Hub Centric Ring Size Calculator

How do I know my hub centric ring size?

To determine your hub centric ring size, you need to measure the inner diameter of the wheel center bore and the outer diameter of the vehicle’s hub bore. The difference between these two measurements will give you the hub centric ring size you need to purchase.

To determine the correct hub centric ring size for your vehicle, you will need to gather the following information:

1. Wheel Center Bore Size: The wheel center bore is the opening in the center of the wheel where it fits onto the hub. You can usually find this information in your vehicle’s owner’s manual or by contacting the wheel manufacturer. It is typically measured in millimeters (mm).
2. Hub Bore Size: The hub bore is the opening in the center of your vehicle’s hub. This information can also be found in your vehicle’s owner’s manual or by contacting the vehicle manufacturer. It is also measured in millimeters (mm).

Once you have these measurements, you can determine the correct hub centric ring size by subtracting the hub bore size from the wheel center bore size. The resulting difference is the required hub centric ring size.

For example, if your wheel center bore size is 72.6mm and your hub bore size is 65.1mm, the hub centric ring size would be 7.5mm (72.6mm – 65.1mm = 7.5mm). In this case, you would need a hub centric ring with an inner diameter of 65.1mm and an outer diameter of 72.6mm.

It’s important to note that hub centric rings are typically sold in standard sizes, so you may need to choose the closest size that matches your calculated measurement. It’s recommended to consult with a knowledgeable professional or the wheel manufacturer to ensure you select the correct hub centric ring size for your specific vehicle and wheels.

Do hub centric rings have to be exact?

Hub-centric rings are used to ensure a proper fitment between the wheel and the vehicle’s hub. They are typically made of plastic or metal and are designed to fill the gap between the center bore of the wheel and the hub of the vehicle.

While hub-centric rings should be as close to exact as possible, they don’t have to be absolutely precise. The purpose of the hub-centric ring is to center the wheel on the hub, reducing vibrations and ensuring proper load distribution. It helps to eliminate any potential wobbling or vibrations that may occur if the wheel is not properly centered.

It’s essential to choose hub-centric rings with the correct inner diameter to match the hub of the vehicle and the outer diameter to match the center bore of the wheel. Generally, hub-centric rings have a small amount of tolerance built into their measurements to accommodate slight variations between wheel and hub sizes. However, the difference should still be minimal.

If the hub-centric rings are too small, they won’t fit over the hub properly, and the wheel will not be centered. On the other hand, if the rings are too large, they may not fit snugly into the center bore of the wheel, which can lead to a loose fit and potential balance issues.

It’s recommended to use hub-centric rings that closely match the dimensions of both the vehicle’s hub and the wheel’s center bore to ensure a proper fitment and minimize any potential problems. If you’re unsure about the correct hub-centric ring size for your specific application, it’s best to consult with a knowledgeable professional or refer to the manufacturer’s recommendations.

What happens if you don’t use hub centric rings?

Without hub-centric rings, you may experience vibrations, imbalance, and wheel wobbling. The load distribution on the wheel studs or bolts may be uneven, leading to increased stress and potential failure. There’s a risk of damaging the hub or wheel during force-fitting. It’s crucial to use hub-centric rings for proper fitment, stability, and safety.

If you don’t use hub-centric rings when mounting wheels onto your vehicle, it can lead to various issues:

1. Vibrations and imbalance: Hub-centric rings help center the wheel precisely on the hub, ensuring a balanced and stable connection. Without them, there may be a small gap between the wheel and the hub, causing vibrations and an unbalanced feel while driving. This can result in a less comfortable ride and potential steering wheel vibrations.
2. Increased stress on studs: When wheels are not centered properly, the load is not evenly distributed on the wheel studs or bolts. This can place excessive stress on certain studs, leading to premature wear or even failure of the studs over time. This can be dangerous and potentially cause a wheel detachment while driving.
3. Wheel wobbling: Without hub-centric rings, the wheel relies solely on the lug nuts or bolts to center and secure it to the hub. This can result in a slight wobbling motion of the wheel, especially at higher speeds. The wobbling can affect the vehicle’s handling, stability, and overall performance.
4. Potential damage to the hub or wheel: If there is a significant size difference between the wheel’s center bore and the hub, attempting to force-fit the wheel onto the hub can cause damage to either the wheel or the hub. This can include scratches, distortion, or deformation of the hub or the wheel, which can affect their structural integrity.

To avoid these problems, it is recommended to use hub-centric rings when mounting wheels that require them. Hub-centric rings provide a secure and precise fitment, ensuring proper load distribution, minimizing vibrations, and maintaining the overall safety and performance of the vehicle.

Are all hub centric rings the same size?

No, hub-centric rings are not all the same size. Hub-centric rings come in different sizes to match the specific dimensions of the vehicle’s hub and the center bore of the wheel. The inner diameter of the hub-centric ring should match the outer diameter of the vehicle’s hub, while the outer diameter of the ring should match the inner diameter of the center bore of the wheel. It’s important to select hub-centric rings that are the correct size for your particular vehicle and wheel combination to ensure a proper fitment.

