Wheel spacers are a popular upgrade for improving your car’s stance, handling, and fitment — but like any precision component, they require regular inspection and maintenance to stay safe and perform at their best.
Neglecting your spacers can lead to vibration, uneven wheel torque, or even damage to your hub assembly. The good news? With a few quick checks, you can keep them in perfect condition for years of reliable use.
Why Wheel Spacer Maintenance Matters
Wheel spacers sit between your wheel and hub — a critical area that takes on huge rotational and clamping forces. Over time, these forces can loosen fasteners, corrode surfaces, or create misalignment.
Proper maintenance ensures:
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Maximum safety and stability
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Even wheel torque and contact pressure
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Prevention of corrosion and seizure
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Longer spacer and wheel bolt lifespan
Step-by-Step Guide: Inspecting Your Wheel Spacers
Here’s a simple process to inspect your spacers safely and effectively.
1. Remove the Wheels Carefully
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Park the vehicle on level ground and engage the handbrake.
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Loosen wheel bolts slightly before lifting the car on secure jack stands.
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Remove the wheels to expose the spacers.
2. Check Spacer Alignment and Fit
Once the wheel is off, inspect how the spacer sits on the hub.
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It should be flush and even against the hub face.
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Look for gaps, dirt, or corrosion between the hub and spacer.
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Hub-centric spacers should fit snugly onto the hub lip without movement.
If the spacer rocks or sits unevenly, remove and clean both surfaces.
3. Inspect for Damage or Wear
Look for visible issues such as:
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Hairline cracks or warping
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Damaged hub rings or bolt holes
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Rust or pitting (especially on aluminium spacers)
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Uneven surface wear from improper torque
Replace spacers immediately if you spot cracks, deformation, or severe corrosion.
4. Clean All Contact Surfaces
Use a soft wire brush or emery pad to remove any rust or debris from the hub face, spacer, and wheel mounting area.
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Wipe with a clean cloth.
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Avoid grease or anti-seize between hub and spacer — it can alter torque readings.
Pro Tip: Apply a light coat of anti-seize only on the hub centre ring if corrosion is common in your climate.
5. Check Bolt Threads and Torque
Examine all bolts or studs for:
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Stripped or worn threads
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Rust buildup or pitting
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Bent or stretched bolts
Always torque wheel bolts to the manufacturer’s specification using a calibrated torque wrench — never rely on an impact gun for final tightening.
After reinstalling the wheels:
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Re-torque bolts after the first 50–100 miles of driving.
6. Check Regularly
Make spacer inspection part of your regular maintenance schedule:
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Every 6 months or 5,000 miles, whichever comes first.
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Immediately after off-road driving, track use, or wheel changes.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Installing spacers on dirty or rusty hubs
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Mixing hub-centric and lug-centric components incorrectly
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Reusing damaged or stretched bolts
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Failing to re-torque after installation
Each of these can lead to vibration, uneven wear, or loss of clamping force — avoid them to keep your setup safe and smooth.
When to Replace Wheel Spacers
Replace your spacers if you notice:
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Cracks or visible distortion
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Severe corrosion or stripped threads
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Poor fitment on the hub
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Persistent vibration even after alignment and balancing
It’s always better to replace compromised spacers than risk damage to your wheels, studs, or hub assembly.
Final Thoughts
Wheel spacers are a simple yet effective modification — when maintained correctly, they offer years of reliable use, improved handling, and enhanced aesthetics.
Regular inspection, correct torque, and clean mounting surfaces are key to keeping your spacers (and wheels) performing perfectly.
Looking for wheel spacers? Click here to view our range of wheel spacer kits.