Measure the thickness of wheel holds / lane extenders
How can you determine the thickness of the holds you can put on your vehicle?
It's often the question we ask ourselves. If I put a bunch of slabs, how far?
Is that if I take 20mm, it's "pass" or not?
We'll try to help you here.
First of all, note that the wheel holds exist in single or double bolts and are systematically sold in pairs.
- The simple bolt is a hold with just the number of holes required, as on the rim (4 or 5, see 6 if you rim 6). She sits in "sandwich" between the rim and the hub. It is sold with elongated screwdriver (at least at home!) that allows you to screw the rim on the hub with rather long screws.
- The Double Bolt is a hold with double drilling. A series of holes allow you to screw the hold on the vehicle hub using the suitable screwdriver included. The hold is therefore in solidarity with the vehicle. You just need to put the rim on the hold, then screw it with the original screwdriver already in your possession. The double bolts are more available from 20mm thickness, so that the fixation screws do not exceed the surface of the hold and allow you to lay the rim without hitting it.
There are exceptions, such as for vehicles equipped with studs, which need to change the original studs by longer or shorter ones. But overall, the choice of method depends on the thickness chosen.
We come to the main question, what thickness??
Here is a method to make a correct choice. Note that the tires do not have the right to "drive from the wing". Therefore, measures must be taken before order.
Put a rule on the ground, at the top and press the wing. Use a meter to measure on the side of the tire. Repeat this operation in at least 3 points of the tire (centre, right flank and left). This will allow you to determine the point of the tire closest to the edge of the wing. Now you just have to choose a layer whose thickness will not make you exceed the distance between the point closest to the wing and the wing. If you need 4 layers, you can take different thicknesses between the front and rear of the vehicle, with the same method.
As you will understand, this method is the only way to ensure the thickness to choose. It is impossible to know without measuring. Because of the references of mounted rims or tire sizes, it is impossible to know without having the vehicle in hand.
This method is simple and indispensable before ordering to ensure that you receive a set of suitable holds. Note two useful information. The laying of extenders may require a geometry adjustment. the front axle must not be wider than the rear, except original vehicles already designed like that.