Author Topic: Wheel spacing advice  (Read 2224 times)

Offline Callum_K

  • Here all the time
  • ****
  • Posts: 362
Wheel spacing advice
« on: 25 November 2012, 17:53 »
I need to get some wheel spacers to clear my front brake caliper (late spec GTI with 288mm brakes) with my new wheels. I've tried 5mm and its no go, but not by much. I think 8mm might be cutting it too fine, especially if I get new pads which will push out the caliper more. But...my wheels are et25, so I don't want them too wide as I don't want to be messing around with the arches. So my question is, do 12mm hubcentric spacers sit flush on a mk3 front hub, or is the wheel spigot too long? I know I could measure it but it's wet and cold out.

Offline tweed

  • Forum addict
  • *
  • Posts: 5,379
Re: Wheel spacing advice
« Reply #1 on: 25 November 2012, 18:00 »
Should be fine. I need 14mm to clear my 288mm and they have plenty. 12mm will fit.


What wheels are they and how wide?

Untitled by tweedub, on Flickr

Offline Callum_K

  • Here all the time
  • ****
  • Posts: 362
Re: Wheel spacing advice
« Reply #2 on: 25 November 2012, 18:11 »
Dare DR-B, basically a fake split version of Borbet As. 8j, et25 with 195/45/16 tyres. Will only be down 35mm at the front.

Offline Callum_K

  • Here all the time
  • ****
  • Posts: 362
Re: Wheel spacing advice
« Reply #3 on: 25 November 2012, 22:05 »
f**k it, gonna order the 12mm hubcentric spacers. Will give me et13 on the front. Will only be down 35mm. If it rubs then I'll take a hammer to the arches (Tweed saw your advice on some other threads). Going to stick the 5mm spacers on the rear so offset will be 20.

Offline tweed

  • Forum addict
  • *
  • Posts: 5,379
Re: Wheel spacing advice
« Reply #4 on: 25 November 2012, 22:34 »
all I'm gonna say is, hope your hammer is big  :grin:

put loads of camber on the fronts

Untitled by tweedub, on Flickr

Offline stainesy

  • I live here
  • *****
  • Posts: 3,442
  • im not a master debater but i'm a cunning linguist
Re: Wheel spacing advice
« Reply #5 on: 25 November 2012, 22:40 »
would be better if you put 185 45 16's on. would fit better.
thats the stretch i have on my jetta as the wheels poke and it gives my good clearance and is a very safe stretch  :wink:

Offline Callum_K

  • Here all the time
  • ****
  • Posts: 362
Re: Wheel spacing advice
« Reply #6 on: 25 November 2012, 22:56 »
Can't really afford new tyres. Maybe I'll just try 8mm flat spacers for a few more mm clearance.

Offline tweed

  • Forum addict
  • *
  • Posts: 5,379
Re: Wheel spacing advice
« Reply #7 on: 26 November 2012, 00:15 »
I found 195/40/16 gives more room

Untitled by tweedub, on Flickr

Offline Callum_K

  • Here all the time
  • ****
  • Posts: 362
Re: Wheel spacing advice
« Reply #8 on: 26 November 2012, 00:42 »
Well I've ordered some 8mm spacers, extended bolts and a set of extended locking bolts from FK, £40 all in including delivery :). So fronts will be et17, with such a small drop I reckon I might get away with it.

Offline 67buggers

  • I live here
  • *****
  • Posts: 727
Re: Wheel spacing advice
« Reply #9 on: 26 November 2012, 08:44 »
would be better if you put 185 45 16's on. would fit better.
thats the stretch i have on my jetta as the wheels poke and it gives my good clearance and is a very safe stretch  :wink:

Thought yours were 15's?


I fix iPhone's and iPod's, I can fix most faults call me on 07811344816 for a quote