Spacer on only one alloy wheel, is this safe/any advice?

[McGtfour]

Hi,

Bit of a random question I know but Google brings up nothing! I have just purchased 3 wheels for my car off eBay for a bargain price mainly because there was only 3! And because it will be near impossible to get the exact matching 4th wheel in that offset.

However I can buy the same design again for sure as the subaru boys use them however they are offset ET45-55 and mine is ET35 so I were to find a 40 or 45 I could use a 5/10mm spacer to bring that wheel out but is this safe? Providing there is enough of the stud showing to tighten onto?

Thanks people!!

[snowmuncher]

You'd need to match the wheels across the axle.

ie only use two of the wheels you've bought, and buy two of the other offset.

In theory anyway. You need to investitage whether this is ok for you specific car.

[shogun001]

Why would he only be able to use two? If the width of the wheel is the same and it's just the offset that is different, then the spacer is just making up material on the hub face. As long as the nut has enough thread to screw on to then I don't see the problem.

[snowmuncher]

I think you'd find the balance just wouldn't be correct. imo high speed instability would be the likely outcome.

[stevieturbo]

Provided the wheel is securely fastened, aligned properly and the wheel is in the corrct place it;s meant to be in terms of offset ( ie tyre located in correct position relative to car, suspension etc. ) I dont see a problem.

it certainly isnt the best way to go about it though.

[McGtfour]

Thanks for the replys people I know its not ideal but it may be the way I have to go? I see the point about the weight because you balance the wheel not the hub etc so it would be added weight on that side I suppose or is that not logical?

[stevieturbo]

Any weight difference at a single wheel would make negligible difference. If it was an F1 car, it may be more critical.

[snowmuncher]

I think you'd be surprise at how small differences in weight and alignment can effect tracking and balance.

I'm not saying the car will flip over and explode, but a slight wondering on motorways. Turning in feels slightly different between left and right. That sort of thing.
The sort of thing that's still there despite tracking and alignment being done.

Not enough to make the car undriveable or dangerous, but enough to niggle, if you know what I mean.

[Classic Grad 98]

snowmuncher said:

I think you'd find the balance just wouldn't be correct. imo high speed instability would be the likely outcome.

At first glance I thought that said "...high speed insanity" sounds like fun, do it!

[Classic Grad 98]

Back on topic- I say stop being a cheapskate, presumably you bought the car for it's performance, why skimp on such a critical element?
You won't get it right and technically it shouldn't pass an MOT.

[McGtfour]

Classic Grad 98 said:

Back on topic- I say stop being a cheapskate, presumably you bought the car for it's performance, why skimp on such a critical element?
You won't get it right and technically it shouldn't pass an MOT.

This is true and I keep thinking to myself that I should just ditch the wheels but I do love them!

There doesn't seem to be a definitive answer (probably because this problem doesn't occur to normal people) so I guess I'll have to either plow on and try it or run around on 3 wheels; the latter being my last choice.

Thanks for everyones contributions mind they are appreciated!

[BliarOut]

snowmuncher said:

I think you'd find the balance just wouldn't be correct. imo high speed instability would be the likely outcome.

Balance is radial, a spacer won't affect it unless it's out of balance in it's own right. That said, I'd buy the correct wheel

[seagrey]

If you can get the wheel with the odd off-set to fit then just get one of the others machined down to match,problem solved.