Center hub (pilot?) size matching

[PandaBear]

Just to see if I can swap wheels between my cars in a pinch, I tried to put my Integra's wheels on my Corolla and my Corolla's wheels on my Integra. I realized that the ones for the Integra have a larger hub/pilot (or whatever that center hole is called. Both cars are 4x100 lug pattern.

Is it safe to put a wheel with a bigger hub/pilot size in a car with a smaller hub/pilot size? Are they load bearing at the hub or the lug? I have heard that both cars are lug centric instead of hub centric, what does that mean?

 

[GeaugaFletcher]

With the lugs tightened, the friction between wheel and hub provides all the support. As far as I know, xxx-centric means the alignment of the wheel to hub is done by the xxx.

 

[Russell]

some cars such as BMWs use hubcentric wheels meaning the wheel's center bore fits tigthtly around the hub. When the wheel has a larger bore, there is a tendency for even well balanced wheel to cause vibration, usually at a specific speed depending on the vehicle.

See the issue all the time on BMW fourms. There are even adapters (rings) made to accomidate the wheels.

 

[CapriRacer]

Most OE rims are hub piloted.

Many aftermarket rim are not, but they frequently use "hub rings" to emulate hub piloting.

The only problem associated with using "lug piloted" rims is the increased risk of the assembly being mounted off center.

Drilling bolt holes on center is more difficult than machining a hub on center. Plus it is fairly easy to pull an assembly off center if it isn't piloted by the center hole.

 

[PandaBear]

So, how do you know what you are getting when you buy aftermarket wheels? I do not remember any info was mentioned other than diameter, width, offset, and lug patterns.

 

[sierrascout]

On my last two GM trucks I ordered the hub centric wheels that my trucks call for. I always research before I buy and test fit before I mount tires. Also most aftermarket wheel have the center bore listed. It is up to the buyer to know what bore is needed.

 

[alreadygone]

Millions of heavy duty 3/4 and 1 ton trucks have been built and sold with wheels that don't even come close to touching the hub! Hub centric is nice, but not really necessary.

Bob

 

[Russell]

Hubcentric is required on certian cars. BMW is one. For example, you can use BMW e39 wheels (larger hub) on other models like a BMW e34 (smaller hub) but you MUST use hubcentic rings or you will have a vibration like a outof balance tire at 55-65 MPH, especially if your front suspension is worn.

 

[Quattro Pete]

Quote:

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So, how do you know what you are getting when you buy aftermarket wheels? I do not remember any info was mentioned other than diameter, width, offset, and lug patterns.

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When you buy from places like TireRack, by giving them your car's year/make/model, they know what size hubs you have. When they sell you aftermarket wheels (usually with larger centerbore to accomodate more vehicles), they include proper size hub rings/centering rings with your new wheels so that there is a proper match. They also include a new set of lugbolts/lugnuts as the new rims might have different seating surfaces (ball or conical) as well as require different lug length.

Here's some info about bolt patterns and centerbore diameters for various cars:

http://creativewholesale.net/web-content/Pages/App_Popup/2006_Application_Guide.pdf