New ^ lug front brake rotor Wheel combo question

[chevykevy]

I recently purchased a set of 6 lug disc brake rotors for my 68 chevy short box project. When the 6 lug wheel is placed on the rotor, the inner diameter is larger then the diameter of the rotor. The rotor maintains the inner diameter that a five lug rotor would have but the 6 lug wheels inner diameter is larger. The wheel will not center itself so I must carefully tighten the lugs so the camfer on the lugs center each individual stud. Is there a spacer available? Is the fact that the wheel does not center itself before tightening the lugs a problem? Aftermarket wheels don't rely on centering either , do they? Any comments to give me piece of mind would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

71 GMC long stepside, 56,000 original
70 GMC 3/4 ton fleetside
68 Chevy project(The Wheel Question truck )

[chevykevy]

Do any of the 6 lug manufacturers have the proper inner wheel diameter?

[FarmTruk]

I don't know that I fully understand your question, but it sounds like you've got the wrong lug nuts for the wheel.

If I understand correctly, you now have lug nuts like the top picture. These are called "conical" nuts, and have a chamfer which seats into the wheel's hole. This will "center" the wheel on the axle.

I believe you may need to get some nuts like the lower picture. These are called "shank" nuts, and are commonly used on "mag" type wheels. The "shank" goes into the hole in the wheel, and uses a washer. This will fill the gap, thus "centering" the wheel on the axle.

If this is not correct, or I've misunderstood you, maybe someone else can chime in...

[chevykevy]

It's not a lug nut question. The 6 lug wheel inner diameter, where it seats on hte rotor, is larger then the diamter where the wheel seats on the rotor. So, the wheel is dependent on hte studs to center the wheel on the rotor.

[kyull67]

The old hubs are larger. I had to have my wheels bored out to fit. They will come loose if you dont get the wheel to seat on the hub correctly. I hope this was your question.

After reading your question again, it looks like the opposite problem I had. The hole in your wheel is too big? I would assume you can get a rotor with the correct size hub? Hopefully someone else can help.

[chevykevy]

Thanks for the feed back. You think my wheels will come loose?

[kyull67]

With my problem they did, but like I said it seems to be the oppsite problem. I think as long as the wheels are seated against the rotor you should be fine.

[68C15]

this is a dangerous condition!!! the lugs are nut strong enough to support the weight of the vehicle while resisting rotation and stretch. (3 forces all at separate directions) I had the same problem when I had 6 luggers and bought some chrome smoothies. I think you can special order them with the correct hub-centric diameter.

[chevykevy]

THANKS, I'm looking for a vote of confidence. Many aftermarket wheels do not self center. Such as Cragers or Keystones. Soooo... I think I'll use care and center the wheel . They do seat against the rotor well.

[FarmTruk]

There shouldn't be any problem if the hub is smaller than the wheel's opening. Just snug 'em up easy-like, tightening in a star-pattern, & make sure they're tight. You should be OK.

[chevykevy]

68C15, Where could I order wheels with different inner diameters? Have you experienced some type of failure?

[cooters]

you should have no problem as long as the lug nut is seated properly and the rim is sitting flat against the rotor. Many aftermarket rims sit like this.

[chevykevy]

Cooters, Thank you very much. I am obviously concerned when I heard that I could have some type of failure but it appears that the majority of opinions is that as long as a have the wheels against the rotor and tightened well, it should be fine. Thanks again

[FarmTruk]

If it really seems to concern you, there are places where adapters can be bought to restore the "hub-centricity".

http://www.lakeshorewheelandtire.com...category&id=34

Also...here is a engineering forum discussion regarding the benefits of "hub-centricity"...

http://www.eng-tips.com/viewthread.c...=152939&page=1

My opinion "hub-centricity" is of greatest benefit in speeding up wheel installation. If your lug holes are conical, that will do the same job, albeit with a bit more effort on your part. Once the wheel is properly torqued onto the hub, the wheel/hub function as 1 single unit. The lugs do not support the weight alone. The weight is transfered to your wheel bearings.

[pkj]

some aftermarket wheels do come with hub centric adapters. bought a lot of wheels from american racing that had these adapters with them.

[truckdude239]

sounds like the rotors are made wrong i'd try another set

[msgross]

my MT's are on the same way...I haven't driven the truck yet (not hard) but I think that it is commonfor aftermarket wheels to do this. I can see both sides on the strength issue but hope that average use won't break lug nuts...

[Trey`]

Get some hub centric adapters I had the same problem on a set of wheeels I put on and was expereincing a slight vibration at highway speeds. Finally tracked it down to that as the cause of the problem, put the rings on and solved the problem.