how to install wheel spacers on drum brakes

How to Install Wheel Spacers on Drum Brakes

Wheel spacers are popular among automotive enthusiasts for enhancing the aesthetic appeal and improving the performance of a vehicle. By widening the track of the wheels, spacers can provide better handling characteristics, increase stability, and make your car look more aggressive. Installing wheel spacers on vehicles with drum brakes may seem daunting, but with the right tools and procedures, it can be accomplished with relative ease. In this article, we will guide you through the necessary steps and precautions to install wheel spacers on drum brakes.

Tools and Materials Needed

Before we jump into the installation process, make sure you have the following tools and materials handy

- Wheel spacers (ensure they are the correct size for your vehicle) - A floor jack - Jack stands - A lug wrench or impact wrench - Torque wrench - Clean rag - Brake cleaner (optional) - Loctite (optional)

Safety Precautions

Before starting the installation, ensure you are in a safe working environment. Work on a flat surface and use wheel chocks to prevent the vehicle from rolling. Additionally, always wear safety gear, including gloves and safety glasses, to protect yourself from debris and sharp objects.

Step-by-Step Installation Process

Step 1 Prepare the Vehicle

1. Loosen the Lug Nuts Before lifting the vehicle, use a lug wrench to slightly loosen the lug nuts on the wheel where you will be installing the spacers. Do not remove them completely at this point. 2. Lift the Vehicle Using a floor jack, carefully lift the vehicle to a height where you can comfortably work on it. Once elevated, secure the vehicle with jack stands to ensure safety.

Step 2 Remove the Wheel

1. Remove Lug Nuts Now that the vehicle is secured, remove the lug nuts completely and take off the wheel. Set the wheel aside in a safe place.

1. Clean the Wheel Hub Use a clean rag and, if desired, some brake cleaner to wipe down the wheel hub. This ensures a clean surface for the spacers to sit against, which is crucial for proper installation and avoiding vibration.

Step 4 Install the Wheel Spacers

1. Position the Spacers Place the wheel spacers onto the hub, ensuring that they are properly oriented. The spacers should fit snugly against the hub with no gaps.

2. Install Lug Nuts Start threading the lug nuts onto the spacer. Make sure to hand-tighten them first before using any tools. If your spacers came with new lug nuts, ensure you are using them, as they might be of different lengths to accommodate the added thickness of the spacer.

Step 5 Tighten the Lug Nuts

1. Tighten with a Torque Wrench Using your torque wrench, tighten the lug nuts to the manufacturer’s recommended specifications. If you don’t have a torque specification, a common range for lug nuts is between 70-100 ft-lbs. Always follow the correct tightening sequence (star pattern) to ensure even pressure.

Step 6 Reinstall the Wheel

1. Reattach the Wheel Slide the wheel back onto the spacers, ensuring it is seated properly. Hand-tighten the lug nuts to secure the wheel in place.

2. Final Tightening Before lowering the car, perform a final tightening of the lug nuts using the torque wrench.

Step 7 Lower the Vehicle

1. Remove the Jack Stands Carefully lower the vehicle back to the ground and remove the jack stands. 2. Final Torque Check Once on the ground, perform a final check on the lug nut torque after the wheel has settled under weight.

Conclusion

Installing wheel spacers on drum brakes can significantly enhance your vehicle's appearance and performance. Always ensure that you use quality parts and follow the proper installation techniques. After installation, take your vehicle for a short drive and recheck the lug nut torque, as they may settle after the first use. Enjoy your newly enhanced ride and drive safely!