How To Install Wheel Spacers

DISCLAIMER

Your vehicle's wheels, tyres, and wheel spacers/adapters are all safety critical components.
Unless you are a Qualified Mechanic, do not attempt to install,  or replace your wheels, tyres, or wheel spacers/adapters.
These instructions are just intended to serve as a general guide and are not tailored to your individual car.
Always follow the installation instructions provided by the vehicle manufacturer.
BEFORE DRIVING, INSPECT and VERIFY the proper alignment and operation of your wheels and tyres.
IN A CONTROLLED ENVIRONMENT, TEST THE PERFORMANCE OF YOUR WHEELS, TIRES, AND WHEEL SPACERS/ADAPTERS BEFORE DRIVING.
If the wheels, tyres, or wheel spacers/adapters are damaged or worn, DO NOT OPERATE THE VEHICLE.

THINGS YOU'LL NEED:

Gloves (optional)

Automotive Jack

Jack Stand (optional)

Tire iron or breaker bar with sockets

Torque wrench

Wire brush

Degreaser

Shop Rag

HOW TO INSTALL CAR WHEEL SPACERS

Always use wheel spacers/adapters that are specifically designed for your vehicle.
Never utilise wheel spacers or adapters that aren't the right fit.

Place your car on a level, firm surface.
BEFORE lifting your vehicle, loosen but do not remove the lug nuts that secure the wheel to the hub with the tyre iron or breaker bar.

Raise the car enough to lift a single tyre completely off the ground with an automobile jack slid under the car at a suitable lift point.
Place a jack stand beneath your vehicle and lower it to the jack stand.
Working on or under a car elevated just with an automotive jack is dangerous since it might quickly fall or tip, resulting in injury or death.

Completely remove the lug nuts from the elevated tyre.
Set the wheel aside after removing it from the hub.
Spray the lug studs with degreaser and wipe them down with a rag.
Clean the hub's surface using a wire brush if it's dusty, rusty, or pitted.
Make sure the entire hub surface is clean and smooth by wiping it down.

Place a drop of loctite on each wheel stud if you're using it to secure your spacer/adapter.
Place your wheel spacer/adapter on the hub, making sure the holes in the spacer are aligned with the wheel studs and that the spacer is firmly seated on the hub.
Using the provided fasteners, secure the wheel spacer to your hub.
Using a torque wrench, tighten the bolts that hold the spacer in place to the proper torque specification.
The nuts should not be overtightened or undertightened.
If you're having trouble tightening the nuts because the hubs are turning, have a helper gently squeeze the brake pedal to stop the hub from turning.

Slide the wheel onto the protruding studs on the wheel spacer/adapter, ensuring that it is firmly seated against the spacer/adapter.
Replace your original lug nuts and torque them to the proper torque specifications.
To guarantee appropriate seating of the wheel onto the spacer, tighten bolts in a star pattern.
Raise the vehicle using the automotive jack, then remove the jack stand and lower it onto the newly inserted wheel.

Using a correctly calibrated torque wrench in a crisscross, star pattern, double-check that all lug nuts are tightened to the manufacturer's standard MINUS 10%.
In our experience, tightening the studs on the wheel spacer all the way to the manufacturer's torque specifications can sometimes damage, break, or weaken them.
However, it's a good idea to check the lug nuts' tightness on a regular basis, especially soon after installation.

Here is a handy video to help you install your wheel spacers properly!

If this guide has helped you modify your modified ride, then let us know in the comments section below, Modified Rides.