Wheel Spacer

[Architect]

Got my new wheels (Black Bullitt with black lugs and black aluminum valve stems) and tires mounted yesterday...
fronts required a 1/4" wheel spacer (Mr. Gasket Co.) be used to clear brake caliper...
I had all this done at a local large tire store that I have known for several years... they do good work...
They pointed out that there would probably be a very slight wobble in the steering due to the spacer... they explained that the spacer has elongaged slots (I suppose to fit several types of hubs) and it can move about 3/16" to 1/4" around on the lugs before wheel is mounted...
let me try to clarify this...
You are looking at the hub with the lug studs sticking toward you... place the spacer on them and it can be moved around a little...therefore it will never be centered...!
Sure enough there is a very slight wobble in the steering (like a wheel out of balance)...
Is there a spacer made more specific to our hub?
What brand of spacer are y'all using and does it fit well?
As always thanks for the help...:beer:
Architect

[ImpalaSlayer]

well where the hell are the pics?

[justbob]

They couldn't atleast try and hold it while they tightened them down? Or use a thick amount of brake quiet spray to assist on holding it on centered?

[gmtech]

what size are the wheels and what offset are they, the 20in black bullitts i got from grifter fit perfectly, no spacers required

[Architect]

Let me answer some of the questions...
As soon as it stops raining there will be pictures...:D
I also thought that a little double stick tape... just to hold them centered until the wheels are thightened...I may have to try this myself later next week...
Wheels are 18" X 8 1/2", 50mm offset, 6.82" backspacing... several folks here run them...
Architect

[Local Boy]

Double sided tape will make your wobble worst...it will keep your wheel from sitting flush with the rotor...Don't do it!

I would venture to guess that your spacer is NOT your problem...it's the "push nuts" behind the spacer, that is preventing your spacer and wheel from sitting flush on your rotor...

Take a look at your stock rotors, around the studs...there are "push nuts" 2 of them on two studs...These "push nuts" hold the rotor in place ...These "push nuts" have to be removed, and re-installed AFTER the spacer...

So, it should be:

Rotor - spacer - push nuts - wheel...

Hope this helps...

ALOHA

[Architect]

Double sided tape will make your wobble worst...it will keep your wheel from sitting flush with the rotor...Don't do it!

I would venture to guess that your spacer is NOT your problem...it's the "push nuts" behind the spacer, that is preventing your spacer and wheel from sitting flush on your rotor...

Take a look at your stock rotors, around the studs...there are "push nuts" 2 of them on two studs...These "push nuts" hold the rotor in place ...These "push nuts" have to be removed, and re-installed AFTER the spacer...

So, it should be:

Rotor - spacer - push nuts - wheel...

Hope this helps...

ALOHA
Sounds good...I'll look into this... when I pull the wheel I'll take some photos...Thanks LB...:beer:
Architect

[Davesvt2000]

Sounds good...I'll look into this... when I pull the wheel I'll take some photos...Thanks LB...:beer:
Architect

Thats what I had to do, take off the small "tabs" or rings that hold the rotor in place on the studs with some wire cutters. There were two on each side.

Then the spacer fits flush.

BTW, I used Maximum motorpsorts spacers, and had no problems. There were two choices of fitting them,
IE more than 5 holes, but I just matched them up the best I could to the studs, and have had no problems.

Also, might want to check the wear of your tires. When I mounted the bullitt wheels, I had two new tires, and two old tires. I put the old on the front, and new on the rear, and had a wobble. Switched them around, rechecked the balance with the tire shop, and fine ever since.

[Architect]

Well ... I pulled the wheels and no push nuts...!
Must have been removed during brake job and not reinstalled...:(
Also noticed that my new stainless brake lines are rubbing on the frame...!
I'll attach some photos...I pulled the brake line up for the photo...you can see the worn spot on the line and the shiny spot on the frame behind it...not good...:(
Architect

[Davesvt2000]

I would ditch those spacers and order some new ones, like the MM ones i mentioned. Those holes are way too big..... That spacer is way too generic for our cars.

[Davesvt2000]

Well ... I pulled the wheels and no push nuts...!
Must have been removed during brake job and not reinstalled...:(


Don't need them , they are more of a tab that holds the rotor in place as the car comes down the assembly line.

You have to remove them anyways so the spacer sits flush with the rotor..

[FreddieH]

I don't have spacers, but I had to get Hub Centric Rings to correct the wabble after getting aftermarket wheels. I went to the below website and got rings from them and they fit perfect. I would call them and let them know what you got and they should be able to help. Here is the Link.

http://www.justforwheels.com/index.jsp?cat=hubcentric

[red]

I don't have spacers, but I had to get Hub Centric Rings to correct the wabble after getting aftermarket wheels.
I have something similar for my track wheels.

Spacers scare the crap out of me. Weld Craft will narrow the fronts for $150 each.

[Architect]

I would ditch those spacers and order some new ones, like the MM ones I mentioned. Those holes are way too big..... That spacer is way too generic for our cars.
I think your right Dsvt...I'm going to research a bit more on spacers and see if I can't find something better to order...
Thanks...Architect

[Local Boy]

Agreed...Those spacers holes are just too big...

Try filling in the hole with lquid metal, or some other product that dries hard...so that the spacer stays centered...

That might do the trick...and save you a little $$$ at the same time...

ALOHA

[RUSTY]

How about making some out of some old brake discs?

[TooManyFords]

I would get the right rims....

[Davesvt2000]

I think your right Dsvt...I'm going to research a bit more on spacers and see if I can't find something better to order...
Thanks...Architect


Part #: MMWS-2
Manufacturer: Maximum Motorsports

[Architect]

Well with a little rersearch and browsing I found a better spacer... not cheap but looks like real quality... sell for $49.00+-
Sold on Ebay by "wheeladapters"...8mm thick (1/4") 6061-T6 aircraft aluminum... they are hub centric which as most of you know means it fits to the hub not just the lug studs...
they are specifically made for 2004 Mercury Marauder...:D
I think this is going to solve all my problems...................... ............
.....................well maybe my wheel problems...:D
Thanks again for everyone's input...
Architect

[TooManyFords]

Yes, those do look much better than your old ones. Hopefully this solves your problem.

[Thomas C Potter]

Did you have road force balance done?? Should, always. And do you have at least 10 threads worth of lug engagement??