12 Easy Steps to Follow
A Complete Step-by-Step Guide
Before You Start: Choose the Right Wheel Spacers
Selecting the correct wheel spacers is crucial for a successful installation. Ensure that the bolt pattern, thread size, spacer thickness, and center bore match your vehicle’s specifications for a perfect fit.
At PERFEX Industries, we offer the ideal solution tailored to your ATV or UTV. Our lug-centric wheel spacers are designed for optimal performance, providing the alignment and stability needed for all your off-road adventures.
Step 1: Gather Your Tools
Make sure you have all the tools you need on hand to keep the installation smooth and safe.
- Floor Jack
- Jack Stands
- Ratchet and Metric Sockets
- Torque Wrench
- Blue Thread Locker
- Brake Cleaner and Emery Cloth (optional)
Step 2: Loosen the Lug Nuts
Before lifting the vehicle, loosen the lug nuts in a star pattern on both wheels. Do not fully remove them yet. This will help you break the initial resistance while the vehicle is stable on the ground.
Step 3: Lift the Vehicle
Carefully position the jack under the appropriate lift point on your ATV/UTV and raise the vehicle until both wheels are off the ground. Secure the vehicle with jack stands for safety.
Note: Make sure your vehicle is parked on a level surface with the parking brake engaged if possible.
Step 4: Remove the Wheels
Once the vehicle is lifted, finish removing the lug nuts on both sides and gently slide the wheels off the hubs. Set them aside in a safe location.
Step 5: Clean the Wheel Hubs
Clean both wheel hubs thoroughly to ensure the wheel spacers sit flush. Use a degreaser and emery cloth to remove any dirt, rust, or debris from the studs and rotor.
Step 6: Install the Wheel Spacers
Apply a small amount of blue thread locker to the factory studs before placing the spacers. This ensures the nuts stay secure during off-road use.
Position the lug-centric spacers over the hubs on both sides, ensuring they fit snugly. Hand-tighten the supplied nuts to secure the spacers to the original studs, being careful not to cross-thread them.
Step 7: Torque the Nuts
Using a torque wrench, tighten the nuts in a star pattern on both sides according to the recommended torque specifications:
- 10mm:
- 12mm:
Step 8: Reinstall the Wheels
Place the wheels back onto the new spacer studs on both sides and hand-tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern, but avoid fully torqueing them at this stage.
Step 9: Lower the Vehicle
Carefully remove the jack stands and lower the vehicle until both wheels are back on the ground.
Step 10: Final Torque Check
Once the vehicle is on the ground, use the torque wrench to tighten the lug nuts to the manufacturer’s recommended torque specifications, following the same star pattern on both wheels.
Note: Take the vehicle for a short test drive to check for vibrations or wobbling.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Answers to Your Most Common Wheel Spacer Questions
Are wheel spacers safe for my ATV/UTV?
Yes, when properly installed and maintained, wheel spacers are safe. They help improve stability and handling by widening the vehicle’s stance, especially useful for off-road conditions. Regular checks to ensure the lug nuts remain tight are essential for safety.
How do wheel spacers improve stability?
Wheel spacers widen the stance of your vehicle, providing better stability on uneven terrains and reducing the risk of tipping when cornering or riding on steep slopes.
Do I need to install wheel spacers on both the front and rear axles?
This depends on your specific needs. Installing spacers on both axles maximizes stability, but some riders may only need them on the rear for extra clearance or on the front for better handling. Just ensure that the overall balance and handling of the vehicle are maintained.
Can I use wheel spacers to fit larger tires?
Yes, wheel spacers create additional clearance, allowing you to install larger or wider tires without rubbing against suspension components or the frame.
What is the difference between lug-centric and hub-centric spacers?
Lug-centric spacers, like those from PERFEX Industries, align with the vehicle’s lug nuts rather than the hub, ensuring a secure fit across a wide range of ATVs and UTVs. Hub-centric spacers, which align with the hub, are more common in some automotive applications but are unnecessary for most ATV/UTV setups.
Why is it important to clean the wheel hub before installing spacers?
A clean hub surface ensures the spacer sits flush and prevents vibrations caused by dirt or debris.
Can I use a brake cleaner to clean the hub before installation?
Yes, brake cleaners are highly recommended as they effectively remove dirt and grease without leaving residues.
Why should I use a thread locker when installing wheel spacers?
The blue thread locker helps prevent nuts from loosening over time, especially during heavy off-road use, where vibrations and shocks can cause components to shift. It also allows for easier adjustments during future maintenance.
Why shouldn’t I use red thread locker for installing wheel spacers?
Red thread locker is a permanent adhesive designed for high-strength applications. Once applied, it requires heat (around 500°F / 260°C) to loosen, making it difficult to remove the nuts without risking damage to the studs or spacers. Blue thread locker is preferred, as it provides secure adhesion while allowing easy removal with standard tools.
How often should I check the torque on wheel spacer nuts?
It’s recommended to recheck the torque after the first 50-100 miles of riding. Periodic checks, especially after rough off-road use, are crucial to ensure the nuts stay tight and secure.
What torque specifications should I follow for installing wheel spacers?
Torque specifications vary based on the stud size. Here are general guidelines:
- 10mm studs: 45-55 ft-lbs
- 12mm studs: 70-80 ft-lbs
We always recommend following the manufacturer’s specific torque specifications for your vehicle. The values provided here are general guidelines to help ensure a safe installation.
Browse Our Wheel Spacers Collection
Looking for high-quality wheel spacers for your ATV or UTV? Check out the complete range of PERFEX Industries products, designed for maximum performance and stability on all terrains.
