As we all know, many wheel hub refitters know that if the ET value is not suitable, the gasket or flange of the wheel hub needs to be replaced, so today we will talk about the function and influence of the gasket and flange.
Why install gaskets/flanges?
The comprehensive reason is that the ET value of the hub is not suitable, so it should be subdivided. For example, for the sake of aesthetics, there is still a certain distance between the original wheel hub and the fender, and gaskets are added to make it flush, and the visual effect is more full and comfortable. Some are forced to install. If the wheel hub data is incorrect, you cannot escape the modified brakes, or the tire lining will rub against the inner lining. Therefore, the first thing to change the wheel hub is to choose the wheel hub with the appropriate ET value, so that there is no need to toss the gasket, and if you want a beautiful wheel hub style and the ET value of the wheel hub is not suitable, then you need to choose the gasket.
What is the impact of adding gaskets/flanges?
Things that do not originally belong to the vehicle will have varying degrees of impact if installed. There may be eccentric wear of the tires, the possibility of shaking, the improvement of the unsprung quality, and even the possibility of damage to the half-axis universal joints. These are the risks that exist. There are disadvantages and advantages, the wheelbase is widened, the high speed is more stable, and the cornering roll is improved. But regardless of the pros and cons, the impact of the gasket/flange is minimal.
The benefits of installing flanges on cars
1. The body posture of some models may be unsatisfactory. After the flange is installed, the wheels protrude a little, which can make the vehicle more powerful from the appearance. Some cars that have been modified with a wide body will appear to have sunken tires, and adding flanges can perfectly solve this problem.
2. After the flange is installed, the coaxial wheelbase of the vehicle will become longer, so the fluttering and roll feeling of the vehicle during high-speed driving and sharp turns can be improved.
3. The material of the flange is usually aluminum alloy, so it will not add too much weight.
4. Modified large brake calipers and installed flanges to give way to the calipers.
Disadvantages of adding flanges to cars
It’s okay to walk on a flat road, but when you walk on an uneven road, the vehicle will bump more severely, which will cause certain damage to the universal joint of the half shaft.
The quality of the flange is uneven. Once the flange is damaged, it will affect the wheel hub of the original car.
One of the factors of the suspension adjustment of the vehicle is to reduce the abnormal wear of the tires. The addition of flanges changes the wheelbase, which makes the tires wear abnormally.
The vehicle should not be overloaded, because the reason mentioned in the third point will cause abnormal wear of the tires, and sometimes rub the wheel eyebrows.
If the quality of the flange is uneven, it will cause the vehicle to shake at high speed.
How to choose a gasket/flange?
Although the installation has little effect on the performance of the vehicle, the potential safety hazard is a big problem. After the gasket is installed, the friction surface between the hub and the axle head changes from one to two. The rigidity of the gasket is the key issue. It is recommended to buy a gasket with good material from a big brand. The rigidity of the forged aluminum alloy is good and the weight is light. Or recognize the price and buy expensive ones, but they are not that expensive.
