I installed 2 pairs (4) of TCSportline 25mm spacers on my TC and am noticing bad vibrations in the steering wheel above 65mph. These were ordered directly from TCSportline so I'm sure they are the correct size and fit. Also, these are hub-centric spacers. I've contacted them and they just say make sure the installation was correct, which it is. Does anyone know why this is happening?

 

did you torque them down?

I hear spacers do that (vibrate) that is why they are not recomended by any of the major tire/wheel retailers like tirerack and americas tire.

 

what wheels are you using? if aftermarket wheels, do they have hub rings?

anytime the wheel is pushed out further (whether through spacers or low offset wheels), increased vibrations will occur. this added stress will reduce the life of your wheel bearings over time (but its not an immediate concern).

 

I'm using the stock wheels and tires, stock suspension, and I did torque everything correctly. I was just wondering if the vibrations were inherent of spacers in general.

 

yeah, it should not do that, i have not heard of any major issues with the stock wheels..

 

Why would lower offset wheels create vibration?

 

Because that puts weight past the hub, which creates more stress on the hub. The vibrations will manifest as a rhythmic humming sound (which will eventually become a grinding sound as the wheel bearing fails) from the hub. At higher speeds the steering wheel will shake. I was referring to super low offsets like et15 or below, significantly wider wheels, and thick spacers (25mm +). In very extreme cases of wheel bearing failure, the hub/wheel will separate from the car while in motion.

 

Oh, well what about 16x7 +25?

 

If you are running 25mm spacers on the front you are going to have rubbing issues. Unless you have so major negative camber going on your going to rub a lot. I have 20mm spacers on the fronnt of my car and it's marginal.

 

No no, not spacers. Offset. 16x7 ET25. I believe most stock wheels are from +38-+42. Mine are currently 15x? ET42. They look pretty tucked under. +25 would push them out 17mm assuming i have 15x7. I also have a 1" drop.