5 x 120.65 vs 5 x 120

[gscherer78ta]

I would like some opinions on putting a 5 x 120 bolt pattern wheel on my 5 x 120.65 bolt pattern TA. On the pattern this makes for a .375mm difference, or a .014" difference. Is this something to concern myself with when AutoX'ing or going to HPDE days?

Greg

[srh3trinity]

It has been widely debated here many times. There is a thread here somewhere that showed the sheer forces on the wheel studs with the wrong bolt pattern. Many folks have run them successfully, but I never liked the idea.

[gscherer78ta]

Do you know what I can search on to find that thread? Or can you post a link to that thread?

[cornfedbill]

Look here: https://www.pro-touring.com/threads/50804-BMW-Wheel-using-4-75-quot-Bolt-Pattern-Hubs-Discussion

I would not advise it. There will be continued stresses on the studs that may cause them to break. I don't think it is worth the risk.

[mikewoods]

This is a widely debated issue. The only advice I can give is to do some research and make a decision that you're comfortable with. That said, I'm planning to run 5x120 wheels on my car once I get the brakes finished until I can afford some forged wheels.

[gscherer78ta]

Thank you for the link- I suspected there was at least some discussion on the topic. That was some good discussion on that thread, although I'm a little surprised there wasn't more debated on the tolerances of all the included/effected parts. The perpendicularity of the OEM studs to the surface of the rotor/drum, the tolerance of the bolt pattern itself, the tolerance of the wheel pattern, the tolerance of the studs all would paly a role in the ultimate stresses applied to the lugs.

[MonzaRacer]

As I have stated before the total difference is 0.0256 difference. After looking at the FACTS the difference per wheel stud is 1/2 that number which is 0.0127 .
Now after having installed hundreds of wheel studs I dont get HOW this amount can effect.
I see just how many studs are not STRAIGHT I cannot understand the complaints.
When you figure out how many people drill wheel stud holes with hand drills or GUESS when installing wheel studs on drill press, bit wobble etc.
MY God just how many people actually think it really makes so much difference.
Now think of this, IF a person reset the 120 bolt pattern with a tapered ream then there is no difference.
NOW if you ran hub centric rings I see NO issues here.
Come on, we are talking of barely over 10 thousandths. Heck when you use hub rings then install wheel lugs a dozen times or more you have for the most part widened the lug holes.
I keep hearing of how much stress there is among people who keep forgetting that studs get so many other stresses and honestly its not the SIDE stress that hold the wheels on its the STRETCH of the fasteners and honestly how much miss alignment have people induced from sloppy work and never had a single failure.
IF you install new studs, properly secure them ie locktite and tapping, I see no issues AND use hub centric rings.
Without them I dont see a proper way to center the wheel .
I have seen sheer studies, torque angles and all sorts of "mis-alignment" studies on head bolts, rod bolts and so many other fasteners.
IF the fasteners are properly installed in the threads even misalignments of up to 0.020-0.030 are allowed if the fastener material is adequate.
NOW THIS DOES NOT MEAN I PERSONALLY GUARANTEE ANYTHING!
This means I LOOK at available math and data and make an informed opinion.
USE this information as you will, Again, use a hub centric ring and good aftermarket studs and I see no reasonable reason for it being unsafe.
Heck I know of guys who have screwed up tapping axles for 7/16 and decided to open them up too 1/2 in and I can pretty much assure you those axles were NOT accurately mapped and survived under MUCH more abuse from improperly torqued wheels, cheap used screw in studs and much more,,,AND using old unilug Cragars and such for wheels.
I see lots of people saying it wont work its unsafe and YET I see even more ignorant misapplications for parts and procedures.
Use hubcentric rings, good quality lugs and studs(ie like Moroso or ARP) and properly torque them for the strength rating.
Just My Honest Opinion.
Lee