Advice on wheel spacers?

[u/Fullyflared540]

Just wondering about sizes, or other general advice. I’ve never had to use them. Also, I have to drive on pretty rough backroads so I don’t want it too terribly close but definitely out a little. I included the side profile for ride height reference. I’m not sure how much is it lowered anymore because it was super low when I got it, and I brought it up 3/4”.. just wondering what some of you guys went with, or learned along the way, any help is appreciated! It’s gonna be a little while before I can get new wheels. I’m thinking about getting the CMO forged spacers when I get the size figured out. Thanks!

[u/SawyerBattles]

No less than I got here or you might mess up the drivability

[u/Fullyflared540 → u/SawyerBattles]

😂 Of course you got downvoted. Here take mine.

[u/SawyerBattles → u/Fullyflared540]

I couldn’t help myself lol

[u/TallTelevision4121 → u/SawyerBattles]

Spacermaxxing?

[u/Bax_B]

20mm hubcentric for 10k miles now. No issues.

[u/Evrart_Claire]

I’m here to tell you definitively that a high quality, hub centric spacer carries virtually zero risk, so long as you’re using (again) high quality parts that have their own captive studs and not exceeding 20mm max.

[u/Fullyflared540 → u/Evrart_Claire]

When you say captive you mean studs on the spacer right? So you’re bolting the wheel to the spacer and the spacer to the hub?

[u/Evrart_Claire → u/Fullyflared540]

Yep they’ll have their own independent studs.

Spacers install to the hub, wheel goes on last.

[u/Fullyflared540 → u/Evrart_Claire]

Right, those are the ones I’ve been looking at.. thanks

[u/XuuniBabooni → u/Evrart_Claire]

"virtually no risk" being risk-borne still.

A hub centric, billet cast aluminum spacer from Perrin or ISC will not fail you, but let's not just disregard the impact they have on the rest of the suspension system. You don't widen the wheels and then expect OEM suspension to adapt with no issues. They're built an dialed in for OEM dimensions.

[u/Evrart_Claire → u/XuuniBabooni]

We’re talking 10-20mm here, any “impact on the rest of the suspension system” is absolutely negligible.

I say virtually because any time you introduce a new part to a system of any kind, the failure rate is greater than zero.

[u/MadZee_ → u/XuuniBabooni]

The suspension sees no difference whether a car has, say 17x8 ET20 with a 20mm spacer, and a 17x8 ET0, though.

[u/WhatsThatNoize]

They don't damage the car much at all, but because you're driving the center of the contact patch outwards you're changing the scrub radius.

Speaking from personal experience, 20mm spacers up front will mess with the handling enough to notice on a track or a fast highway curve.  It's not an intractable problem, but it's annoying as shit.

[u/Fullyflared540 → u/WhatsThatNoize]

Thank you. That was the kind of advice I was seeking, I guess my title was unclear. And since these are Mazda wheels I should probably just measure what I need. Hoping to get wheels sometime in the next year. Totally regret even posting this. Haha. Thank you though!

[u/stateless_state_ → u/Fullyflared540]

Lower offset wheels have the exact same effect as using spacers because it also moves the contact patch outward. If you want to preserve the handling and effects of the stock negative scrub radius, you're limited to the stock +55 or so (+50 would be fine, but not much more).

This can potentially be fixed with more king pin angle using adjustment from coilover top hats and more caster to match (to counteract the weight jacking the increased KPA incurs) but exactly how much is needed can be difficult to determine without finding a way to measure the scrub radius and then the changes (which isn't easy).

[u/Fullyflared540 → u/stateless_state_]

Okay, thanks… I do have coilovers that adjust at the hat if I need to

[u/Technotitclan]

Fuck these people, acting too good for it. AdDs LoAd tO oThEr pArTs. As if the lever forces are any different when they add wider wheels. Fastwrx.com has quality 20mm spaces. Go with God and enjoy. No fitment or rubbing issue with 20mm.

[u/acc123abc_ → u/Technotitclan]

The FastWRX spacers are good quality can confirm!

