Rim spacers

[wazzul]

Anyone added spacers to the 2013 Fusion to make them flush with the edge of the wheel wells?

[Kaleido]

I'm considering spacers, well actually NOT spacers, but adapters to fit my VW wheels to this car. They make adapters 20mm thick to adapt different bolt patterns to the Fusion. I figure my pressure sensors won't register anymore and I'll have to look at that light on, so I'm still thinking about it.

[wazzul]

I should clarify, I have the Titanium with the standard 18" machine finished rims. they would look so much better if I could get them flush with the wheel wells, but I don't know how far they'd need to go?

[wazzul]

hmm, do the TPMS could throw a wrench into my plans... Will they still work if I just add spacers? Maybe I just need to stop by a customs shop to have a professional take a look?

[46stang]

You can add spacers but,,,, it isn't a wise choice. First, depending on thickness of the spacer you may need longer wheel studs? Next, Ford wheels are hub-centric meaning the wheel itself rides on the lip of the hub (placing the vehicle weight directly onto the hub) and the lug nuts simply clamp it against the hub.

Most spacers are not hub centric so that forces the wheel studs to support the weight and then transfer it to the hub (meaning the wheel studs are supporting a majority of the vehicle weight). This is how cars used to be up to the 90's so it isn't terrible but it is much stronger to have the wheel supported directly by the hub. Also when you move the wheel further outward away from the hub it places greater strain on the wheel bearings. This likely wouldn't show up for a very long time but it is something to consider.

 

So if you must move the wheel I would consider getting an aftermarket wheel with the offset you like that is also a hub centric wheel. Also try to get as light of a wheel as possible as this will help in mpg and performance, if possible.

 

If that isn't an option and you want to keep your factory wheels, I would recommend putting new studs in all the hubs so proper lug nut thread depth is present. Also you can get hub centric spacers but they are more money, but it is money well spent imho.

Edited May 17, 2013 by 46stang

[acdii]

Dead on! Years ago when I worked as a mekenik, we had a guy bring his pickup in because it made this horrible noise. Turned out he was one of those guys who thought having his wheels stick out way past the fenders was cool. Well, the cool factor wore off the moment he was presented with a $1800 quote to replace all the wheel bearings in the truck, front and back due to the extreme offset he put on the bearings by sticking his tires so far off the center line. He had the work done, and before we finish he arrived with 4 new wheels and tires and had me install them. He said keep those other ones. Makes me wonder if they are still up on the top of that rack where I worked.