Yes, it is necessary to use longer wheel studs to safely secure 1/2-inch wheel spacers. Tire engineers explain that only if the stud thread is long enough can the studs provide proper clamping force to keep these 1/2-inch wheel spacers and wheels balanced. The general rule of thumb is that the thread length must be equal to or greater than the diameter of the stud itself. Giving an example, an M12 wheel stud would need at least 12mm threads to ensure a safe engagement.
Simply, 1/2-inch wheel spacers occupy about 12mm stud length which stops the OEM wheel studs from engaging the full thread depth of the bearing. For instance, if the OE wheel stud length is 25mm and you get a 12mm wheel spacer installed, it’s probably best to order 37mm studs right away (stock stud length + spacer thickness = required wheel stud length). Since the mounting plate of an aftermarket wheel can be thicker, you may need new extended wheel studs a little longer than those.
What Are Lightweight 1/2-inch Wheel Spacers?
Lightweight 1/2-inch wheel spacers are absolutely good for those who need spacers to fix wrong offset issues while hoping to keep the added weight as little as possible. In this case, lighter 1/2-inch wheel spacers are good for weight savings. BONOSS lightweight plus 1/2-inch wheel spacers machined with advanced “Hollow Carved” holes. This design provides obviously lightweight effect while maintaining high strength. Compared with the previous-gen product, they are at least 30% weight off.
Keeping a light sprung weight means better accelerating, cornering, and braking. Because there is less weight to control, it can also contribute to greater fuel efficiency. Lighter-weight aluminum alloy allows these 1/2-inch wheel spacers to operate well at a higher performance in most conditions. That is the reason why most customers would choose BONOSS forged aluminum lightweight plus 1/2-inch wheel spacers for performance improvement and appearance enhancement.
What Are the Best Wheel Studs for 1/2-inch Wheel Spacers?
The wheel studs use a clamping force to secure the wheels. If the wheel studs are not strong enough to support this force, they will likely be bent by road impacts. BONOSS forged ISO grade 12.9 extended wheel studs are made of high-strength forged SCM440 alloy steel. They are ISO grade 12.9 approved. For most automotive applications, you will need at least metric grade 10.9 wheel studs. However, BONOSS forged ISO grade 12.9 steel wheel studs are much better and safer.
These BONOSS forged ISO grade 12.9 steel wheel studs come through many performance tests: tensile strength ≥ 1,220 MPa, ultimate tensile load ≥ 152,000 N, hardness (HV) ≥ 395, and NSS ≥ 192 H. Such BONOSS forged ISO grade 12.9 extended wheel studs can bear more force without breaking. The property class is expressed in raised or depressed numerals on top or on the side of the stud head. Before purchasing a new set of wheel studs, check the grade first. If you are looking for new wheel studs, don’t hesitate to ask us any questions.