Wheel Spacers Explained. Why get them, what size & specs to get. *Myths Busted!*

Everything you need to know about wheel spacers! We cover the pate-style spacers, as well as bolt-on spacers. Need new studs? What specs do you need?
Looking for a more flush look or more brake clearance? Wheel spacers are a great help in either aspect.
Shop H&R wheel spacers here:
www.heeltoeauto.com/spacer/#m...
Here are some shortcuts to bullet points:
Definition of Specs: 2:00
Spacer Types: 5:37
Measure the distance to the fender to know how thick: 9:59
Installing an H&R DRM or other bolt-on style spacer: 14:20
*** YOU MAY NEED TO INSPECT YOUR WHEELS!
Plate Style/Slide-On non-hub-centric Spacers...they're ok! 23:01
How to spec wheel spacers for brake caliper clearance: 24:44
No room behind the Manary Wheels!
And they flat-back hub wheels: 26:18
MYTHS Addressed. Alignment, bearing wear, quality... 27:35

[@Heeltoe.]

The #HTSpecTSX needed spacers behind the Manaray Sport MS-6 wheels to clear huge Endless Brake calipers, and the #HTSpecNSX needed spacers to just look less wimpy with the OE 5-spokes on it. Led to this video all about wheel spacers!

[@rasdyumbaro1387]

AADNJFE @

[@uncleswaggy5052]

I needed this . Thanks ! Keep the videos coming .

[@matthewhummel6023]

I appreciate you, happy thanksgiving

[@deerob7431]

Very informative!! Am ready to buy spacers now after watching this video. THANKS

[@Heeltoe.]

Fantastic! What kind of car are they for? Do you know what size you need?

[@MrEqp123]

thank you, you answerd all my queations.

[@paulgordon4538]

Wow fantastic video👍🏿

[@Heeltoe.]

THANKS A TON! Thanks for the feedback and the comment.

[@KeithBalante]

thanks for this! much appreciated

[@Heeltoe.]

Thanks for watching, glad it helped!

[@franco9415]

thank you so much!

[@raymuniz113]

Is it necessary to get wheel spacers for aftermarket rims if the difference of the offset is only 2 mm?

[@franchisefred4066]

Spacers are much needed to clear big brake kits and find that flushed fitment and the handling should be an improvement

[@andywright2606]

@2:37 you suggest that it is the distance from stud to stud "centre to centre", from my understanding this is the case for even numbers stud patterns (4,6,8) however with the odd numbered stud pattern such as the 5 stud pattern spacer you were holding the measurement is actually from the outside of the first stud to the centre of the opposite stud.

[@Heeltoe.]

Yes that is right, and we are sorry about that mistake in the video...we'll correct it in a future video.

[@Moe1985]

Nice NSX ;)

[@Heeltoe.]

Thanks! The car looks so much nicer with spacers, too.

[@Ben1010Ten]

Noob here... my fitment turned out a bit shy of what I wanted. Would there be any issues on stacking a shim/slide on hubcentric spacer on top of my existing hub centric spacer to get the fitment I'm aiming for? Those slide ons probably don't come in 5mm or 8mm with the hubcentric lip but I think the 10mm ones do. Currently, I'm running 35mm spacers and I'm open to stacking between these 5mm, 8mm, and 10mm for that extra push out. If possible would you recommend to slip on the 5mm-10mm shim inside first with the hub and then stacking the 35mm on top, or the 35mm first with the hub and then tge 5mm-10mm slide on on top of the bigger spacer? Your insight would be highly appreciated. Thanks!

[@Heeltoe.]

If 35mm is not enough and you need significantly more than that I would say ditch them and get larger ones rather than stacking them.

[@usasupra23]

Here’s a question no one has asked: I bought BONOSS formerly BloxSport 15mm for front and 25mm for my rear for my 24 Genesis GV70 AWD. They look like the most premium spacer I’ve ever seen but I thought it was odd when they said to TQ the spacer nuts to 85ft LBS but the TQ the rim to the spacer using factory wheel spec which is 110ft lbs. Should both be the same TQ spec or is it due to bolt stretch etc? Also, since these are new to the car, should I take it all apart and TQ it all again to ensure all stayed seated ? I’ve commonly done this to ensure the first TQ has remained but TQ after some miles where put on.

