13 replies to this topic

[jeopardyracing]

This spring I am graduating from HPDE (in a 1.8L 1995 Miata) to SSM in a 1991 SSM. I have a set of wheel lugs and centering rings for my 1995 car's Kosei K1s, and I just bought an additional set of Team Dynamics wheels to use on the SSM. I plan to use both sets of wheels on the 1991 SSM this year.

[Perhaps a stupid] Question: Is there any reason why the lug nuts I used on the K1s for the 1.8L won't work on the 1.6L car, on either the TD or K1 wheels? Here in my basement it looks like the lugs should fit fine but I wanted to double check. Also just to confirm, there's no need for centering rings with the TD wheels, correct? I would test fit but the car is at Ed York's and will go from there to Summit Point where it will live for the season

[William Bonsell]

I'm no expert, but don't think there is problem with lugs. Have several types of wheels and lugs (both steel and alum) work fine on all. Can't speak as to the centering ring.

[davew]

The lugs will work just fine, I would recomend long studs

Take the centering rings and throw them away. There is no need for them and I have seen them cause wheels to come loose if they get cocked on the hub during installation. The studs will center the wheels

Dave

[Cy Peake]

Yep, pitch the rings. The wheels get centered just fine as you tighten the lugs.

[davecarama]

So to answer the lug nut question, unless the lug bolts have been changed, all models 90-05 have the same thread pattern. So yes, they should work.

As for the centering rings. Some wheels are made "hub-centric" some are not. If your rings don't work, do what davew says and don't even think about it. If you use them, just be sure they are setting flush and not cocked.

I dunno if I'd throw them away though )
Isn't the wheel supposed to put its weight on the hub, not the lug bolts? I thought that is one of the things the ring does besides being sure it is centered when you bolt it in.

Dave

[davew]

Hubcentric rings are great for german cars with lug BOLTS. Cars with studs do not need them. The conical nuts insure centering.

Think about this; If the hub actually supported the weight of the car, the hub and wheel hole would need to be EXACTLY the same size. Any amount of clearance and the hub supports nothing but air. If you can put the wheels on without a press, there is clearance. AND, do you think those plastic rings can provide any support?????

dave

[HoneyBadger - BrianW]

Wheels are not even held on directly by the studs either, but rather the static friction between the back side of the wheel and the hub/rotor. Now the studs supply the necessary force to maintain enough static friction, but the weight of the car is not sitting directly on the stud.

[Mike Collins]

what Dave Said x2

[Niklas Falk]

Wheels are not even held on directly by the studs either, but rather the static friction between the back side of the wheel and the hub/rotor. Now the studs supply the necessary force to maintain enough static friction, but the weight of the car is not sitting directly on the stud.

+1
As with any bolted joint, the friction is holding and the bolts create the clamping force.
Longer studs and thicker wheels centers can actually be an advantage, since the stretched part of the bolt is longer and will hold the force more evenly over changes (in temp etc).

Loose nuts quickly shows what happens when the loads are in pure shear on the bolts, they are quickly cut.

[davew]

what Dave Said x2

I taught my brother Boris everything he knows

[wreckerboy]

I have been using one of my sets of Koseis as street rims for close to 10 years and have never had or used a centering ring. Never have had a problem. Toss 'em.

<---- Boris got the talent, I got the orthodontia. Mom liked him better.

I taught my brother Boris everything he knows

[5X Racing]

The Team Dynamics Pro Race 1.2's are hubcentric to the Miata, no need for centering rings on them to answer one of the original questions.

[jeopardyracing]

Thanks everyone!!

[Dave Lewis]

I taught my brother Boris everything he knows

"But not everything you know". Qouting Micheal Andretti