What are Wheel Adapters?
Wheel adapters are used when you are changing (adapting) the bolt pattern of the wheel to fit a different vehicle than the wheels are made for. (5×4.5″ to 5×4.75″). Wheel Adapters are most common for fitting aftermarket wheels to multiple different vehicles.
What are Wheel Spacers?
Wheel spacers add space between the hub of the vehicle and the wheel, but maintain the same bolt pattern. Wheel spacers are used in fixing clearance / offset issues, running larger tires, OR for aesthetics.
Wheel Spacers may be either slip-on (5×4.5″) & bolt-on style. (5×4.5″ to 5×4.5″)
What are Hub Centric Rings?
Hub centric rings fill the gap between the vehicle hub and the wheel bore. Most commonly used in aftermarket wheels, centering rings eliminate vibrations caused by oversized wheel bores, or center bore. Wheel manufacturers commonly make wheels with oversized center bores allowing it to fit multiple vehicles. US Wheel Adapters machines hub rings from plastic and aluminum.
Adapters vs Spacers
The difference between a wheel adapter and wheel spacer is simple. Adapters convert bolt patterns to fit different wheels, spacers will always keep the same bolt pattern. Adapters can also space wheels further out from the vehicle while converting the bolt pattern. Adapters are also bolt-on style only. This is because they must attach and secure to the first bolt pattern.
Both Adapters and spacers can be made to
center on the hub. “HUB CENTRIC” or to center on the lugs – “LUG CENTRIC”.
Are all USWA Products made in America?
No. Any Product you see listed as “in-stock” is an imported part. We offer imported adapters & spacers due to popular demand for a more affordable alternative to American builds. We offer the strongest line of imported t6061 Aluminum adapters and spacers. In-stock hub centric adapters and spacers come anodized black, while lug centric are a machine polish. We do, however, offer an American Built Alternative to any Adapter / Spacer we carry in-stock. If you do not see a direct link for your choice of American wheel adapter / spacer. We offer a variety of custom order forms : —–>
What is the thinnest Spacer you can make?
5mm is the absolute thinnest spacer we are able to build here. Any thinner of a spacer would not have a smooth, flat finish. This is due to the material vibration caused by the massive jaw pressure holding the material as it spins. A smooth flat finish is necessary for full contact of the wheel spacer to the mounting surface.
Clearance Checks for Hub Centric Spacers*
Hub centric slip-on spacers – Minimum thickness
when using factory wheels = Hub Length +3mm.
This also applies when the bore of the wheel is equal to or smaller than a factory wheel.
eg (70.5mm hub 64.1mm wheel bore)
Measure hub to find minimum thickness.
How do I find my bolt Pattern(s)?
OEM bolt patterns are provided in our Bolt Pattern & Hub Guide. Manual measurements can also be used. Golf Cart, UTV & ATV Specs must be provided.
How do I find my hub diameter / center bore?
Factory hub specs are provided in our Bolt Pattern & Hub Guide. Manual dial caliper or micrometer measurements can also be used. see “Custom Hub Ring Guide”.
US Wheel Adapters DOES NOT convert 4 to 5 Lug, 5 to 6 Lug, 6 to 5 lug, 6 to 8 Lug, 8 to 10 Lug etc…
Build time? / Ship time? / Tracking?
Listed Build times are provided as an estimate ONLY. While we do our best to keep listed build times accurate they can vary by a up to a few days. Tracking information is relayed to the provided email address the moment the label is printed.
Sent Tracking info may not update until the following business day*.
Quantity?
We sell adapters & wheel spacers in pairs through our website.
Hub Centric Rings are sold in sets of 4.
Wheel adapters & Wheel Spacers
Qty 1 = 2 total (1 Pair) : Qty 2 = 4 total (2 Pair)
Hub Centric Rings
Qty 1 = 4 total rings. (set of 4)
Do I have to cut my wheel studs down?
If your Wheel Adapters, or bolt on wheel spacers are not thick enough to cover the factory studs on the vehicle, then yes more than likely you will have to cut down your studs at the time of installation.
Way around this:
Order the adapters / spacers at least as thick as your factory studs are long.
Torque Check?
You should check your torque when rotating tires, or every 5-6,000 miles. Follow torque specs of vehicle handbook, when attaching adapters or spacers to hub.
Adhere to our provided torque specs when attaching wheels to adapters or spacers.
For Torque specs, view Install Instructions
Hub Centric?
Hub Centric style is designed to fit tight to the hub of the vehicle, while providing a center pilot for the wheels. This creates a like factory fit, and guarantees the wheel is centered resulting in a smooth ride.
We always recommend using hub centric wheel spacers and adapters when possible!
Lug Centric?
Lug Centric style is designed to center only using the studs and acorn style lug nuts, similar to an aftermarket wheel. Lug centering is less reliable, than hub centering, as the bore will be oversized to fit multiple vehicle makes, and in some cases can result in vibration at highway speeds.
If you have any other questions please call us at either number below. Our office is open Monday – Friday 8am – 5pm Central Standard Time.