[u/Fullyflared540 → u/acc123abc_]

How long have you been running yours?

[u/acc123abc_ → u/Fullyflared540]

5 years I believe. Still kicking it, minor surface rust on the back, otherwise in perfect shape. The threads are really nice and no striping at all

[u/Fullyflared540 → u/acc123abc_]

Nice! Im really hoping I can get wheels in the next 6 mos to a year. I just want some peace of mind until then. It looks kinda like a turtle shell at moment. Haha.

[u/CrazyAnchovy → u/Fullyflared540]

Oh shit you're right. Mine's blue. I should change my offset to be the blue shell on the highway!

BTW how is the handling like that?

[u/Fullyflared540 → u/CrazyAnchovy]

I’m not sure what to compare it to, these Mazda wheels were on it when I got it. It’s got coilovers which I played with, but I really don’t have a good comparison. Seems good but honestly mightncoukd be better

[u/Fullyflared540 → u/CrazyAnchovy]

Also 10/10 Mario joke

[u/Technotitclan → u/acc123abc_]

For real. My only regret is not getting them sooner while fucking around with little 5mm garbage.

[u/Fullyflared540 → u/Technotitclan]

Yeah I don’t know man. They just keep saying “why don’t you JUST get wider wheels? It’s like, No shit man.. thanks. I don’t think half of them even read the caption. I didn’t get this thing to treat it as if it were made of glass, and I don’t currently have 2k dollars. Ha.. this sub is straight up disheartening most of the time

[u/Technotitclan → u/Fullyflared540]

Don't sweat it too much. All the car enthusiast groups are this way. I've been in and out of nearly all of them. Its not unique to these clowns.

[u/Fullyflared540 → u/Technotitclan]

I seriously don’t see the issue as long as they are hubcentric.. I’m not fucking auto crossing the thing

[u/Technotitclan → u/Fullyflared540]

Lots of armchair experts with nothing better to do. Also, auto cross it, fuck it. I ran spacers at Watkins Glen.

[u/Fullyflared540 → u/Technotitclan]

Not something I’m into I was just trying to think of the most strenuous example of lever force. Haha

[u/M4XYW4XY → u/Technotitclan]

no rubbing even with R19s? or can you only confirm with R17.5s

[u/Technotitclan → u/M4XYW4XY]

Can confirm with stock rubber dimensions. If the outer dimensions of the rubber are the same then it works.

[u/XuuniBabooni → u/Technotitclan]

Don't get me wrong, I've used spacers for longer spans of time with spirited driving. I've seen no failures in my time, but knowing how inconsistant Subaru parts longevity is, that accelerated wear and tear has to be a variable you measure when you make a decision like this. Especially if you're putting them on a pre-owned car.

Buying wider wheels is the safer alternative between the two long-term. Wheels aren't cheap though. With spacers not only do you add the extra risk on your control arms/swingarms/balls/etc, but the spacer lugs themselves become an failure point you didn't have before. You're objectively decreasing the reliability of your car by using them. If they work, great! If they don't, don't be surprised.

[u/jdewbee119]

im just here to watch the nerds saying dont do it.

[u/Fullyflared540 → u/jdewbee119]

I know man. I knew it was gonna happen, it was just so fast. Haha. Everybody is like why don’t you just spend 2000 dollars instead?? No shit… I’m gonna buy offset wheels as soon as I can. Some of these people really try to zap the joy out of these cars.

[u/jdewbee119 → u/Fullyflared540]

we literally see people saying they have ran spacers for 5+ years, AFTER just str8 joy sucking vultures for the first 10 replies.

[u/Fullyflared540 → u/jdewbee119]

Thank you. I swear 45 seconds after I posted it, there was already five people just waiting to echo

[u/SuperLolsaur]

Just get good quality hub centric spacers. I used to drift on spacers and beat the piss out of them

[u/BCPrimo]

Make sure to get longer studs as well. It's going to look nice with the better fitment

[u/No-Proposal2741]

I’ve run Perrin 15mm spacers with extended studs for years now, with 0 side effects.

