#TechTip: Commonly Overlooked Things When Installing Wheels

Wheels are simple right? Usually, there are 4 or 5 lug holes to line up, and you tighten the lug nuts and you’re done. This gets the job done, but here are some things you may not be aware of when installing your wheels.

Tighten lugs nuts in the proper pattern

Every lug pattern has a specific tightening pattern required for tightening. This helps to securely and evenly tighten the wheel to the mating surface. Failing to do this can have negative effects on your wheel being centered, and can even warp your brake rotor. Proper torque sequences are as follows:

Keep the wheel centered

If you don’t have a hubcentric wheel (or adapter), make sure you’re rotating the wheel and tightening the lugs in a consistent location. This helps to center the wheel over the lugs, and it can reduce unwanted wheel vibrations while driving. If you’re not quite sure what a hubcentric wheel is, read more here.

Finger tighten lugs first

It’s easy to want to go right for the power tools, but this is the easiest way to mess up stud threads. Make sure you hand thread lug nuts before you start tightening them down. It’s best not to use power tools to over-tighten the lugs either. Repeated over-tightening can stretch studs, and will weaken them over time. Tightness is important, but a torque wrench is your best friend for tightening lug nuts to the factory spec.

Make sure you have enough thread for your lugs

When using aftermarket wheels, make sure you have enough threads for your lug nut to get a good grab. The general rule of thumb is being able to get a minimum of 6 rotations of the lug nut after you start tightening it. If you come up short, consider getting extended studs for maximum safety points.