As a popular project for personalized car upgrades, car wheel hub modification can not only change the appearance style of vehicles, but also have a practical impact on vehicle performance. However, wheel hub modification involves a lot of professional knowledge, and even a slight mistake may bring safety hazards. Below is a detailed explanation for you.
1、 Safety hazards of wheel hub modification
The wheel hub is closely connected to the driving safety of the vehicle. According to statistics from the China Automobile Dealers Association in 2022, traffic accidents caused by improper wheel hub modifications accounted for 15% of the total number of car modification accidents. This is because the wheel hub parameters and materials do not match the vehicle, which can affect handling stability and braking performance. For example, wheels with mismatched parameters may cause vehicle shaking during high-speed driving; Wheel hubs with substandard quality are difficult to withstand the complex stresses during vehicle operation, and are prone to deformation or even fracture.
2、 Key parameter adaptation of wheel hub
The size, width, PCD, CB, ET and other parameters of the wheel hub are the key to modification and adaptation. Under domestic regulations, the size of the wheel hub generally cannot be changed arbitrarily, otherwise it will be difficult to pass the annual inspection. The width of the wheel hub (J value) determines the width of the adapted tire. Taking a 6J wheel hub as an example, the width of the adapted tire is usually between 185-205mm. PCD (pitch circle diameter) such as 5X114.3 specifies the number of bolt holes and the diameter of the distribution circle. If the PCD of the new wheel hub does not match the original vehicle, caution should be taken when installing flanges. CB (center hole) must be compatible with the vehicle axle head. If the diameter is too large, it can be adjusted with a variable diameter ring, but if it is too small, it cannot be used. ET (offset) affects the installation position of the wheel hub, and improper ET values may cause interference between the wheel hub and body components.
3、 Analysis of Wheel Hub Material Characteristics
（1） Steel wheel hub
Steel wheel hubs are affordable in price, with simple production processes, and are commonly used in economical and commercial vehicles. But it is heavy, increases the unsprung mass of the vehicle, affects handling and fuel economy, and has poor heat dissipation and is prone to rusting, which will affect the appearance and performance of long-term use.
（2） Aluminum alloy wheels
Aluminum alloy wheels have become the mainstream in the market due to their advantages of light weight, high strength, and good heat dissipation. Low pressure cast aluminum alloy wheels have lower costs and are suitable for ordinary household cars; Spinning casting wheel hub has better performance, lighter weight and higher strength; Forged aluminum alloy wheels have the best performance and can withstand high loads, but they are expensive and are mostly used for high-performance cars.
（3） Carbon fiber wheel hub
Carbon fiber wheels are extremely lightweight and have high hardness, which can significantly improve vehicle performance. However, the production process is complex and the cost is high. Currently, they are mainly used in high-end sports cars and racing cars.
4、 Differences in wheel hub manufacturing processes
The casting process includes gravity casting and low-pressure casting. Gravity casting has low cost, but it is prone to producing bubbles and voids inside the product, which affects its strength; The quality of low-pressure casting products is relatively good, but there are still certain defects. Spinning casting is an improvement on the basis of casting, which makes the internal structure of the wheel hub denser, enhances its strength, and improves its quality and performance compared to ordinary casting wheels. The forging process uses high-pressure molding to produce wheels with high strength and light weight, making it the main manufacturing process for high-end wheels.
5、 Practical suggestions for wheel hub modification
When choosing wheels, priority should be given to products with similar factory parameters to ensure compatibility and safety. When purchasing wheels, it is important to choose reputable channels and well-known brands, and check the product certification and quality authentication. The installation process is crucial and needs to be operated by professional technicians. After installation, it is necessary to perform dynamic balance and four-wheel alignment checks to ensure stable driving of the vehicle. At the same time, it is necessary to regularly inspect the condition of the wheel hub and promptly address any issues such as deformation or cracks.
Automotive wheel hub modification is a professional and rigorous task. Only by fully understanding relevant knowledge and following professional standards can we achieve personalized upgrades while ensuring driving safety and vehicle performance.