[@Heeltoe.]

The torque spec to me should be the same as the OEM spec, but if the manufacturer of the spacer uses inferior material then over torquing can be an issue *shrug*

[@lonesomecricket7721]

👍🏻

[@bodeine454]

I need to get about 20mm spacers (might be able to get away with 18mm to clear front brake calipers) for our new custom wheels on our 2002 Lexus LS430 but the hub on the car is 60.1mm and the hub in the wheel is 73.1mm. Should I find hubcentric spacers that fit each hub diameter or just get spacers with both 60.1 hub, inside and outside, and just use hub rings to adapt the outside hub of the spacer to match the wheel hub?

[@Heeltoe.]

Spacers aren't available in every increment, unfortunately. It looks like one of our preferred brands, H&R, has a spacer that works but not with the 60.1mm center bore. To answer the question you would want a spacer that matches the hub on the car and then use a hub ring to adapt the wheel to the spacer hub.

[@bodeine454]

@Heeltoe. Yes, I measured wheel/caliper clearance myself yesterday and 10.5mm is enough to clear the calipers by about 1mm so looks like I need half inch or maybe 15mm spacers for the front and about 25mm for the rear to make them look right front to back.

[@audiq5power398]

ok. so bought some wheels for my 20'12 Audi q5. it's a 20/9.5 with a 44 Offset. My factory wheel has an offset of 39. How do i choose a wheel spacer for the front.

[@Heeltoe.]

The first thing I would do is test fit the wheel. See how far in it is and measure how far out you want it to move. Once you know that, you can choose the right size spacer.

[@stoneycarter5546]

Just make sure the lug nuts they send tighten down no less than 8-9 treads that's complete turns around the stud i'm running into a problem with my Toyota tacoma right now the lug nuts they sent will not work, you will need a ET type lug nuts to get more threads so be careful when putting lugs on and always use loc-tite

[@Heeltoe.]

It should be completely unnecessary to use loctite on these spacers. You would not use loctite on normal lugs, would you? You make a good point, but the Tacoma ET lugs are needed for use on the wheels, but are they necessary to bolt the spacer to the hub?

[@gottliebdee263]

@02:15. The pitch circle diameter is NOT the distance between opposite studs, (on an odd numbered hub).

[@Heeltoe.]

It is the distance to a stud on the opposing side of the hub, of course. But not necessarily 180 degrees across.

[@dandahermitseals5582]

I think the law of physics in the interest of leverage as regards the outter bearings is definitive. I bought a 6x6 amphib ATV that had 6" extended spacers on it to accomodate tracks that bent all the axles and trashed the bearings. Even just excessive offset of custom rims can bring this load breach to bear. I'm going 2" right now for frame and body clearance for my Jeep Comanche. New experience with these and realizing I should have the centrics. Where do ya get them? Dandahermit

[@Heeltoe.]

So to be clear, you put SIX INCH WIDE spacers on an ATV so you could accommodate TRACKS, and the fact that your setup bent axles and bearings is supposed to translate to an otherwise standard car with 20mm (less than 1") spacers on it?

[@SDRt77]

What size extended lug bolts to use on a 15mm and 5mm spacer?

[@Heeltoe.]

The H&R DRS Spacers actually come with correct-length studs!

[@hotchocolate9887]

Hi i have 1997 rav4 and i want to put some spacer on but every body here in my country are saying that there is none for this vehicule why ?

[@Heeltoe.]

We have no idea, what specs do you need on the spacers?

[@Everydayprojects365]

Make sure with the “plate style” you get hub centric rings if not they will never go on right/centered and you will feel that.

[@Heeltoe.]

H&R spacers are actually hub centric n the plate ones also...but you will notice one of the myths we discuss is the myth that the pacers must be hub centric. It's better if they are but not critical.

[@Everydayprojects365]

@@Heeltoe. I have been an alignment specialist for some time and off balance weight at high speeds is something you will definitely feel and will create problems. Also if you can balance your wheel with the spacer attached this is even better.

