Can wheel spacers mess with alignment?

Zero dark · 05-15-2015, 02:27 PM

Had 20 mm bolt on spacers put on before, i honestly dont remember when car was new if this issue was present, but i do notice alignment is slightly off, when wheel is straight, car will go to the right slightly.

Is it possible for bolt on spacers to cause this issue? About to take car in for first oil change and wanted to see if i can gain leverage in having the dealer do a free alignment.

kenchan · 05-15-2015, 03:11 PM

you have a slightly lower wheel rate so i suppose this could happen. wouldn't matter bolt-on or stud replacement type though if that is the case.

wanker · 05-15-2015, 03:43 PM

They shouldn't if installed correctly. Thus make sure you install the spacers and wheels with a torque wrench.

BGTV8 · 05-15-2015, 07:32 PM

Spacers against no=spacers with the same wheels will increase the track.

For the front wheels, you are pushing the centre of the tyre tread further outboard of the point at which the steering rotates which implies the scrub radius will be increased which will increase steering loads and alter the turn-in behaviour on the track as steering induced camber gain can be affected. In DD, you might notice the car is more susceptible to "tram-lining" or following trucks ruts in the tarmac.

If you are not familiar with the term "scrub-radius", Mr Google can help.

Kenchan is also correct in that the vehicle will see a slightly reduced spring rate at the wheel as the centre of the tyre contract patch is further outboard of he spring pivot on the lower arm - again, not likely to be significant with 20mm spacers.

The root cause of the "pulls right" could be a function of slightly increased track - the tendency was always there but the track increase has accentuated it enough to become noticeable.

A car that pulls one way needs to have alignment checked in any event (camber and toe as a minimum), although caster can only be adjusted with adjustable FUCA and your post does not mention whether these are installed.

Z-Girl 12 · 05-15-2015, 08:13 PM

No issues here and 3yrs strong.

Zero dark · 05-15-2015, 09:43 PM

Thanks for advice everybody, i torqued to 80 when installing, i guess i will try to see if i can get the hook up, if not i dont mind paying to get it done

synolimit · 05-16-2015, 09:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zero dark

Thanks for advice everybody, i torqued to 80 when installing, i guess i will try to see if i can get the hook up, if not i dont mind paying to get it done

That's not spec! I'd go higher than the wheel spec. Mine are 100 with loctite and wheels are 90.

Z-Girl 12 · 05-16-2015, 09:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scott@Synergy

That's not spec! I'd go higher than the wheel spec. Mine are 100 with loctite and wheels are 90.

Same

Zero dark · 05-16-2015, 03:10 PM

I read spec was like 76 or so, i got a cheap wrench highest is 80 for 3/8 drive.

Guess i can take wheels off and torque to 80 and give it a extra umph with a regular lug wrench.

synolimit · 05-16-2015, 03:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zero dark

I read spec was like 76 or so, i got a cheap wrench highest is 80 for 3/8 drive.

Guess i can take wheels off and torque to 80 and give it a extra umph with a regular lug wrench.

I just saw it on discount tires site. Nissan manual does say 80 now that I look. I've always done 90 so can't stop now as the studs stretch. I do want my spacers tighter than the wheels though, call me crazy.

05-15-2015, 02:27 PM	#1 (permalink)
Zero dark Enthusiast Member Join Date: Feb 2015 Location: Baltimore Posts: 379 Drives: 15 PW Nismo 6 SPD Rep Power: 10	Can wheel spacers mess with alignment? Had 20 mm bolt on spacers put on before, i honestly dont remember when car was new if this issue was present, but i do notice alignment is slightly off, when wheel is straight, car will go to the right slightly. Is it possible for bolt on spacers to cause this issue? About to take car in for first oil change and wanted to see if i can gain leverage in having the dealer do a free alignment.

05-15-2015, 03:43 PM	#3 (permalink)
wanker Enthusiast Member Join Date: Apr 2014 Location: San Diego Posts: 443 Drives: 2011 370Z S/T A7 Rep Power: 2901	They shouldn't if installed correctly. Thus make sure you install the spacers and wheels with a torque wrench. DEpointfive0 likes this.

05-15-2015, 08:13 PM	#5 (permalink)
Z-Girl 12 A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Florida Posts: 4,105 Drives: Spirited Rep Power: 11716	No issues here and 3yrs strong. __________________ 2012 Z-SOLD 2014 Nismo #565 Fast Intentions CBE/HFC/Swift/SPC/RJM/H&R-15/20mm/Z1 CAI/Headers/Intake Manifold w/Uprev Tune 328.31whp/263.64tq

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05-15-2015, 03:11 PM	#2 (permalink)
kenchan A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: N/A Posts: 76,801 Drives: N/A Rep Power: 141521	you have a slightly lower wheel rate so i suppose this could happen. wouldn't matter bolt-on or stud replacement type though if that is the case.

05-15-2015, 07:32 PM	#4 (permalink)
BGTV8 A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: 03350 Australia Posts: 1,514 Drives: 09 Nissan 370Z M6 Rep Power: 39973	Spacers against no=spacers with the same wheels will increase the track. For the front wheels, you are pushing the centre of the tyre tread further outboard of the point at which the steering rotates which implies the scrub radius will be increased which will increase steering loads and alter the turn-in behaviour on the track as steering induced camber gain can be affected. In DD, you might notice the car is more susceptible to "tram-lining" or following trucks ruts in the tarmac. If you are not familiar with the term "scrub-radius", Mr Google can help. Kenchan is also correct in that the vehicle will see a slightly reduced spring rate at the wheel as the centre of the tyre contract patch is further outboard of he spring pivot on the lower arm - again, not likely to be significant with 20mm spacers. The root cause of the "pulls right" could be a function of slightly increased track - the tendency was always there but the track increase has accentuated it enough to become noticeable. A car that pulls one way needs to have alignment checked in any event (camber and toe as a minimum), although caster can only be adjusted with adjustable FUCA and your post does not mention whether these are installed.

05-15-2015, 09:43 PM	#6 (permalink)
Zero dark Enthusiast Member Join Date: Feb 2015 Location: Baltimore Posts: 379 Drives: 15 PW Nismo 6 SPD Rep Power: 10	Thanks for advice everybody, i torqued to 80 when installing, i guess i will try to see if i can get the hook up, if not i dont mind paying to get it done

05-16-2015, 03:10 PM	#9 (permalink)
Zero dark Enthusiast Member Join Date: Feb 2015 Location: Baltimore Posts: 379 Drives: 15 PW Nismo 6 SPD Rep Power: 10	I read spec was like 76 or so, i got a cheap wrench highest is 80 for 3/8 drive. Guess i can take wheels off and torque to 80 and give it a extra umph with a regular lug wrench.