Does vehicle weight sit on the hub or the studs or both?

**high888** · 12-05-2005, 10:43 PM

I had one of my wheels off today, and measured the length of the hub (spindle?)
otherwise known as the round thing sticking out which centers the wheel. It is
5/16 long. I can't imagine that the entire weight of the vehicle sits on this little
piece of metal on each of the four corners. To me it seems that this hub is only
to center the wheel. How much weight is on the hub? How much weight is supported by the 5 studs?

**createdbyone** · 12-05-2005, 11:03 PM

your spindle is less than an inch? you sure bout this?

**high888** · 12-05-2005, 11:16 PM

The round part protruding outwards which the wheel sits on? Yes, it

is 5/16 of an inch.

**done** · 12-05-2005, 11:52 PM

Originally Posted by high888

I had one of my wheels off today, and measured the length of the hub (spindle?)
otherwise known as the round thing sticking out which centers the wheel. It is
5/16 long. I can't imagine that the entire weight of the vehicle sits on this little
piece of metal on each of the four corners. To me it seems that this hub is only
to center the wheel. How much weight is on the hub? How much weight is supported by the 5 studs?

All of weight should be supported by the hub. The hub contains the wheel bearings which is really the contact between the car and the rotating wheels. This is the way it has been done for more years than either you or I have been alive. Worry about something really important like starving kids in Malawli

**Clutch-n-Throttle** · 12-06-2005, 12:59 AM

Originally Posted by CreatedByOne

your spindle is less than an inch? you sure bout this?

Easy now.

He's just looking for some help. Good one though

**Davesatdoasisbar** · 12-06-2005, 01:20 AM

Originally Posted by done

Worry about something really important like starving kids in Malawli

I'm sorry but did Angelina Jolie just jump in the fray?

Dinners served.

**His 'n' Hearse** · 12-08-2005, 05:50 PM

I think the question is a legitimate one and deserves a proper answer (for which I'll offer MHO). The question revolves around "hub centric" vs. "lug centric" wheel mounting on which there are numerous threads both here and on other similar forums.

I think the stock wheels are "hub centric", i.e., the weight is on the hub, as most, if not all, cars have been for quite some time. However, if you mount aftermarket wheels with a hub bore larger than the vehicle hub (to accomodate "fits all. . ."), or which have an offset that necessitates the use of spacers (which I have), it means that the lug nuts have to center the wheel (hence, "lug-centric") and take the weight and this requires a little more care and attention when mounting.

The above is what I concluded after researching the subject before I bought my 20"-ers. Just my $.02 worth. If I'm off base here someone please jump in.

**Rev.Hammer** · 12-08-2005, 06:37 PM

once the wheel is clamped correctly to the hub by the lugnuts it acts like a solid structural element.
The load then acts primarily on the spindle and bearings.
For all intents the wheel-hub is now a single unit

**fnkychkn** · 12-08-2005, 06:55 PM

the tapered lug nuts serve to distort the wheel rim enough for it to clamp itself around the hub boss. essentially becoming, as the good REV. said, a single unit.

**high888** · 12-08-2005, 07:05 PM

Thank you reverend and Mr. Chicken. FINALLY, a real reply. I am no expert,

however I always thought it was stupid when people would say "All of the weight is centered on only the lugs". Now, that would be true if you lowered the car down on the lugs with no nuts attached. Then I could see lugs snapping off easily. But once they are torqued down, it is as if the wheel and
the hub become one. It appears that the SRT-8 wheels are lugcentric, as
the nuts are tapered, as well as the tapered holes in the wheels. This centers
each lug nut in each hole. The hub boss centers the wheel as well, but it does
not seem to support the weight of a 4,000 lb. car.

**Black on Black** · 12-09-2005, 03:48 PM

I would contend that it is not the center of the hub that supports the weight of the car, but the face of the hub against the inside face of the wheel. Once the lug nuts are tightened to the correct torque specs, the two faces are compressed against each other to the degree that the friction between the two surfaces will not allow the wheel to move, thus supporting the weight of the car and ensuring that the wheel remains centered.

**Rev.Hammer** · 12-09-2005, 04:30 PM

Thusly the wheel and rotor are one unit supported by the spindle and bearings

**GasGunR** · 12-09-2005, 05:47 PM

Where the heck is Mona Lisa Vito when you need her?

**Rev.Hammer** · 12-09-2005, 06:13 PM

A boy from Gonad Mississippi got to her and she opened a cosmetology and body shop school over in Taintville...

**high888** · 12-10-2005, 06:02 AM

YES! I am glad we have figured this out and can move on with ours lives.

I, myself feel much better. Knowledge is a great thing. Thanks to all for
imparting these deep secrets of life. Wheel mated to hub becomes one.
Similar to a marriage between a man and woman.