Wheel Spacer and Bearing Failure

40 to 332 · 01-06-2014, 07:05 PM

A search didn't reveal many posts on this subject; however, it is a hotly debated topic on other forums, with mixed opinions on whether or not spacers can cause premature bearing wear and/or failure. I'm planning on installing 15 mm H&R DRS spacers front and rear, but before proceeding to remove the OEM studs and installing the longer studs, I'd like to know people's experience in this regard. Since there are very few posts, I assume that it is not an issue ... but assuming is one thing, and hearing from those of you who have run with spacers is another. Thanks!

gurneyeagle · 01-06-2014, 08:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 40 to 332

A search didn't reveal many posts on this subject; however, it is a hotly debated topic on other forums, with mixed opinions on whether or not spacers can cause premature bearing wear and/or failure. I'm planning on installing 15 mm H&R DRS spacers front and rear, but before proceeding to remove the OEM studs and installing the longer studs, I'd like to know people's experience in this regard. Since there are very few posts, I assume that it is not an issue ... but assuming is one thing, and hearing from those of you who have run with spacers is another. Thanks!

I've never heard of this being an issue with the 370. Were the other forums for front wheel drive cars?

40 to 332 · 01-06-2014, 08:45 PM

I did a google search of "wheel spacers and wheel bearing failure" and a whole bunch of sites turned up, including a number of car/truck forums. People owning Jeeps, Hondas, Miatas, Subarus and other makes/models have weighed in on the topic. There are arguments based on physics and leverage principles that suggest the addition of spacers may cause the wheel bearings to wear unevenly, possibly contributing to premature failure. There are cases in which owners evidently have experienced this problem, but an equal number of postings suggest there is no basis to the argument. Anyway, it makes for interesting reading, but doesn't address the question of whether or not it's an issue for the 370Z. Hence the reason I asked.

Haboob · 01-06-2014, 09:17 PM

No issues yet. About 20k miles on them.

Posted using Tapatalk.

01-06-2014, 07:05 PM	#1 (permalink)
40 to 332 Enthusiast Member Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Kimberley, BC, CANADA Posts: 439 Drives: 13 370Z BS M6 Sport Rep Power: 138	Wheel Spacer and Bearing Failure A search didn't reveal many posts on this subject; however, it is a hotly debated topic on other forums, with mixed opinions on whether or not spacers can cause premature bearing wear and/or failure. I'm planning on installing 15 mm H&R DRS spacers front and rear, but before proceeding to remove the OEM studs and installing the longer studs, I'd like to know people's experience in this regard. Since there are very few posts, I assume that it is not an issue ... but assuming is one thing, and hearing from those of you who have run with spacers is another. Thanks!

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01-06-2014, 08:45 PM	#3 (permalink)
40 to 332 Enthusiast Member Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Kimberley, BC, CANADA Posts: 439 Drives: 13 370Z BS M6 Sport Rep Power: 138	I did a google search of "wheel spacers and wheel bearing failure" and a whole bunch of sites turned up, including a number of car/truck forums. People owning Jeeps, Hondas, Miatas, Subarus and other makes/models have weighed in on the topic. There are arguments based on physics and leverage principles that suggest the addition of spacers may cause the wheel bearings to wear unevenly, possibly contributing to premature failure. There are cases in which owners evidently have experienced this problem, but an equal number of postings suggest there is no basis to the argument. Anyway, it makes for interesting reading, but doesn't address the question of whether or not it's an issue for the 370Z. Hence the reason I asked.

01-06-2014, 09:17 PM	#4 (permalink)
Haboob A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Surface of the sun. Posts: 13,159 Drives: '18 GTI Autobahn DSG Rep Power: 1386	No issues yet. About 20k miles on them. Posted using Tapatalk.