Mounting spacers on the steering knuckles instead of behind the rims - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Fattyman · #1 04-12-2013, 09:01 PM

I never liked the idea of mounting spacers between the hubs and the wheels.
I wanted to mount CLK rims on the W123 wagon and the rims just brush up against the boot of the tie rod end. I used the spacers that are used on the AC compressor to move the knuckle inboard just a touch. I went with the middle thickness spacers (10mm) as the larger ones would not have left enough room to shorten the tie rods for proper toe in. Of course corresponding longer bolts are required. The only thing left to do is smash the dust covers more so the wheel cap will fit nicely. I smashed them a smidgen but it wasn't enough. I think these rims look good on wagons & coupes but for some reason I don't think they look right on sedans.

vstech · #2 04-12-2013, 10:13 PM

when I read the title, I was thinking, this would not address the hub sticking out the front... then I read the bash the caps (they are bearing Grease caps, NOT dust caps!!!) and I think, some type of 70's style center caps may work...

Fattyman · #3 04-12-2013, 10:18 PM

I should have just said caps!
Keeps grease in and dust out so either works for me.

TheDon · #4 04-12-2013, 10:20 PM

I think hub spacers are meant for this

Fattyman · #5 04-12-2013, 11:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheDon

I think hub spacers are meant for this

That's what I was trying to avoid. I didn't want the rim sticking out too far. And then I would have to use longer lug bolts too. Now I can just mount whatever wheel I like on there and be done with it.

vstech · #6 04-13-2013, 06:27 AM

keep in mind, if the backspacing is too large, the wheel will hit the fenders on the inside, and it will hit the sway bar as well, on turning...

how's the tire fare when you turn the wheel?

cmbdiesel · #7 04-13-2013, 11:22 AM

Seems like an overly complicated method of putting on larger wheels.
I would be less inclined to alter the geometry of my steering than using spacers.

What grade is that replacement bolt?

t walgamuth · #8 04-13-2013, 11:27 AM

Right, I don't see how this is safer than wheel spacers. I have used spacers on both Mercedes and Miata in autocross with large sticky hoosier autocross tires and never had a problem with them. I have spacers I used on the mb that are about an inch thick and use bolts to hold the spacer to the hub and another set to hold the wheel to the spacer. The little benz looked like an old fashioned Nascar racer with the tires out at the face of the fenders....no trouble though.

Fattyman · #9 04-13-2013, 01:48 PM

No worries the tires rubbing.
I used the same grade 8.8 hardware.
Geometry wise I figured I would have the same lock to lock distance and it would not disturb any other settings.
Safety was not the issue in regards to the use of hub spacers as opposed to doing the mod.
For me it was just a matter of convenience and trying to keep things simple, (at least simpler after mod!).
Now I won't have to swap out spacers and lug bolts if I get a flat.
Worry about someone else working on the car not reinstalling the hub spacers etc.
I do still have to deal with the cap sticking out though.
I guess I just have a hub spacer phobia. I must have had a bad experience with them at some time and repressed it from my memory.