What is Hub-Centric? | Revv.ly Glossary

What are Hub-Centric Wheels?

Here's a simple rule: if you're spending real money on wheels, spend the trivial additional amount to make them hub-centric. The difference between wheels that locate properly on your hub and wheels that rely solely on lug nuts isn't huge, but it's the difference between doing something right and doing it almost right. Almost right has consequences.
Hub-centric wheels have a center bore that matches your vehicle's hub diameter precisely. When installed, the wheel sits on the hub itself, and the lug nuts merely secure it in place. Lug-centric wheels have an oversized center bore--the wheel is centered by the lug nuts alone, with no contact between hub and wheel center.

Why It Matters

Factory wheels are hub-centric. Engineers designed the hub and wheel as a matched system because that's proper engineering. When the wheel centers on the hub, load distribution is more even, vibration potential decreases, and removal/reinstallation is simpler.
Lug-centric installation can work, but:

• Installation requires more precision (torquing in a star pattern with no hub centering assistance)
• Vibration potential increases if centering isn't perfect
• High-performance use is less confidence-inspiring
  At road speed, even slight imbalance creates vibration. At higher speeds, vibration worsens. At track speeds under hard braking and cornering loads, you want everything positioned exactly where it should be.

Hub Rings: The Solution

Most aftermarket wheels come with oversized center bores--typically 73.1mm, fitting a range of vehicles. Your specific vehicle might have a 66.6mm hub (BMW), 72.6mm (many Lexus), 56.1mm (various Hondas), or something else.
Hub-centric rings fill the gap. They're inexpensive rings (plastic or aluminum) with the outer diameter matching the wheel bore and inner diameter matching your hub. Install the rings, and your lug-centric wheels become hub-centric.
There is no good reason to skip hub rings unless you enjoy vibration and uncertainty.

Material Debate

Plastic Hub Rings -- Less expensive, lighter, work perfectly well for most applications. Some argue they may compress over time or become difficult to remove after heat cycles.
Aluminum Hub Rings -- More durable, more expensive, potentially unnecessary unless you're experiencing specific issues with plastic versions.
The choice is mostly preference. What matters is that you use something rather than nothing.

Checking Compatibility

When purchasing aftermarket wheels, note:

• Wheel center bore (e.g., 73.1mm)
• Your vehicle's hub diameter (look it up or measure)
• Whether hub rings are included or need separate purchase
  Many wheel retailers offer hub rings sized for your specific application. There's no excuse for not ordering them with your wheels.

The Bottom Line

This is not a performance modification. Hub rings don't add power or improve handling. They're a detail--the kind of detail that separates properly executed builds from "good enough" builds. Professional installers use them. Experienced enthusiasts use them. You should too.
The Revvly community appreciates builds where even the invisible details are done right.
Related: Offset, Lug Pattern, Wheels Fitment
Common Hub Diameters: BMW 72.6mm, VW/Audi 57.1mm, Honda 64.1mm, Toyota 60.1mm