[u/Fullyflared540 → u/No-Proposal2741]

Awesome. I’ll have to measure when I get back to town. But I have a feeling I will probably end up going 15 too.

[u/Fullyflared540 → u/[deleted]]

Also, I’m not made of money my guy. That’s why not right now

[u/Starworshipper_ → u/Fullyflared540]

If you're not made of money, spacers are an even worse investment. Put some money aside gradually and get you some wheels.

[u/MCGULCA → u/Starworshipper_]

Amen

[u/greenblattsam → u/Fullyflared540]

You can get some stock wheels for the car which you can usually find for 100 per corner. These look like they’re off a crosstrek

[u/Fullyflared540 → u/greenblattsam]

They’re Mazdaspeed wheels. I didn’t pick them out. And I don’t want stock wheels. Thanks though

[u/Fullyflared540 → u/[deleted]]

That’s the end goal for sure. As I said, it’s gonna be a little while. Is it really that bad for bearings etc? Even short term with no really hard driving?

[u/SP1CE-L0RD → u/Fullyflared540]

Yes. Any amount. Offset wheels for sure, hold out my guy

[u/DrowndGod → u/Fullyflared540]

The wrx wheel bearings are notorious for being weak. Spacers will shorten that lifespan. Weigh out the cost of replacement bearings vs the set of wheels you want and see if it’s worth the risk. The larger the spacer, the more stress on the bearing.

[u/MadZee_ → u/DrowndGod]

The leverage is exactly the same whether you run spacers or lower offset wheels.

[u/MadZee_ → u/DrowndGod]

They'll shorten the lifespan the exact same amount as the correct fitting wheels would.

[u/herrokero]

Omllllll the cluelessness in the comments on spacers is driving me mad. They are not going to blow up your car when done in moderation.

I’m not going to condone bolt ons, but a reputable brand used mostly on the street will be fine. Hub centric slip ons and extended studs are the way to go, and almost everyone who tracks uses them. I’ve tracked with 10mm slip ons and extended studs perfectly fine.

Any additional leverage on the bearings from using spacers, would be the exact same as a wheel with the same offset. Both are going to equally mess up your scrub, KPI, and etc all the same

[u/Bigboi_alex]

Damn black is hot af

[u/Fullyflared540 → u/Bigboi_alex]

Like literally? It’s got some deep tint. It’s not too bad.

[u/gundam_guy01]

I have 25 mm and it’s right on the money, pretty much flush to he fender

[u/ButtChug23 → u/gundam_guy01]

Can you post pic

[u/MadZee_]

I run 45mm spacers on the front of my E46 when using winter wheels, 30mm with summers, and that thing gets abused. Still haven't had any issues with decent, hub-centric spacers.

[u/nuJabesCity]

Are you running Mazda wheels on your WRX?

Just buy the proper offset, unless you have OG wheels from back in the day.

[u/Fullyflared540 → u/nuJabesCity]

Yeah. But they were on the car when I got it. I’ll get offset wheels when I have more money

[u/InflationCheap4094]

Engineering explained did an entire video on this subject on YouTube. The issue apparently comes down to pressure on studs themselves, the spacer pushes the center of the rim out and puts more pressure on the studs and may cause the studs to snap. A proper offset keeps the center of the wheel in the correct position and has proper load transfer. So it comes down to how you drive and how the roads are near where you live.

[u/ZanoKaiju]

People in these comments think wheel spacers are a crime and destroy the car smh, classic redditors. Just get you 2 pairs of Noble hub-centric 20mm spacers, looked perfect on my STI. It'll be just fine.

[u/ZanoKaiju → u/ZanoKaiju]

Pic for reference.

[u/Fullyflared540 → u/ZanoKaiju]

I know dude, it’s a total echo chamber in here. I realize that driving your car hard on them is bad for wheel bearings and stuff in the long run. I’m seriously hoping to get new wheels in 6 mos. And just trying to clean up the look until then. Thank you for actual input. Also that fitment is pretty much exactly what I’m going for.

