Wheel shop says I don't need hub rings for aftermarket rims

[shocksyde]

I received my wheels with tires mounted yesterday and was mounting them this morning. The wheels came with "hubcentric rings". It became obvious that the rings were the wrong size and wouldn't fit on the hub.

I called the place I ordered from, and the guy said they sent the wrong ones and he'd send me some on monday. He then said, "eh, you don't really need them anyways. I'm 100% sure of this, I worked in the stores for 10 years before I came here."

Now, I won't claim to know a ton about cars, but when I researched this morning it seemed everyone said you ABSOLUTELY need them.

Who's right?

 

[boomerang]

I wouldn't put them on the car without them.

Some will say the lug nuts will center the rim on the hub, and they may, but all the load is then put on the lug studs and nuts.

Is this a problem? Maybe not under normal driving conditions. I wouldn't chance it.

I feel you're thinking is correct.

 

[Sluggo]

If the car doesnt vibrate, it probably doesnt need them.

There are a few cars I have heard of that absolutely need them, a notable example is a newer Chevrolet truck with a 6 lug wheel.

 

[Demon-Xanth]

Some car and wheel combos need them, some don't.

 

[Fenixgoon]

how much extra does it cost? might be worth paying for just in case.

 

[alkemyst]

Originally posted by: Demon-Xanth
Some car and wheel combos need them, some don't.

QFT.

 

[DivideBYZero]

I don't know the answer, but better safe than sorry.

 

[mwmorph]

Just the lug nuts themselves technically should be able to support the load. Many cheap spacers don't have the hub center rings. Having it is a nice insurance policy, especially under hard driving in which the lug nuts shearing off is more likely, but many people do run wheels without the rings and it still works.

Would I recommend it? No, its still a risk. Its just that it'll work if you need it to. Many people running cars with cheap spacers have been doing it.

 

[DougK62]

Some need them, some don't. Personally, I've NEVER had wheels that needed hub rings. I won't buy an aftermarket wheel if they're required for my application.