Mike_964

I had some problems with vibrations at speeds above 90 miles per hour, so I thought the wheels wheren't properly balanced.
But it was actually my 5 mm spacers that caused the problem.
With the spacer on the wheels where not centered properly. Without the spacers the wheels are held properly in place, but with the spacer the wheels are not automatically centered.
Has anyone else had this problem or know a solution?

Best regards,
Mike

DaveK

I have had rear spacers for about 5 years (although I think mine are 15mm or something) and never had a problem.

Sten

I have 5mm spacers on the front and haven't had any problems. The spacers are an exact fit over the wheel studs, I'm trying to figure out what would cause the wheel not to be centred correctly?

Pingo

The same happened to me. I got a set of spacers from FVD and when I mounted them the car started vibrating at about 60 mph and somehow it almost disappeared about 85+ mph.

Chris M.

Are they not hub-centric?

pete000

I run 7 mm spacers with no problems...

964rh

I run 15mm on the back with no issues.

The 5mm front ones I had did exactly the same as yours. Vibration through the speed range.

I think the best ones to use are the H&R ones that fit tightly over the studs, the ones I had were the ones with numerous stud config. and the didn't fit the hub spot on.
Rob

Mike_964

The hub's are different on the front and rear, and I actually don't think that there are any problems with the front.
I will take pictures today to try and explain the difference.

Christer

I run shims on the rear without problems.

IAN C2

if they are made to fit 5x130 porsche fitment , there shouldnt be a problem . unless they are made badly .
i've only evere had problems with multi-fit types where they slip off centre when you put the wheel on .

IanR

Isn't there a lip around the centre of the hub, which mates with the centre hole of the wheel (without shim)? This rather than the studs then ensures that the wheel is centred on the hub. If you use a shim, you're then relying just on the studs and wheel nuts to keep the wheel centred. If the studs or nuts are worn it could cause this.

I get some vibration at certain speeds, but hadn't associated it with spacers. I've got 5mm shims on the front and 3mm on the back (they're Cargraphic-branded ones) - when I get time I'll try taking them off to see if it makes a difference.

964rh

The rears I've got have a lip I think?

Rob

Jeff Curtis

I say NO WAY are the spacers causing the problem, unless they are not uniform across the "plane" in other words, completely and 100% FLAT.

The "shim" style spacers (3mm-7mm) do not have to be hub-centric whatsoever...your wheels are LUG-centric and centered via the lugs, the fact that the lip on your hub fits right inside the hole of your wheel is just an added benefit, but NOT necessary.

I run 3-6mm of spacers on the front and 6-12mm on the rear on a REGULAR basis with absolutely NO issues...keep in mind, your lugnuts are centering the wheel.

If you are in a situation where you run a bolt-on type spacer, they are almost always hub-centric with some type of "lip" that matches the factory hub O.D. - bolt on spacers range from 15mm to 2", maybe larger? ...but then you're getting ridiculous.

I would say have a machine shop check those spacers for "flatness" and uniform thickness all the way around and what grade of aluminum (T6 should be the minimum, thank you!)

Hope this helps.

Jeff Curtis
Spacer King

AK

Take a look at the inside of your wheel. Is the mounting surface beveled or flush. Most all small spacers do not have a hub extender. If it is beveled then your likely getting little or no contact with the center hub. Here is an example of a beveled center.

http://www.turnermotorsport.com/imag.../wheel_hub.jpg

Mike_964

Thanks for all your feedback. My wheels are slightly beveled. but without the 5mm spacers they are in contact with the center hub. But not with the spacers on.
But as you said the lugs should keep them centered so I tried again putting the fronts on and this time there where no problems.
My only guess is that if the lugs are not thightened enough before the car is lowered to the ground, then the wheel can be fastened while its not centered correctly on the hub.