ensure it is high quality.
BONOSS forged lightweight plus 3mm wheel spacers perform better: the tensile strength is up to 572 MPa, and yield strength is up to 503 MPa (AL7075-T6). One of the key benefits of aluminum alloy wheel spacers is their corrosion resistance. BONOSS forged aluminum alloy wheel spacers are strong and light, with a greater range of options from track days to daily driving. They look good and will work well.
Does Brand Matter for Spacers?
Yes, the product brand is also very important for spacers. Most genuine brand wheel spacers usually come with a warranty. It includes information about the manufacturer’s conditions. BONOSS forged active cooling wheel spacers offer a 10-year warranty. This 10-year warranty protects the customer’s interest and ensures product quality and safety.
