The track width can never be enough from an optical and sporting point of view. That is why there were already great spirits in the 1960s who 'turned' the rims of their Beetles and other third- or fourth-hand dreams.
She is forgiven for ignoring possible cones in the rim bolt holes and additional load on the rear wheel bearings. Then things were just done because it seemed like a good idea. The first track wideners were conceived and assembled enthusiastically. Adjusting the wheel bolt lengths was a matter of becoming wise through damage and disgrace. As in: “Look, we have a wheel like that rolling there!
The next step was to insert a ring between the split rim halves. Then you not only had more track width, but there could also be fat tracks around the double-thick rims. Graku from Wilnis must have turned very well at the time!
Nowadays there are wide rims on the coast. And the track wideners from that time are now called 'spacers'. ”The error with regard to the assembly of too short wheel bolts or bolts with a cone under the head where a flat ring should be or vice versa is also current.
The use of not too thick spacers to keep a rim with different EP value free from the calipers or steering parts is usually not very exuberant and perfectly defensible. But a thick set of spacers can influence the sanding radius in such a way that the manageability of the car becomes less.
But a recent meeting with a local agent lets us note the following about tires and track gauges:
A number of legal and technical aspects are attached to the installation of so-called track wideners. We present them in a nutshell. The legal basis for whether or not to mount track widowers is included in the type approval of the vehicle in question. That is also the reason why, in the event of a check, the police can have it dismantled. At the MOT, the installation of track wideners is not, in principle, taken into account. The inspector does, however, pay attention to whether the installation of track wideners is a reason that the technical condition of the car conflicts with the APK regulation. For example, the track width of the car can be more than 2 percent more than stated on the vehicle registration certificate or in the vehicle registration register. The wheels can protrude outside the bodywork by mounting track spacers. Art. 5,2,48, member 4, indicates that the wheels must be sufficiently protected. In line with this, it is stated in a footnote that wheels may not protrude more than 30 mm from the shield.
Art, 5.2.24, paragraph 2, arranges that the wheels or rims with all intended fasteners are properly attached. So no bolts, nuts or studs that are too short. Finally, the wheels (art. 5.2,29) must be able to turn freely when turning the handlebar until the stops; so do not bump into bodywork or suspension parts. The technical aspects can be summarized under the heading of power application. Because the wheels are placed further outwards, a greater leverage effect is exerted on wheel carriers and bearings.
In addition, a number of factors emerge that are comparable to the installation of wheels with a different wheel curve (offset, initial pressure, ET value). The sanding radius will also change considerably when mounting track spacers. With a negative sanding radius, the intersection of the wheel center plane and the intersection of the axle center line are above the road surface. With a positive sanding radius, these cutting lines intersect under the road surface, creating (braking) moments that push the wheels apart at the front. With a negative sanding radius, these moments ensure that these wheels are pressed towards each other, which has a favorable effect on vehicle stability.
The mounting of track spacers can very quickly lead to a negative sanding radius being turned into a positive one, with all the associated dangers. It is advisable to use the factory specifications with regard to alignment, also when mounting track spacers. Although the wheel positions during the turn of the bend are different from what the vehicle constructor had thought up. The force on the wheel carrier modified by the track wideners also has a negative influence on the operation of the ABS. And that can already play with the current generation of young timers.
A larger moment is transmitted to the wheel carrier, causing a delay error. Fitting track wideners, however attractive this may seem (the price!), Can therefore pose a number of serious dangers. For that reason they are forbidden in most branches of motorsport.
