Quote:
Originally Posted by NotAMiata
Yes you do, the studs are not designed to take 100% of the load, if you use aftermarket wheels and don't have a hubcentric ring you're putting a massive amount of stress on the studs. It's why every OEM wheel in existence is hub centric, the hub is designed to take the load. I don't know who told you otherwise but they're wrong.
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The face of the hub distributes the load of the vehicle, not the wheel stud.
The hub ring is simply an alignment tool to make sure everything is centered prior to torquing everything down. Assuming you follow the proper torque procedure the wheel will center it self and you don't NEED centering rings. Conical lug nuts will center the wheel when you tighten. Following proper torque specs is important as well as tightening in the correct sequence.
That said, I do like having centric rings if the wheel bore is larger than the factory hub bore. They're cheap and makes mounting wheels easier.
I have used the same plastic rings for two winters now on my winter wheels, not a crack or issue with them. I always tighten wheels with least amount of load on the wheel as possible before final torque procedure.
Your comment about melting plastic rings is understandable. In a tracking situation I've heard of plastic melting, but on the street I can't see that ever being an issue.