Types of Wheel wheel spacers for hilux
It’s important to know the different types of toyota hilux wheel spacers before deciding on the best one to buy. Manufacturers have made various types of Hilux wheel spacers to fulfill different needs. They include the following:
- Non-hub-centric: Non-hub-centric spacers are compatible with any vehicle. They are designed for Hilux models whose wheels don't fit properly. The spacer converts the PCD which allows the wheel to fit on the hub.
- Hub-centric: Hub-centric spacers are designed to fit a specific vehicle. They are manufactured to make sure the wheel is perfectly centered on the hub. This reduces the chances of vibrations. The Hilux model will use the hub-centric wheel spacer for Hilux that is designed for that specific Hilux model.
- Adjustable: Adjustable hilux spacers are used when people want to adjust the track width. It is used by racers or when the wheels don't align properly. The Hilux adjustable wheel spacers can be set in different measurements to ensure the wheels are well aligned.
- Fixed: Fixed wheel spacers are set at a specific width and cannot be adjusted. They are used in normal applications where there is no need to change the track width. The fixed wheel spacers are cost-effective because they are cheap.
- Aluminum: Aluminum wheel spacers are very common because of their corrosion resistance and strength. They are also lighter which helps to reduce the unsprung weight. Additionally, aluminum wheel spacers are affordable.
- Steel: Steel wheel spacers are very strong and durable. However, they are heavier compared to aluminum wheel spacers. Steel wheel spacers are suitable for heavy-duty applications and when a higher load capacity is required.
Specification and maintenance of spacers for toyota hilux
Wheel spacers for the HiLux have the following specifications:
- Hub centric: A hub-centric design means that the wheel spacer has a hub extension that matches the HiLux's hub bore, ensuring weight is distributed evenly across the wheel hub. The wheel spacer's hub centric rings should have the same inner diameter as the HiLux's hub bore.
- Material: The wheel spacers are made from high-grade aluminum or steel. Aluminum is lighter and mostly used for racing, but the steel is stronger and more durable.
- Bolt pattern: Wheel spacers for the Hilux have a 6-lug bolt pattern, which is the standard for most HiLux models. The bolt pattern on the wheel spacer must be compatible with the Hilux's wheel hub.
- Thickness: The thickness of the wheel spacers varies, but the most common thickness is about 1.5 inches. This measurement is taken from the center of the spacer. It is also important to note that the thickness of the wheel spacer impacts the vehicle's track width and clearance between the wheel and the wheel hub assembly.
The wheel spacers are easy to maintain. Here are some tips to help maintain the wheel spacers:
- Check the wheel spacers regularly for any signs of damage.
- Inspect the wheel spacers for cracks, warping, or corrosion.
- Ensure the wheel spacers have been properly installed.
- Check the torque settings regularly.
- Re-torque the wheel spacers at regular intervals or after any off-road adventures or heavy loads.
- Replace the wheel spacers if they are damaged beyond repair.
- Ensure the wheel spacers are cleaned regularly.
- Use a wire brush or sandpaper to remove rust from the wheel spacers.
- Apply a thin coat of anti-seize lubricant to the wheel spacers to prevent corrosion.
- Before installing the wheel spacers, ensure the vehicle's wheel hub and wheel rims are clean.
- Inspect the wheel spacers for any signs of wear or damage.
How to choose spacers hilux
- Measure the wheel gap
Before one decides to purchase wheel spacers for hilux, they need to measure the wheel gap. Spacers are meant to increase the clearance between the wheel and the fender. Ideally, the wheel spacer size will depend on the extent of the wheel gap. If the wheel is too close to the fender, the vehicle will look unattractive, and the tires can rub against the fender. In such a case, one will need larger wheel spacers. If the gap is large, using wheel spacers will be unnecessary.
- Consider the bolt pattern
It is essential to consider the bolt pattern when selecting Hilux wheel spacers for sale. Wheel spacers come with two sets of holes. One set is meant to fit the vehicle's wheel hub, while the other set is for the wheels. The bolt pattern on the spacer should match that of the vehicle and the wheels. If the bolt patterns do not match, the wheel spacers cannot be installed successfully.
- Choose the right material
Aluminum and steel are the two main materials used to make wheel spacers. Aluminum is preferred by most people because it is lightweight. It also has good heat conduction properties. Steel is heavy, and it adds a lot of weight to the wheel assembly. However, it is more affordable than aluminum. Both materials are durable, but aluminum is more resistant to corrosion compared to steel.
- Decide on the width of the wheel spacers
One will need to make a decision regarding the width of the wheel spacers. Spacers are available in different sizes. The size will determine how far the wheels will be pushed out. A wider track provides the vehicle with more stability when cornering. To determine the right width, consider aesthetic purposes and the overall performance of the vehicle.
- Check the quality of the wheel spacers
It is important to buy high-quality wheel spacers to avoid potential problems. The spacers hilux should be strong enough to withstand the weight of the vehicle. They should also be resistant to wear and tear. Check the finish of the wheel spacers. They should have a high-quality finish that will remain attractive for a long time.
How to DIY and Replace Wheel spacers for Hilux
Wheel spacers are easy to install, and car owners can do it themselves. Before installation, car owners should go through the user manual. They should also have the right tools needed to install the wheel spacers. The tools include jack stands, a torque wrench, a floor jack, impact gun, and a pry bar. Here is a step-by-step guide to installing spacers for toyota hilux.
- Step 1: Car owners should park the vehicle on a flat surface, engage the parking brakes and ensure the car is in gear. After that, they should loosen the lug nuts on the wheels slightly.
- Step 2: They should lift the car with a floor jack and secure it with jack stands.
- Step 3: Car owners should remove the wheels using a tire lever or pry bar.
- Step 4: The next step is to clean the hub of the brake rotor and the surface of the wheel where it will contact the hub. Car owners can use a wire brush and a clean rag to remove rust, dirt, and debris.
- Step 5: The next step is to apply anti-seize lubricant to the hub surface. Car owners can use a thin, even layer to prevent the wheel spacer from seizing to the hub over time.
- Step 6: Car owners should place the wheel spacer onto the hub after aligning the mounting holes with the wheel studs.
- Step 7: They should install the wheels onto the wheel spacer and thread the lug nuts onto the wheel studs.
- Step 8: Car owners should use a torque wrench to tighten the lug nuts to the specified torque in a crisscross pattern. It ensures even pressure distribution.
- Step 9: After that, car owners should lower the vehicle to the ground.
- Step 10: They should then repeat the same procedure for the other three wheels.
Q and A
Q1. Do wheel spacers affect Hilux bearings?
A1. Yes, wheel spacers can affect the bearings of a Hilux. They can increase the load on the wheel bearings and cause them to wear out prematurely. This happens when the wheel spacers are too wide or have a poor design, causing improper alignment and extra stress on the bearings.
Q2. How to know the right size of wheel spacers for Hilux?
A2. To achieve the ideal fit without causing any challenges, it's sometimes necessary to get toyota hilux wheel spacers. The proper distance can be calculated by taking the wheel's centre bore width and adding half of the wheel's track width.
Q3. Are DIY wheel spacers recommended for Hilux?
A3. While some people may consider DIY wheel spacers for their Hilux, it is generally not advised. Properly manufactured wheel spacers require precision engineering to ensure safety and performance. A small error in DIY fabrication could lead to catastrophic failure, causing damage and potentially endangering the vehicle and passengers.
