What is hub bore and does it matter for fitment?
Hub bore is the opening in the center of a wheel that fits over the hub of your vehicle. Getting this measurement right is important for proper fitment, and hub rings can be used to fill any gap between an oversized hub bore and your vehicle's hub to ensure a centered, vibration-free installation.
When shopping for aftermarket wheels, hub bore is one of those specifications that does not always get as much attention as bolt pattern or offset, but it plays an important role in how your wheels fit and perform. Here is what you need to know.
What Is Hub Bore?
Hub bore refers to the circular opening in the center of a wheel that slides over the hub of your vehicle when the wheel is installed. Every vehicle has a specific hub size, and ideally the hub bore of the wheel you are installing matches that measurement as closely as possible.
Why Does It Matter?
When a wheel's hub bore matches the vehicle's hub size precisely, the wheel is considered hub-centric. This means the wheel is centered by the hub itself, which helps distribute the vehicle's weight evenly and reduces the likelihood of vibration while driving.
Many aftermarket wheels are manufactured with a larger hub bore than the vehicle's hub to allow the same wheel to fit a wider range of vehicles. This is a common and accepted practice in the aftermarket wheel industry, but it does mean there can be a gap between the wheel's center opening and the vehicle's hub.
What Are Hub Rings?
Hub rings, also known as centering rings or hub-centric rings, are small rings typically made of hard plastic that are designed to fill the gap between an oversized hub bore and your vehicle's hub. They slide into place during installation and help center the wheel precisely on the hub, which can prevent vibrations that might otherwise occur even when wheels and tires are properly balanced.
It is worth noting that once the lug nuts are fully torqued down, hub rings no longer serve a structural purpose and will spin freely. Their job is simply to help center the wheel during the installation process.
Will I Need Hub Rings?
Not every installation requires hub rings, but they are recommended if there is a noticeable gap between the wheel's hub bore and your vehicle's hub. If you experience vibrations after installation even though your wheels and tires are properly balanced, hub rings are often one of the first things worth checking. The fitment team can help you determine whether hub rings are recommended for your specific wheel and vehicle combination.
A Note on Vibrations
It is also worth keeping in mind that some degree of natural vibration can come with larger or more aggressive tires, particularly mud terrain tires, simply due to the way the tread pattern contacts the road. If you are experiencing a strong or unusual vibration after installation, reaching out to the support team is always a good idea so they can help you identify the cause.
Have Questions About Your Specific Fitment?
If you are unsure whether hub rings are needed for your order or have questions about hub bore compatibility, the fitment specialists are happy to help. You can reach out through the Contact page on the website and a team member will work with you to make sure everything lines up correctly.
Customer service is available Monday through Friday, 9AM to 5PM CST, with sales support available extended hours throughout the week and on Saturdays.