What does hub centric mean

[rohoni]

Hello,Another question on winter tires for the experts on here....I talked to one shop and for the winter rims they are suggesting I go for a little bit more expensive steel rim ($60 vs. 45) because the more expensive rim are hub centric....according to them; a hub centric rim will snug up to the rotor better and there will be less/minimal vibration. I'm wondering if this guy is full of bs or does he have a valid point?Comments?

 

[KL2DC]

The shop has a point.

Hubcentric wheels simply means that the center of the wheels fit snugly exactly to the diameter of the hub. Some universal aftermarket wheels will have larger diameter centers/openings to suit different applications. If you have matched the bolt pattern, you could just bolt the wheel in place, but you would be relying on the lugs to center the wheel (a lug centric set-up). This is inherently more prone to imbalances/vibrations as they are not seating as snug/tight against the hub as hubcentric wheels.

 

[knyaz]

Well usually most wheel manufacturers dont carry the hubcentric wheels as different models have different diameters. So what you can do is get the wheels and use hub rings which are suitable for your car.

Cheers

 

[ichiwan2]

The hub is not just to centre the wheel to the axle. It is also the main load bearing part. The bolts or in some cases, lug nuts, are meant to keep it attached to the hub.

If the fit of the centre of the wheel is not snug, then you will eventually have balancing problems and under extreme conditions, could even have the bolts/studs shear off and you will see the wheel bouncing in the rear view mirror.

This is why hub-centric wheel spacers are often recommended versus simple spacers.

The hub has been engineered to bear the weight of the car, not the bolts.

 

[wglee]

These hub centre rings appear to me to be plastic-like stuff and hence may not be strong enough. Are they up to the job?

 

[ichiwan2]

It should be an aluminium or steel alloy. If plastic, it will probably work for a short period.

If possible, best to get rims with the correct specs.