Wheel Spacer

[ManMN]

What's the disadvantage of using wheel spacer?

Has anyone use it? any feedback?

Thanks

[CayenneS2006]

What's the disadvantage of using wheel spacer?

Has anyone use it? any feedback?

Thanks

Hi,

I have had it on my car for almost 2 years now ... I dont think there are disadvantages (none that I have encountered) ... Many advantages, though the best good thing that I could think of is the looks! add to that the wheel arch extentions and the result is really worth it ... which makes me wonder how come Porsche does not roll them out all looking like that.

[Loren]

I agree not really any disadvantages if you stay within Porsche specs for spacers.

[odix]

Some disadvantages to wheel spacers come to mind -- although the advantages (handling/looks, etc.) may outweigh the disadvantages for you:

1. Snow chains not supported -- with spacers I think the tires (and chains) are closer to the outside wheel arch (exterior) instead of inside the deeper (interior) section of the arch. In motion, as the chains expand with normal centrifugal force they may rub/hit/dent/chip the arch. And if a snow chain dislodges it will cause more damage to the wheel wells if spacers are installed.

2. Anti-theft wheel bolts not recommended in conjunction with spacers.

3. Off-road driving -- for impacts that drive the wheels up in a significant manner (more than on-road conditions) you are closer to impacting/damaging the arch, similar to point one above. The increased side-to-side distance/width will also add some negative leverage to high torque (lateral) off road impacts and low-gear operations.

4. For high-speed driving (i.e autobahn) -- a subtle aerodynamic drag will be introduced -- the tires/wheels will not fall as far inside the vehicle's wind envelope (wheel wells) and you'll also have more rotating mass (the spacers) to offset -- also probably very subtle and not a big deal.

With spacers you are introducing an additional layer of failure points: the wheel to the spacers and then the spacers to the axel -- but to Loren's point, if you stick with Porsche/OEM parts and follow torque recommendations all should be well.

Edit to clean-up typos.

Edited May 1, 2010 by odix