Hub Rings 101: The Secret to Snug Wheels
When upgrading your vehicle's wheels, there’s a critical but often overlooked component that can make all the difference in performance and comfort—hub rings. Also known as centering rings, these small but essential accessories play a big role in ensuring a smooth, vibration-free ride.
So, what exactly are hub rings, and why are they important?
What Are Hub Rings?
Hub rings are circular components that fit between your vehicle’s hub and the center bore of an aftermarket wheel. They ensure that the wheel is perfectly centered on the hub, which is essential for proper fitment and to eliminate any vibrations.
Why You Need Hub Rings
Many aftermarket wheels are designed to fit multiple vehicles, which means their center bores are often larger than your vehicle's hub size. This is where hub rings come into play. Without them, your wheels might not sit exactly in the center, which could lead to an uneven fit and cause vibrations while driving.
A common scenario involves vehicles like the GMC Sierra 1500, which has a center bore of 78.10mm. Let’s say you find a set of wheels originally designed for a Toyota Tacoma, which has a larger center bore of 106mm. Even though the bolt patterns match, the different center bore sizes will require hub rings to ensure the wheels fit snugly on your GMC.
How Hub Rings Work
Hub rings fill the gap between the wheel’s center bore and the vehicle’s hub, creating a snug fit. For instance, a 106mm to 78.10mm hub ring fits over the hub of your vehicle, centering the larger bore wheel perfectly before the lugs are torqued down. This prevents the wheel from shifting, which can cause unwanted vibrations at high speeds.
Do You Really Need Hub Rings?
If you're using aftermarket wheels with a different center bore than your vehicle’s hub, the answer is a resounding yes. Hub rings ensure a secure fit, reduce wear and tear on your wheels and tires, and make for a smoother ride. Plus, they help distribute the weight of the vehicle evenly, which protects both the wheels and the vehicle's suspension.
Get the Right Fit
When shopping for hub rings, you'll need two important measurements: the center bore of your vehicle's hub and the center bore of your new wheels. If you're unsure of these measurements, feel free to contact us at Lug Nut Guru. We stock a variety of hub rings and can provide the technical advice you need to get the right fit.
Hub rings may seem like a small detail, but they make a big impact on your driving experience. Don’t skip this important step when upgrading your wheels!
