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Rims hit calipers, spacers needed?

hbfl11

New member
Location
Woodbridge Virginia
Car(s)
2019 Golf GTI
Hey guys im new here, just got new set a wheels 18x8.5 +42 offset and the rear wheels are fine, but the front 2 are just hitting the calipers. Are spacers a good idea? I’d appreciate any help!
 

OldVWFan

Go Kart Champion
Location
NW Arkansas
Car(s)
17 GTI Sport
Yes, spacers are needed, but with spacers longer wheel bolts will be needed also. How bad does is hit the calipers? Probably needed at least a 10 mm spacers and therefore 10 mm longer wheel bolts. Be sure to get the correct wheel bolts for the the wheels, ball seat or conical seat. What wheels did you get?
 

OldVWFan

Go Kart Champion
Location
NW Arkansas
Car(s)
17 GTI Sport
Forgot to ask, but wasn't the stock offset for your 19 GTI +49? If so, might need thicker spacers since with new wheels you lost 7 mm.
 

MK7 AP2

Go Kart Newbie
Location
Tucson, AZ
Forgot to ask, but wasn't the stock offset for your 19 GTI +49? If so, might need thicker spacers since with new wheels you lost 7 mm.
New wheel outer face already out 20mm more compared to stock . Run just enough spacer required to clear, 3 to 5 mm. Do you have a BBK?
 

nype

Drag Racing Champion
Location
Vancouver, B.C.
Surprised you’re having issues since 18x8.5 +45 is a very popular size and that sits a few mm closer. I assume you’re driving a Golf R or a GTI with the R sized brakes? Even still there shouldn’t be an issue. You also haven’t mentioned which make / model wheels. And as asked, are you running a big brake kit?

Stock GTI wheels are 18x7.5 +49

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hbfl11

New member
Location
Woodbridge Virginia
Car(s)
2019 Golf GTI
Yes, spacers are needed, but with spacers longer wheel bolts will be needed also. How bad does is hit the calipers? Probably needed at least a 10 mm spacers and therefore 10 mm longer wheel bolts. Be sure to get the correct wheel bolts for the the wheels, ball seat or conical seat. What wheels did you get?
they are BARLEY touching, would shaving the calipers a bit do the job as well?
 

jimlloyd40

Autocross Champion
Location
Phoenix
Car(s)
2018 SE DSG
New wheel outer face already out 20mm more compared to stock . Run just enough spacer required to clear, 3 to 5 mm. Do you have a BBK?

Plus you have to have enough room for the balancing weights also or mount the weights further towards the inside of the wheel.
 

OldVWFan

Go Kart Champion
Location
NW Arkansas
Car(s)
17 GTI Sport
New wheel outer face already out 20mm more compared to stock . Run just enough spacer required to clear, 3 to 5 mm. Do you have a BBK?
I have TTS calipers. Outer face maybe out 20mm farther, but it says nothing about how the spokes of the wheel are. Do they curve inward compared to stock or outward? I have 18x8 45et Neuspeed RS forged wheels and the spokes curve outward. Did not need spacers with the stock PP calipers with these wheels or the stock Nogaros.
 

nype

Drag Racing Champion
Location
Vancouver, B.C.

yirayira

Go Kart Newbie
Location
Chicago, IL
Car(s)
2015 GTI SE
they are BARLEY touching, would shaving the calipers a bit do the job as well?
No, please don't shave the caliper or wheel. The metal is there for good reason. Your best bet are to find wheels that fit or spacers. For test fitting only you can use washers to the measure for spacer clearance, but measuring with a template would be your best bet 👍
 
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