dsb

Okay, MB makes hub-centric wheels @ 66.6mm. However, most aftermarket wheels have larger openings to accomodate various size hubs. In that case, you need a plastic/aluminum hub-centric ring to fill in the space.

My question is this.

Does the hub actually carry any load in either the OEM of AM form? Or, does it simply help center the wheel for balance? Is all the load really on just the lug bolts? And if you do need a hub-centric ring, should you opt for the aluminum one?

Thanks in advance...

SLcharger

The hub does not carry any load. The function of the hub-centric ring is only to center the rim to the hub. When fitting the wheel to the hub, the weight of the whole wheel is carryed by the centric ring, and if it is the plastic one, there is the risk that it will give in and the wheel is running slightly out of round. By using the Aluminum ring, you get a 100% centering of the wheel.

The radial loads from the wheel is transmitted from the rim to the hub by friction between the two surfaces. When the lugbolts are tensioned with a torquewench, the lugbolt will stretch and the force from the bolt is pressing the rim to the hub, and friction does the rest. That is why it is prohibited to grease the surface, since friction thereby will be reduced. only greasing allowed is the thread of the lug bolts, never the conus

The axial loads ( sideway loads ) are taken directly by the bolts.

Luke@tirerack

centering rings and hubcentric wheels do transfer a good amount (a majority) of the load to the center hub ... lugbolts are not designed to hold up a car ....