Hubcentric rings: metal or polycarbon?

[SmokInDaSolara]

Hi folks, I haven't been here since 2004 and I need some help.

I have a 2001 Solara with (30,400 miles )and I recently bought some aftermarket wheels.

I went to get them mounted and balanced at a tiresplus and the guy said I needed some metal hubcentric rings. So I bought some but I found the ride to have a slightly slower acceleration and vibrating steering wheel @ 50 mph. I went to another tiresplus to get it corrected and they took off the hubcentric rings. The ride is much smoother and accelerates faster but the steering wheel tends to vibrate a bit when I drive on the freeway @ 60-65 mph on certain uphill slopes and curves. They say it just might be a balancing issue...

My question is how important hubcentric rings? When I removed them the ride became smoother but I have a concern for my new wheels becoming damaged without them. Are HCRs important?

How are polycarbon hubcentric rings? are they better than metal HCRs?

I would appreciate any feedback. Thanks

[bassthrive]

They are important. Do not run your a/m rims without them! I have tried both metal and poly rings. I am partial to the metal ones.

[rojamay]

First off, hubcentric rings are fairly small and light. they should not affect your acceleration any. they are rings that fill the small space between axle hub and wheel center.

Sounds like your wheels may be unbalanced, ar not correctly put on.

Personally, i think you should get the rings. I've always used the metal ones.

[Jon11582]

I've used both. Metal is better, if for no other reason than they are easier to remove when you switch out for winter shoes. I've shed blood trying to take off poly rings.

Just a thought - Maybe the first tire plus didnt torque one or more of your wheels all the way. Loose lugs can also cause vibrations.

[SmokInDaSolara]

Thanks Guys, I appreciate the feedback.

I just go off the phone with a guy from custom wheel place,Tire Pros, and I we talked about my situation.

I asked him about HCRs on a Toyota and he told me Toyotas shouldn't have to use HCRs because imports like Toyota are usually Lug Centric therefore it is not neccessary to put HCRs with a/m wheels (18x8).Is that valid to anyone?

[SolaraBlue]

^^^ dont listen to anyone thats NOT on solaraguy, unless they actually own a solara.... and mod it themselves.

the person you spoke with doesnt know what theyre talking about. go ahead and buy the metal hub rings. unless your wheels ARE NOT balanced or your lugs are loose (you should tighten them around 100 miles after you install new wheels) youll feel the difference. i did when i had my 18x8 tsw's. the hub rings made the ride feel much better.

[Jon11582]

Wheels are hub/lug centric, NOT the cars. All hub-centric means is that the wheel sits flush on the hub, and the hub is what keeps it centered. Lug centric means its not Hub-Centric so its relying only on the lugs to center it. Its a function of the wheel, not the car. Without a Hubcentric ring, and unless the center hole is the right size, your wheels will be lug-centric. With the right HCR, your wheels will be hub-centric. Your stock wheels are hubcentric because the center whole is the right size. Your aftermarket wheels, without any centering ring, will have too wide a hole for the hub, and be lug-centric. Your wheels become hub centric when you use the HCR.

[CamryOnBronze]

I have the poly ones with my rims and have never heard of such a thing, but every time i have my winter shoes back on the tire place asks if its okay if they break them since they are stuck on- they havent broken them yet though, they just always say that.

I would listen to the above members and go with metal, then take them to a more reputable shop to have them balanced and installed.

[indiglosolara]

I like the metal ones.
I actually just had to order some for my gram lights....

Tire Rack where I ordered from even recommended metal ones.. but they said the poly carbinate ones work just as good but dont hold up as long as the metal ones do....

Some of the guys at Tire Rack are pretty knowledgeable... give them a call and they can recommend something...

[---CAMRAZY---]

I have used both, and have had no problems with either, I guess its just preference.

[SmokInDaSolara]

Alright, Cool. I feel I'm getting some excellent feedback and I'm glad I can talk to people who have Solaras and actually know what's up. So here is what I'm going to do.

I'm going back to the tireplus that removed the HCRs and put them back on. Then get all my wheels balanced correctly. This time I'm going to make sure they do it right.