HELP; Tire vibration - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

kjunprincess · 01-08-2005, 03:12 PM

I just bought new rims and tires from ebay to put on my 2000 GT. I went to my local Firestone place to get an alignment. The alignment was fine and the tires are properly balanced, but he told me that the after market rim (Ruff Racing wheels 17x7) are not sitting properly on the hub and that a special "ring" was needed in order for the rim to seat completely on the hub. He said that without the "ring" the lug nuts could start backing off the hub and could damage the spindle. I have a very slight vibration at 70MPH, but nothing major. Is this true or will I be OK. I looked on the back of the 15" OEM wheel, but didn't see any "ring". Any information would be greatly appreciated.

dexter_5000 · 01-08-2005, 03:21 PM

after market wheels are designed to fit various applications so they tend to use wheel spacers to properly fit the car. so more than likely what they are telling you is true and could be a your problem. who manufactured the tires?

Insanity-74 · 01-08-2005, 03:46 PM

What car did they come off? or are they brand new designed for your car?

kjunprincess · 01-08-2005, 07:21 PM

brand new rims with hankook 215/45/17. I'm going to call th place where I got them Mon. and see if he has the part. I'm surprised he never mentioned this part before i bought them. Hopefully he can help me out. Firestone also told me that the ring or spacer helps the lug nuts keep their torque so they don't loosen. Sounds very logical and hopefully I can get this fixed for minimal cost. I'm already in about a grand.

Insanity-74 · 01-09-2005, 03:08 AM

I`ve never heard of a car requiring a ring spacer for wheels that are designed for the car i.e correct offset. I`ve had new rims on every one of my previous cars and never had to fit a spacer ring. As long as there is sufficient space between the wheel and the brake caliper then there shouldnt be a problem. As for the wheel nuts coming loose, sounds like pure BS to me, as long as the lug nuts are torqued up correctly then your wheel will stay on. (as they are new, just check them for tightness every once in a while, while they bed in) It sounds to me like they did a piss poor job of balancing the wheels, and are just trying to get more money from you.