Is it OK to drive without hub centric rings?

While it is technically possible to drive without hub-centric rings, it is not recommended. Hub-centric rings play a crucial role in ensuring proper fitment and maintaining the stability and safety of the wheel on the vehicle’s hub. Without hub-centric rings, you may experience vibrations, imbalance, and potential wobbling of the wheel. This can negatively impact the vehicle’s handling, stability, and overall driving experience.

Additionally, not using hub-centric rings can place increased stress on the wheel studs or bolts, potentially leading to premature wear or failure. There is also a risk of damaging the hub or wheel due to the lack of precise centering.

To ensure a secure and stable connection between the wheel and the hub, it is strongly advised to use hub-centric rings that match the correct size for your specific vehicle and wheel combination. This helps distribute the load evenly, reduces vibrations, and ensures optimal performance and safety while driving.

How tight should hub centric rings fit?

Hub centric rings are used to ensure proper centering of aftermarket wheels on the vehicle’s hub. They fill the gap between the hub bore and the wheel’s center bore, effectively making the connection hub-centric rather than lug-centric. The purpose is to distribute the load evenly across the hub and minimize vibrations.

Ideally, hub centric rings should fit snugly and securely, with minimal play or movement. The rings should be sized accurately to match the hub bore and wheel center bore diameters precisely. The fit should be tight enough to eliminate any potential movement or wobbling between the hub and the wheel.

However, it is essential to note that the fit should not be too tight as to cause difficulty in installing or removing the wheels. If the rings are excessively tight, it can make the installation process challenging and potentially damage the hub or the wheel. Therefore, it is important to choose hub centric rings that provide a secure fit without being overly tight.

When selecting hub centric rings, ensure they are specifically designed for your vehicle’s make and model and that they match the correct hub bore and wheel center bore sizes. It’s also recommended to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines or consult with a trusted mechanic or wheel professional for specific recommendations for your vehicle.

Can you run aftermarket wheels without hub centric rings?

While it is technically possible to run aftermarket wheels without hub centric rings, it is not recommended. Hub centric rings play a crucial role in ensuring proper centering of the wheels on the vehicle’s hub, which is important for safety and optimal performance. Here are a few reasons why it is not advisable to run aftermarket wheels without hub centric rings:

1. Load Distribution: Hub centric rings help distribute the weight of the vehicle evenly across the hub, minimizing stress and vibrations. Without them, the load may be concentrated on the lug bolts or nuts, leading to potential loosening or even failure over time.
2. Vibrations and Wheel Balance: Hub centric rings help center the wheel accurately on the hub, reducing vibrations and promoting better wheel balance. Without proper centering, you may experience vibrations, which can adversely affect handling, comfort, and tire wear.
3. Safety Concerns: Wheels that are not properly centered can cause uneven tire wear, instability, and handling issues, particularly at higher speeds. This can compromise the safety of the vehicle and increase the risk of accidents.
4. Potential Wheel Damage: Without hub centric rings, the wheels may experience additional stress and strain during operation. Over time, this can lead to premature wear and damage to both the wheel and the hub.

It’s worth noting that hub centric rings are widely available and relatively inexpensive. They are specifically designed to provide the proper fit between aftermarket wheels and the vehicle’s hub. It is always recommended to use hub centric rings that are specifically matched to your vehicle’s hub bore and the wheel’s center bore to ensure a secure and balanced fit.

Are hub centric spacers legal?

The legality of hub centric spacers can vary depending on the jurisdiction and local regulations. In many places, the use of hub centric spacers is generally considered legal as long as they are installed correctly and do not exceed certain limits. However, it is essential to note that specific laws and regulations can vary between countries, states, or even municipalities, so it is crucial to consult the local authorities or a knowledgeable automotive professional for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding your specific location.

When considering the use of hub centric spacers, it is important to keep the following factors in mind:

1. Wheel Alignment: The installation of hub centric spacers can affect the wheel alignment. It is essential to ensure that the wheels remain properly aligned to maintain safe handling characteristics and prevent premature tire wear.
2. Track Width: Hub centric spacers can increase the track width of the vehicle. It is important to adhere to the regulations regarding track width limits, as exceeding these limits can result in legal issues or safety concerns.
3. Thread Engagement: When using hub centric spacers, it is crucial to ensure that there is sufficient thread engagement between the wheel studs or lug bolts and the wheel nuts or lug bolts. Inadequate thread engagement can compromise the strength and integrity of the wheel attachment, potentially leading to wheel detachment or failure.

To ensure compliance with local laws and regulations, it is recommended to consult with local authorities or a trusted automotive professional who is familiar with the specific regulations in your area. They can provide accurate information and guidance regarding the use of hub centric spacers and any specific requirements that need to be met to remain within the legal boundaries.