I just got my wheels installed, and they said that I needed hub rings (?). Was this really required or did they just take my $40.00? They said something about vibrations at high mileages with the wheels that I had. Anyone ever heard of this before?

 

Yes, it's pretty common to need hub rings with aftermarket wheels. They help center the wheel exactly on the hub to prevent vibrations that you'd feel when you get up to highway speeds.

From the FAQ at Discount Tire Direct:

Q. What Are Hub-centric Rings; Do I Need Them?
A. Most aftermarket wheels are manufactured with a center hole that will fit a wide range of vehicles. The hub-centric ring is used to fill any gap that may exist between this hole and the vehicle's hub, thus centering the wheel on the axle. If you have vibrations after installing new wheels, chances are hub-centric rings were not used.

 

When I first installed my 19's without the hubcentric rings I noticed a vibrationg after I hit 65 MPH. I quickly returned and had them install some for me (free of charge) and the vibration was gone. I would have paid the $40 for them.

 

My rings came in the box with the wheels. Definitely need them.

 

Does anyone actually have a picture of hub centric rings? Like the kind that would come with a set of Volks?

 

WORK wheels come with the hubcentric rings stock. Otherwise you can find these rings off any wheel store/website

 

yes you need them, case closed

 

i didnt install mine on my volks. no problem with vibrations or anything of that sort.

 

They look like a metal or plastic ring (metal is better) that slides down inside your wheel's hub hole. THe inside of the ring is usually tappered to make an exact fit on your wheels hub.

 

if your wheels are not hubcentric and you need hub rings, then your bearings will give out in due time, not overnight, but soon enough where you'll wish you had the hubrings