Washers as wheel spacers?

[PolarisRich]

Has anyone ever used washer's as wheel spacers?

I have noticed that on my SP500 the new mudlite tires I put on are slightly rubbing the front strut. There is a little tab on the strut tower that holds the bottom of the spring and I noticed that the tab was all shinny. Now I think it only happens when the tire is flexing over large bumps because the tires don't rub when the bike is sitting on a flat surface.

It looks like I only need 1/8 to 1/4 to solve my problem. So I was going to try to put one washer on each stud. Now does anyone see any problems with doing this?

P.S. I have stoch steel rims not aluminum.

[ATTACH]629[/ATTACH]

Dont mind the spring spacers, Ive changed them a bit. I made them smaller and added a spring support.

Edited January 27, 2011 by PolarisRich

[quadnut20]

how much thread on the lug do you have ? That would be my only concern

[PolarisRich]

Probably enough for 1 washer only.

[PolarisRich]

Ok so here's an update on what I'm doing...

I ordered longer studs from Polaris (STUD-3/8-24X1.38,PRESS FIT-Z #7518378) and instead of using washers I'm going to see if my brother who works at a tool shop can make a spacer ring that is only 1/4" thick.

Don't laugh, I'm not an artist or a CAD programmer but this is the pic that I sent him.

[ATTACH]632[/ATTACH]

I think this should work!

[PolarisRich]

Ten minutes later he sends me these.....

[ATTACH]636[/ATTACH]

[ATTACH]635[/ATTACH]

Does the measurements look good to you guys.

Edited January 28, 2011 by PolarisRich

[BioWare]

They look really nice, let us know how they fit.

[PolarisRich]

My brother's shop didn't have the stock so he's going to send it out to another shop that's going to laser cut the pieces for $20. I kind of wanted aluminum but by the sound of it it's going to be made out of 1/4" stainless steel.

[BioWare]

Sweet, I don't think you will feel the weight differance. LOL

[Raptor8]

Stainless would be better anyway cuz it won't crush down like aluminum will.

Sounds like you have it figured out good job! My only concern was the length of the studs but you have solved that... Your bro and you may have started a new business there!!! You should advertise custom made wheel spacers and make some $$$$ on them!!

[PolarisRich]

I kind of had the same idea but to modify the spacer ring to fit all makes. Basically one ring with a dozen holes or so and make them come in 1/8, 1/4 and 1/2" sizes.

[Raptor8]

Good idea but may take some serious engineeering. The bolt patterns vary dramatically! You may have to design 3 or 4 to cover everyone. A good idea though! I'll buy some!

[PolarisRich]

I'd say some crazy engineering. I think your right Raptor8, there would have to be a few different shim rings to cover all the different models.

[GEARHEAD01]

you can actually buy the offset spacers and longer studs. you polaris dealer should be able to get them.

[PolarisRich]

That would be great but the closest Polaris dealer to me is around a 2 hour drive.

[PolarisRich]

Heres what I got so far...

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1/4" steel spacers

[ATTACH]640[/ATTACH]

Longer studs.

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Before

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After

[ATTACH]643[/ATTACH]

Good guess on the tolerances

[PolarisRich]

[attach]644[/attach]

No gap between the hub and rim. Washers would have left a gap.

[attach]645[/attach]

Clearance is always good.

[lawny]

Looks pretty trick, good job.

[quadnut20]

Good call on the spacers !!

[PolarisRich]

Thanks. I just didn't think washers were the way to go.

[Tinkerman]

longer studs and washers would have served the same purpose....Thats what I did.

[swampcat07]

Looks good and you saved some cash. Spacers usally go for around $50 a pair.

[Smoothbassman]

Awesome job! Looks clean!