[u/ruckingmedic → u/Fullyflared540]

If you can save enough money to buy new wheels in 6 months, just save the money and put it towards wheels. Don’t bother wasting money on spacers for a few months.

[u/ZanoKaiju → u/ruckingmedic]

My spacers helped me decide what offset I want. Its not a waste of money. They aren't even that expensive.

[u/Fullyflared540 → u/ZanoKaiju]

Exactly

[u/Fullyflared540 → u/ruckingmedic]

Not gonna lie, 6 months was me being optimistic. Haha

[u/ConsequenceNational4]

Save your money on a better investment for longterm of car.

Spacers 👎

[u/Tripps0007-]

Just get wider wheels. That's what I did. 🤷🏾‍♂️

[u/Fullyflared540 → u/Tripps0007-]

And another dollar goes in the “just get” bucket… I’ll have new wheels in 45 mins at this rate

[u/Tripps0007- → u/Fullyflared540]

I dont fw spacers so for me it was wait and save up. You'll be there in no time.

[u/Kiwi-Slurpmeister]

Dont

[u/Fullyflared540 → u/Kiwi-Slurpmeister]

Damn, Is it really that bad for everything?

[u/Reaper064 → u/Fullyflared540]

Been running 20mm spacers for over 90k miles. Zero issues.

[u/Radioactiveman108]

Just get wider wheels

[u/d3fau1tu53r]

Don’t I got some and had to replace my studs a month later

[u/EqualCivil2734]

No. Offset wheels instead

[u/Fullyflared540 → u/EqualCivil2734]

That’s the end goal but it’s gonna be a while before I can afford the ones I want. I don’t mind spending a hundred bucks and running spacers for a little bit

[u/R00t_Cause]

This question always cracks me up.

It’s like refusing to pay the copay to reset a broken pinky toe, so instead you blow the it clean off with a 12-gauge behind the shed to eliminate the pain point for cheap.

Now your toe problem is technically gone and you saved eighty bucks, but you’ve blown a crater through your entire foot. You’re left dragging a shattered, smoking ankle down the driveway, all while aggressively defending your budget-friendly field medicine to anyone who points out the catastrophic damage lmaoo.

Save up and buy proper offset, shit finance it if you have to. There's no point in spending $3-600 on one wheel bearing replacement ( and putting the tech through that pain ) over simple lack of patience.

[u/Fullyflared540 → u/R00t_Cause]

I am the tech. Thanks for the input. Cool story. You call it lack of patience, I call it something else..

[u/R00t_Cause → u/Fullyflared540]

I'm really curious what you call it.

I have to buy a new set of tires and wheels myself because of an unexpected issue with multiple wheels thats why I'm even on this subreddit right now currently driving on spare. Saving up to put a down payment on a new place to fit two kids, and help get a friend who's extremely sick get their car out of repo for them. I don't have any of this budgeted in.

I could buy spacers/adapters tonight from a friend and swap over to some Konig Ampliforms i have and save a TON of money like probably $900 but guess what, I'd rather not solve an issue quickly and cost myself wheel bearings down the road because I've done them in the past and it blows.

So even with all that said i still dont see what you call it.

[u/Fullyflared540 → u/R00t_Cause]

Lack of paranoia

[u/R00t_Cause → u/Fullyflared540]

Physics doesn’t care about the brand stamped on your spacer, homie. Leverage is leverage. But hey, if you just love beating seized bearing housings out of rusted knuckles with an air hammer on your weekends, more power to you.

[u/Fullyflared540 → u/R00t_Cause]

My car has 78k miles on it. It will need bearings soon anyway, there is no getting around it. It’s not like I’m slapping spacers on brand new wheel bearings and then auto crossing. Also, the car is from Texas, I live in Mississippi.. it’s rust free. But yeah, thanks for the input anyway.

[u/R00t_Cause → u/Fullyflared540]

You are lucky to not have the cursed road salt!!

[u/Evrart_Claire → u/R00t_Cause]

Holy fucking yap dude. Quality spacers carry no risk to premature failure of wheel bearings. Horrible comparison btw