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3 mm Wheel spacers, yes or know?

Started by _torana50_ , May 27 2011 11:27 AM

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17 replies to this topic

#1 _torana50_

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Posted 27 May 2011 - 11:27 AM

Has anyone used 3mm wheel spacers to solve a minor clearance problem? Are they too dangerous? The clearance is to stop the front wheels rubbing on the upper strut.

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#2 _robslxhatch_

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Posted 27 May 2011 - 01:51 PM

i don't have a problem with it providing the wheel studs are long enough although mr RTA and mr insurance don't tend to like them , I have had 20 years in the tyre/mechanical industry and i have seen dozens of cars with much thicker spacers than that. Also you will need about 3mm gap fpr clearance when cornering the strut and stub axle will flex so if your wheel is touching by 3mm then you will need a 6mm spacer.

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#3 _torana50_

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Posted 27 May 2011 - 02:07 PM

If they work OK, I would like to have a couple machined up to fit the centre hub.
I've heard they place stress on the wheel studs otherwise, is that correct?

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#4 Litre8

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Posted 27 May 2011 - 02:15 PM

Imho if the wheel nuts are correctly tensioned then 3mm spacers should not impart any extra stress on the wheel studs.

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#5 WhaleOilBeefHooked

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Posted 27 May 2011 - 02:28 PM

They sell anywhere from 3mm to 12mm plus thickness spacers on fleBay for this purpose, Are cheap & in my opinion Not Nasty... A pair of the 3mm spacers would co$t around $15 landed on your doorstep so there's really no point in having them made up...... If your wheel studs aren't long enough for the required thickness of spacer then as stated above ^^^^^^ I would suggest you changing over to 1/2" wheel studs which should get the RTA & Insurance Co. off your back and are available in 2 -- 3 inch lengths, But again you would have to change wheel nuts to suit.....

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#6 76lxhatch

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Posted 27 May 2011 - 03:07 PM

The simplest solution would be to get the thickness you require then just weld them to the back of the wheels

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#7 _LC870_

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Posted 27 May 2011 - 04:35 PM

All of the LC and LJ G T R X U-1 Toranas used them so i cant see a problem

Regards LC870

Edited by LC870, 27 May 2011 - 04:36 PM.

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#8 _torana50_

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Posted 27 May 2011 - 06:07 PM

All of the LC and LJ G T R X U-1 Toranas used them so i cant see a problem

Regards LC870

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#9 _torana50_

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Posted 27 May 2011 - 06:15 PM

Thanks for the help, I did not want to grind the strut. Is it possible to drill and fix the spacer to the rim or is that a bit of a wank?

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#10 _torana50_

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Posted 08 June 2011 - 01:25 PM

I ended up fitting 5mm spacers and they have sorted the clearance problem. The mags I have use locating wheel nuts and do not use the centre hub for any location, so I cant see how spacers add any more strain that what has always been on the studs. Not sure why this is illegal.

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#11 _finer70_

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Posted 08 June 2011 - 01:58 PM

I ended up fitting 5mm spacers and they have sorted the clearance problem. The mags I have use locating wheel nuts and do not use the centre hub for any location, so I cant see how spacers add any more strain that what has always been on the studs. Not sure why this is illegal.

In Vic for sure, spacers are only legal if originally fitted to the vehicle by the manufacturer.

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#12 _finer70_

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Posted 08 June 2011 - 02:27 PM

I ended up fitting 5mm spacers and they have sorted the clearance problem. The mags I have use locating wheel nuts and do not use the centre hub for any location, so I cant see how spacers add any more strain that what has always been on the studs. Not sure why this is illegal.

In Vic for sure, spacers are only legal if originally fitted to the vehicle by the manufacturer.

Further to my previous reply.

Vic Roads Vehicle Standards Information Bulliten Guide to Modifications for Motor Vehicles May 2003 VSI 8 Sect 8 states:

"Spacers between the wheel and hub are not permitted unless provided by the vehicle manufacturer as original equipment."

So there it is. Tempt fate as you may dare.

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#13 FastEHHolden

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Posted 08 June 2011 - 03:07 PM

I'm sure I have seen it written that if they are attatched to the wheel they are legal...whats NCOP say?

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#14 _finer70_

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Posted 09 June 2011 - 05:25 PM

I'm sure I have seen it written that if they are attatched to the wheel they are legal...whats NCOP say?

There can not be two standards.

In victoria VicRoads is the authority, no one else.

All roadworhty testers MUST comply with the VSI standards. NO EXCEPTIONS.

For all those Victorians wanting to modify their cars; it is well worth reading the full VSI 8 Standard available free on the VicRoads site.

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#15 _evilsim_

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Posted 09 June 2011 - 06:27 PM

know know know ... yeah they're ok.

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#16 _Bomber Watson_

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Posted 09 June 2011 - 06:34 PM

What is safe and what is legal are two different things.....

Rollcages and harnesses are safe, but there illegal.....

Wheel spacers i generally dislike but properly made ones i have nothing against.

Cheers.

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#17 FastEHHolden

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Posted 09 June 2011 - 08:49 PM

I'm sure I have seen it written that if they are attatched to the wheel they are legal...whats NCOP say?

There can not be two standards.

In victoria VicRoads is the authority, no one else.

All roadworhty testers MUST comply with the VSI standards. NO EXCEPTIONS.

For all those Victorians wanting to modify their cars; it is well worth reading the full VSI 8 Standard available free on the VicRoads site.

Whilst I understand that is the current state of play in Victoria.....eventually it will be going to one standard...the NCOP

I just looked at section 8 of the VSI....that is so grey its not funny.

Edited by FastEHHolden, 09 June 2011 - 08:58 PM.

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#18 Hybrid

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Posted 13 June 2011 - 08:55 PM

I read a heap of different info this afternoon in relation to the legality of wheel spacers and hub adapters. It is the same deal in NSW as well. Clearly loose wheel spacers that are simply sandwiched between the hub and the rim are not permitted.

http://www.rta.nsw.g.../vsi09_rev4.pdf

There appears to be differing opinions in relation to legality of hub adapters though. These are those devices that bolt to the standard hub, such as these.

http://www.serpentau...cer-adapter.jpg

Some of these adapters have may or may not be legal. Probably best to get some advice from an engineer that is recognised by the governing body in your local state.