Rings?? Need Help Please!

[mcintosh816]

Ok so Im nearing the end of my suspension rebuild but have a question. When I was disassembling everything I came across a couple of parts that I have no idea why they are there or if they are needed.

When removing the front wheels there were these very fragile "rings" that fit around the extruding part of the wheel hub and flush against the calipers. Unfortunately one broke upon removal. I took the un-broken one to the local parts store and they didnt have a clue. I was wondering if maybe they have something to do with the back of the wheels but I wouldnt think so being that they are so frail.

Can anyone tell me what the purpose of these rings are and if they are absolutely needed?

Any help is greatly appreciated!

 

[motomattxxx]

Sounds like some old centering rings for aftermarket rims.

 

[mcintosh816]

Well I think I figured it out via a google search. Looks like its a hub centric ring.... I have aftermarket rims on the car (thanks to the previous owner) so I dont know the specs of the rims. Wonder how I go about replacing the set since one broke and the other one could at any moment considering how weathered it is???

 

[Jeff99GS]

Yes the ring comes with aftermarket wheels. It helps to line up the wheel and lug nuts when installing the wheel. Its NO big deal if you have one missing. The Lug nuts Center the wheel once they're tightened down.

 

[mcintosh816]

Ok thanks for the feedback! I wasnt sure if they were needed or not as some info I found on the google search was very "general" and stated that it could be detrimental to the hubs if they werent used. I have had several cars with aftermarket wheels and had never had these rings on those vehicles. Was thinking maybe it was a GSX thing.

 

[orangebyke]

Yes the ring comes with aftermarket wheels. It helps to line up the wheel and lug nuts when installing the wheel. Its NO big deal if you have one missing. The Lug nuts Center the wheel once they're tightened down.

now thats not exactly true. if you can tighten your lug nuts to spec and drive your car and have 0 vibration then consider yourself lucky. they make those rings for a reason and centering your wheel and hub its job. i strongly suggest replacing the since you can pick up a set from ebay for like 11.00 shipped. do some reserch there is really no such thing as "lug centric" only hub centric.

 

[motomattxxx]

Pep boys can get you some.