What issues should be noted when modifying wheel hubs

       With the continuous development of automotive culture, more and more car owners hope to improve the appearance and performance of their vehicles by modifying the wheels. However, wheel hub modification is not a simple "shoe change" operation, which involves many details and precautions. A slight carelessness may affect vehicle performance and even pose safety hazards. The following are several aspects that need to be focused on when modifying wheel hubs:
       1、 Size matching and selection
       Wheel size is one of the core parameters for modification. The diameter of the wheel hub should not be too large, and it is generally recommended that the diameter increase during modification should not exceed 2 inches. For example, upgrading the original 17 inch wheels to 19 inches. At the same time, the total diameter of the modified tires should be controlled within 3% of the original specifications, otherwise it will affect the accuracy of the speedometer, ABS, and traction control system. In addition, the width of the wheel hub (J value) also needs to be matched with the tire. For every 1 inch increase in J value, the width of the tire that can be matched increases by 10mm. If the wheel hub is too wide, it may interfere with the body components and even affect the vehicle's passability.
       2、 Brake caliper and wheel hub adaptation
       Many vehicles are equipped with larger brake calipers at the original factory, and when modifying the wheel hub, it is necessary to ensure that the calipers do not interfere with the inner wall of the wheel hub. If the wheel hub offset (ET value) is too small, it may cause the wheels to protrude and scratch the wheel arches; If the ET value is too high, it may cause interference between the brake caliper and the inner wall of the wheel hub. After modifying large-sized brake calipers, it is recommended to choose wheels with concave designs to avoid such problems.
       3、 Tire specifications and performance
       The tire specifications must match the wheel hub, and the tire width and flatness ratio should be selected reasonably. Although wide tires have stronger grip, they increase fuel consumption and are more prone to damage when passing through bumpy roads. At the same time, tires with a low flatness ratio (such as the 35 and 40 series) have weak cushioning ability and are prone to bulging or even bursting when passing through potholes. In addition, after modification, it is necessary to perform four-wheel alignment and dynamic balancing again to ensure stable driving of the vehicle.

       4、 Material and Quality
       The material of the wheel hub directly affects its strength, weight, and durability. Common aluminum alloy wheels have high cost-effectiveness and are suitable for daily use; Forged wheel hubs have higher strength and lighter weight, but are expensive. No matter which material is chosen, it is essential to choose products that have passed international certifications (such as TUV, VIA) to avoid purchasing low-quality wheel hubs that may affect driving safety.
       5、 Installation details
       When installing the wheel hub, the bolts should be tightened multiple times in diagonal order to ensure even force distribution and avoid deformation of the wheel hub. Before installation, it is necessary to check the PCD value (bolt hole distance) and center hole diameter (CBD) of the wheel hub to ensure compatibility with the vehicle. After installation, it is necessary to perform dynamic balancing and four-wheel alignment to prevent steering wheel shaking or abnormal tire wear during high-speed driving.
       6、 Legal and regulatory restrictions
       Wheel hub modification must comply with relevant laws and regulations. According to the Regulations on the Registration of Motor Vehicles, the modification of wheel hubs requires an application for change registration to the vehicle management office, and the specifications and parameters of the original wheel hubs cannot be changed. The difference between the outer diameter of the modified tire and the original specifications shall not exceed 3%, otherwise it may be considered as illegal modification. In addition, some regions prohibit changing the color and structure of the wheels, especially modifications with reflective or neon effects.
       7、 Other precautions
       Avoid seeking cheap: Poor quality wheels have defects in material and craftsmanship, which can easily lead to abnormalities and affect driving safety.
       Pay attention to wheel hub bearings: The installation of wheel hub bearings requires the use of specialized tools to avoid damage. Regular inspections are required after installation, and any abnormalities should be promptly replaced.
       Consultation with insurance company: Some modifications may affect insurance claims. Before modification, it is necessary to consult with the insurance company to ensure that the modification is legal.
       Wheel hub modification can not only enhance the appearance of vehicles, but also optimize performance, but the prerequisite is to ensure safety and legality. Car owners should fully understand the original factory parameters of the vehicle before modification, choose the appropriate wheel size, material, and brand, and strictly comply with installation specifications and laws and regulations. Only in this way can the modified vehicle be both cool and safe.