Signifigance of hole size in center of wheel?

[jimpittman]

O.K. Guys one more question about trailer wheels.
What is the significance in the size of the center hole on a trailer wheel. If all five holes match up and the wheel is flush with the hub when tightened what differance dose it make if the center hole is not slightly bigger than the hub?
Just noticed that I have wheels with non matching center holes.
jimpittman

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Signifigance of hole size in center of wheel?

as long, as the lug bolts or nuts are taperd to center the wheel, nothing.

 

[SpinnerBait_Nut]

Re: Signifigance of hole size in center of wheel?

As TD says, nothing as long as the center hole goes over the axle end cap without hitting it.

 

[jimpittman]

Re: Signifigance of hole size in center of wheel?

Thanks guys for your reply. I know it is important on automobiles but wasn't sure for trailers.
Thanks again
jimpittman

 

[wire2]

Re: Signifigance of hole size in center of wheel?

as long, as the lug bolts or nuts are taperd to center the wheel, nothing.

Thanks guys for your reply. I know it is important on automobiles but wasn't sure for trailers.
Thanks again
jimpittman

Yes, it is important for autos, why would it not be for a trailer???

A proper fitting hub supports the weight of the vehicle or trailer, the studs/nuts keep the wheel on & transfer torque to allow drive & braking.

Granted, you can drive with a non fitting hub but the strain on the studs goes way up.
I'm 99% certain that it won't pass in a police roadside spot check.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Signifigance of hole size in center of wheel?

Some wheels are non-hubcentric by design. These are known as lug-centric wheels. With these wheels it is critical to torque the lug hardware with the vehicle on jack stands, off the ground. This allows the nuts or bolts to center the wheel and torque down without the weight of the vehicle pushing them off center.


source:
"http://www.tirerack.com/wheels/tech/techpage.jsp?techid=91&currentpage=92"

 

[a70eliminator]

Re: Signifigance of hole size in center of wheel?

Some wheels are non-hubcentric by design. These are known as lug-centric wheels. With these wheels it is critical to torque the lug hardware with the vehicle on jack stands, off the ground. This allows the nuts or bolts to center the wheel and torque down without the weight of the vehicle pushing them off center.


source:
"http://www.tirerack.com/wheels/tech/techpage.jsp?techid=91&currentpage=92"

Exactly correct, when taking the tire/rim somewhere computer balancing you must tell them it is lug-centric or else they just use the cone adapter for center, not all shops even have a lug adapter for the spin machine since most domestic vehicles of today are hub-acentric. On a trailer I really don't know if balancing is even relevant.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Signifigance of hole size in center of wheel?

balancing i as important on a trailer as and automobile. unbalanced tire will beat the bearing out of a hub, vibrate the boat to death. besides making the towing unpleasant.

 

[wire2]

Re: Signifigance of hole size in center of wheel?

Some wheels are non-hubcentric by design. These are known as lug-centric wheels. With these wheels it is critical to torque the lug hardware with the vehicle on jack stands, off the ground. This allows the nuts or bolts to center the wheel and torque down without the weight of the vehicle pushing them off center.


source:
"http://www.tirerack.com/wheels/tech/techpage.jsp?techid=91&currentpage=92"

Ok, Some are designed that way b/c the wheel manufacturer is trying to sell more wheels with less differences. But how can you tell if the wheels are actually "lug centric" design or someone just put the wrong wheels on?
Either way seems like a short cut with safety.

More info at; http://www.prestigewheel.com/Catalog/HubRings66_67.pdf
But these people are promoting their products so there *may* be some bias.

 

[pman7]

Re: Signifigance of hole size in center of wheel?

I've never known that I had a trailer tire out of balance. If you do have one can you feel the vibration from the drivers seat of the towing vehicle?

 

[mrfixitman40]

Re: Signifigance of hole size in center of wheel?

I would agree that the hub needs to fit snug to the wheel for the weight support depending on .the weight of the boat and trailer would be determining factor for me . Also as far as lug centric I have seen many hubs for trailers that were not machined for the correct operation of them . Just my .02 .
PS most lug eccentrics have a center cap to keep them close to the hub.

 

[tommays]

Re: Signifigance of hole size in center of wheel?

Having HAD a few car wheels NEED a puller and BFH to change a flat


I think i would be a bit scared if the tire was held buy the wheel hub in saltwater

And there is no step on any disk OR drum replacement i have ever seen

They have enough problems just keeping to a standard bearing size



Tommays

 

[Rob454]

Re: Signifigance of hole size in center of wheel?

the only reason the wheel hub and wheel should have a tight fitting fit is because this way the rim is being centered by the hub. the lug nuts are only supposed to hold the rim tight to the spindle. the reason factory rims are hubcentric is because this way you have a lot less vibration.
Example
i had a set of 20 inch rims installed on my wifes SUV. the thing rode great with the stock factory rims. with the 20s the ride went to crap. steering wheel was shaking car couldnt go past 60 without shaking itself. Pretty much called the shop on my way back and told the guy Im not happy. He installed these hubcentric rings ( small rings that took up the space between the wheel center hole and the hub center. All the problems I described above went away instantly.
As for a trailer you most likely wont feel the vibration but its there. Either way I have personally never seen a hubcentric rim on a trailer. maybe some high high end trailers have them but I havent seen it yet.
as for the balancing heck yeah I balance my wheels
Rob