[@Heeltoe.]

@@Everydayprojects365 Yes, the wheel and tire assembly out of balance you will definitely feel. Spacers don't have anything to do with the balance of the wheel and tire, though, any more than the brake rotor or the lug nuts do. Balancing the wheel with the spacer bolted on would be completely pointless. Spacers are concentric and inherently are a balanced part, and even under a microscope the balance of a spacer is inconsequential given all the mass is at the hub.

[@Everydayprojects365]

@@Heeltoe. all rotating components will be better balanced that’s just science.there is a minimum allowed off balance that will be insignificant .like I said before as a alignment specialist for eight years, I’ve run into tons of vehicles with vibrating front ends, due to all spacers, not being hub-centric. Everyone’s entitled to their own opinion but science is facts.

[@Heeltoe.]

@@Everydayprojects365 I've done my fair share of alignments and wheel balances also. I've seen improper torque cause a vibration in addition to what you are saying. The fact remains, as physics will support, with conical or ball seat lug nuts properly and evenly torqued you don't need the spacers to be hub centric to avoid vibration. The lug nuts adequately center the wheel. I've done it many times on my cars. This isn't an opinion. Your opinion that I am wrong just doesn't hold water.

[@ryanventura5216]

Do we need to put thread locker?thanks....

[@Heeltoe.]

NO. Do not put thread lock on lugs. Torque properly.

[@mikemusopelo7658]

Where do I find wheels hub spancers for Subaru BL5

[@Heeltoe.]

What is the bolt pattern and the hub size?

[@boostedveedub9687]

How heavy is a 20mm spacer? H&R Trak+ DRM?

[@Heeltoe.]

Not very heavy, they weigh about 3.75 lbs per pair, so less than 2 lbs each

[@boostedveedub9687]

@@Heeltoe. close but 2.1 lbs with nuts on and all per wheel. Just got mines today. Thanks again!

[@moneyk422]

How many minimum threads do we need after spacer?

[@Heeltoe.]

I don't have a spec for that...less than 1/2" would make me pretty nervous.

[@MegaTapdog]

at the very least the same as your stud width, 12mm bolt, minimum 12 mm of thread. 14mm width, 14 mm thread.

[@amitchell4206]

My friend? So why there’s so many videos of people saying totally the opposite? Many are: don’t do it! The bearings! The parts on the car! I want to get them but…. I’m afraid the something goes wrong and if they damage the SUV is a German SUV and it will be very expensive to fix!!! And I did check the H&R brand to at least go with the best and just like you said…. they are German just like my SUV so is more a piece of mind getting those and not the Chinese I believe Bonoss!!! So what did you think?

[@Heeltoe.]

My thoughts are in the video. Sizing properly and installing properly will not cause problems.

[@kilakila817]

2:00

[@Heeltoe.]

Where the meant and potatoes are at

[@kilakila817]

@@Heeltoe. haha srry that was for me just in case i needed to come back for a reminder great video btw 👍🏽

[@Heeltoe.]

@@kilakila817 I figured I is ALL GOOD. This video came out a bit long and I think we can make a tighter one later. THANKS FOR WATCHING!

[@anthony84vette]

drop the music ,cant hear u well........

[@Heeltoe.]

On more current videos the music is lower than for the feedback!

[@MrNanah38]

I learn a lot from you, the only gripe are the lighting and the music in the background is annoying.

[@Heeltoe.]

Thanks for watching and thanks for the advice. We have already been working on these sorts of things on newer vids. Check this newer one on spacers! kzbin.info/www/bejne/rnecdHWNa7hpl5o

[@TheHomeExpert5]

You don't need the idiot music in the background, it ruins the video.

[@Heeltoe.]

Thanks so much for the feedback, we are no longer loading videos with background music because of other people saying the same.

[@Gorilla_Jones]

Don’t ever ever ever recommend those one size fits all garbage spacers. They’re not only horrible but dangerous. Spend the money to get proper spacers.

[@Heeltoe.]

I don't agree they are dangerous, but less than ideal for sure. They are perfect in a pinch though!