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Thread on 240Z.org about wheel spacers and bearing loads


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The precept that "a spacer is bad" is IMHO based on the idea that one is using the same offset without, and then with, the spacers, which in essence, moves the contact patch outward away from the bearings, causing the levered additional loading. If one is to replace a zero offset wheel with a substantially negative offset wheel (pushing the tire inboard), then the spacer will return this contact patch back toward it's original location, which ideally should be under the center of the bearings (or biased towards the inner bearing a bit). In severely cambered suspensions, the forces on the bearings are originating from the inner tire edges. This is one reason I had no reservation with running 1/2" positive offset with my front tires, because I moved the average contact patch back inboard with the small amount of negative camber.

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Terry, how about weigh in over on the 240Z.org thread? Thanks for the backup.

 

The problem over there is that a racer has weighed in and basically said I'm wrong, the wheel mounting surface, not the center of the tire patch is what matters. I of course rebutted, but the racer didn't like the way I did it.

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Well, your last post was very tactful. I'm sure you've set some wheels turning in that you may have initiated him into seeking a truthful "second opinion" in this case. I personally don't like spacers because it's just another link in a chain that could fail. Instead of one set of bolts and nuts, you have two (twice the risk?). But there are some well designed spacers out there. Ultimately, it's the contact patch that the suspension feels. Otherwise caster would mean nothing.

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Guest gprix1

I posted a reply to that board. Sorry Pete, I thought one of your statements needed some clarification. Is JohnC around?

I think he would have some good imput on this one.

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Guest Anonymous

Pete what are you doing over there anyway. Just common lever theory.. the further you get out the more pressure is applied to the bearing and axel. (None of this subject matter was covered in the fast and furious so it should not apply for any practical purpose))

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Thanks for the backup everybody.

 

I read the IZCC list and 240Z-club list. I'm member number 15 of the IZCC list. Been on that for over 10 YEARS. Someone posted a message to the 240Z-club list about the post on their forums about this question. I saw some falsehoods being touted as gospel, and I felt I should jump in.

 

Thanks a gain guys.

 

Yeah, that thread is pretty good now - it's so technical for that place - it really belongs here. :D

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Guest Anonymous

Great job guys. Now I know everything I need to know about spacers. 2thumbs.gif Reminds me why I check out this place every once-in-a-while! hail.gif

 

Take care.

 

Jon

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