Related Sponsors

What Should I Do I Before Purchasing Aftermarket Wheel Rims?

Home » Aftermarket Car Parts » Shopping for Aftermarket Wheel Rims » What Should I Do I Before Purchasing Aftermarket Wheel Rims?

Before fitting tires on any aftermarket wheels you must make sure the stud/bolt pattern is correct. The alloy wheel should fit freely on to the hub without interference and there should not be any screws, rivets or retaining clips with may interfere with a firm flat location of the hub against the wheel mounting face. The alloy wheel should rotate freely on both front and rear hubs. When the wheel is fastened to the hub, no part of the wheel can make contact with the brake drums or calipers or any other part of the steering or suspension.

Check the nuts and bolts, a correct fitting is vital. Be sure that the thread form is correct and the nub and bolt location seating is correct. Make sure the stud length is adequate for minimum thread penetration of approximately 1 x stud diameter and not tool long as to permit bottoming of stud in the nut or that the thread penetration of the bolt protrudes through the hub housing to cause damage to internal brake or hub components. The threads must be rust free and not over lubricated. When sleeve nuts are used, the shank diameter should be correct and the bear washers must always be used.

After you purchase the aftermarket wheel rims, make sure that the alloy wheel rim size is compatible with the tire size. Be wary of scratching the protective lacquer coating on aluminum wheels and some chrome wheels. Aluminum corrodes very easily once it is exposed to atmosphere, water, road salt or corrosive acid based alloy wheel cleaners and chemicals. When it is possible, always use the adhesive type of balance weights, these will help to avoid scratching of the alloy wheel finish.

Make a final inspection to make sure the alloy wheel and tire assembly does not make contact with any part of the suspension, bodywork or internal hub components, such as brakes or sensors. You can check this by carrying out full bump and lock to lock tests as well as a full visual inspection of the back and hub sections of the alloy wheel fixing assembly.

Next Page: How Do I Care For Aftermarket Wheel Rims?

Related Shopping for Aftermarket Wheel Rims Articles