Installing wheel spacers gives your vehicle a whole different look with more stability. However, it takes a lot of time and effort to install wheel spacers properly. This guide on how to install wheel spacers will explain everything you need to know about the process to help you do it quickly.
Before installing wheel spacers, you need to understand the two types of wheel spacers- lug-centric and hub-centric. We always recommend using hub-centric wheel spacers as they have better stability and are relatively safer than lug-centric ones.
Now, let’s get to the first part to prepare for the process of installing wheel spacers.
Note: This guide is relevant for hub-centric wheel spacers and you should refer to it only if you are using the hub-centric wheel spacers. You can check out some hub-centric wheel spacers at SuncentAuto.
Wheel Spacers Replacement Preparation
Preparing for installing the wheel spacers is not a lengthy process. You just need to take care of the following:
Items You'll Need
- Jack Stands
- Torque Wrench
- Wire Brush
- Brake Cleaner
- Lug Wrench
Estimate time
Installing wheel spacers on your vehicle can take 1-2 hours. However, your experience installing wheel spacers also plays a crucial role in finding the estimated time. Take your time with the process and focus on each step for your safety.
Important notice
Do not start your vehicle and take it for a ride before you complete the guide. There are some checks you need to perform that we will cover later in this guide. Also, this guide is for general purposes and may not be relevant for each vehicle.
So, check the instructions that come with the wheel spacers and match them with the provided steps for an easier process.
How to Install wheel spacers (Step-by-step Guide)
Now follow this step-by-step guide to install wheel spacers on any vehicle you want.
Step 1- Removing Wheels and Inspection
First, you need to remove the bolts from the wheels using a wrench. However, make sure to loosen them first and not remove them completely. Now, use a jack and a jack stand and place them under your vehicle.
Once the jack is properly installed, remove the wheels and head to the next part.
Step 2- Installing the Wheel Spacers
The important step in installing the wheel spacers is to prepare the hub. You can use a wire brush to clean the hub and ensure there’s a smooth area for the wheel spacer. You don’t need to complicate the process as the only thing is to make sure the wheel can be placed there without any imperfections.
Now, slide the wheel spacers on the lug nuts and make sure it is placed properly. Maintain the proper balance for the wheel spacers. The important thing here is to check if the wheel spacers are perfectly placed on the lug nuts.
If they are not, get them replaced and make sure you are using compatible wheel spacers for your vehicle.
Step 3- Prepare the Wheel Spacers and Reinstall the Wheels
Now you need to torque down your wheel spacers according to the instructions given on the box. However, if they are general wheel spacers, you can simply pull them to the left and you can easily complete this process here.
The next step is to reinstall the wheels and tighten the lug nuts accordingly. Make sure they are firm to the wheel spacers and there is no space between them. Once they are installed properly, move to the next step.
Note- You must follow the same (star) pattern for the wheel spacers and the wheel to avoid keeping them loose. Now follow the same steps for all the wheels and install the spacers there.
Step 4- Performing the Checks
After lowering the vehicle and torquing the lug nuts, You need to inspect your vehicle to make sure it is ready to drive.
For this, you need to inspect all the wheels individually to look for any loose nuts or imbalances in the wheel. After inspecting the wheels, check if everything is aligned with the axle and that nothing else is affected by the process.
Now, drive your vehicle in a safe place and check if the balance seems right to you. After that, your vehicle is ready to drive on any road you want.
FAQs on Installing Wheel Spacers
- Q: Can you drive daily with wheel spacers?
Yes. You can use a vehicle with wheel spacers every day. All you need is to make sure they are perfectly installed on your vehicle.
- Q: Can you fit wheel spacers yourself?
You can easily fit the wheel spacers yourself by following the proper steps. However, we recommend you always read the complete guide to avoid any safety-related issues.
- Q: Do wheel spacers affect gas mileage?
No. Wheel spacers won’t affect the gas mileage as it does not affect the airflow. Thus, you can install the wheel spacers on your vehicle without worrying about mileage.
- Q: How long can you drive with wheel spacers?
Most experts recommend you retorque the wheels after 100-120 miles of driving your vehicle. However, there’s usually no official limit for this and you can retorque the wheel spacers according to your convenience.
Shop High-quality Wheel Spacers at SuncentAuto
If you are facing difficulties finding the right wheel spacers for your vehicle, you can find them with SuncentAuto’s advanced search. Here you can filter the wheel spacers by entering your vehicle’s model and buying all the accessories at a discounted price.
You can also avail of free shipping all over the United States. Check out the SuncentAuto Wheel Spacers today and get all the exciting offers on genuine products online.
