Wheel spacers are used with one main purpose in mind – to move the wheels further away from the body of the vehicle.
They are slotted between the assembly of the wheels, which sets the wheels outwards.
Pretty much all kinds of vehicles are partial towards wheel spacers due to their benefits, which include improved handling, allowing the use of larger wheels, creating a unique look, and more.
They are also extremely easy to install, so much so that you can actually do it yourself.
Just figure out how to torque wheel spacers on, and you are set.
If you are ready to start, read on for the instructions. you can also check wheel spacers pros and cons
Table of Contents
How to Torque Wheel Spacers
Let’s learn the process of torquing wheel spacers;
Step 1: Gather Tools
It is important to gather all the required tools beforehand.
Check the bolt pattern, thread size, spacer thickness, and center bore of the wheel spacers so that they match with the wheel and vehicle.
Make sure to have a jack and jack stand, lug wrench, torque wrench at hand. Keep a car lift and some degreaser around, too.
Step 2: Loosen the Lug Nuts
Park the vehicle on the ground and loosen the lug nuts with a lug wrench. Make sure to use the resistance of the wheel against the surface to get enough torque to turn the lugs. Otherwise, the wheels will just spin around.
Step 3: Lift the Vehicle
Use a car lift to lift the vehicle off the ground. If there is no car lift available, a jack and jack stand should work fine too.
Step 4: Take the Wheel Off
Remove the raised tire and take the wheel off the hub. Keep it aside for later.
Step 5: Clean with Degreaser
Ensure a clean and smooth surface for the wheel spacers.
Sprinkle the surface of the lug studs with a degreaser, and use a piece of cloth to wipe all the substance off.
If there is a lot of dirt, rust, or corrosion, scrub with a wire brush to get rid of them all.
Clean the surface of the hub for a smooth wheel installment as well.
Step 6: Put Wheel Spacers in Place
Slide the wheel spacers onto the studs until every single one is firmly seated on the hub surface. Slightly tighten them with your hand.
Step 7: Torque Wheel Spacers
Get a torque wrench and create enough torque to turn all the wheel spacers, and tighten them into place.
Step 8: Reinstall Wheel
Place the wheel onto the lug studs. Gently push till it hits the wheel spacers, then let go.
Secure the lug nuts in place and tighten with hand. Then, use a wrench to torque them all the way. Create a star or crisscross pattern for even load distribution.
Use your hands to spin the wheel and check to ensure that it spins with no obstruction whatsoever.
Step 9: Repeat Process
Repeat the entire process from steps one to eight for the three wheels left.
Step 10: Gently Lower the Vehicle
Glide the floor jack on the ground under the vehicle and lift. Remove the car lift or jack stand from one of the four corners, then slowly and carefully drop the corner of the vehicle.
Repeat for the three other corners to lower the entire vehicle down on the ground.
Step 11: Drive for Spacer Torque Check
Once the whole installation process is done, take the vehicle out for a quick drive for around ten miles to do a check. If there is any form of vibration, no matter how little, stop.
Remove the wheels and torque the wheel spacers to the vehicle’s manufacturer specifications.
If they move at all, repeat the steps as many times as necessary till the wheels and wheel spacers sit properly.
Step 12: Perform Post Installation Safety Check
Just to be sure, ensure that every safety point mentioned in the checklist has been performed whenever they were required, whether they are before, during, or after the installation process.
Verify that the chosen wheel spacers are the best match for the wheels and the vehicle.
Use lugs that meet minimum thread engagement for installation.
Clean all lugs, threads, and surfaces till there is absolutely no form of impurity anywhere.
Do not use an air impact wrench to install lugs.
Re-torque every lug after the first drive.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You now know how to torque wheel spacers.
So, there is absolutely no need to worry the next time you need to fix the stance of your vehicle, or just want to give it a brand-new look. All you need to do is torque away.