Factory wheels are the basis for testing.
Wheel spacers and their vehicle approvals are generally developed and tested on the basis of the original factory wheel and tyre combinations. Approval for a specific vehicle therefore does not automatically mean that every aftermarket wheel can be combined with the wheel spacers.
When using aftermarket wheels or different wheel and tyre combinations, factors such as wheel offset, wheel and tyre size, clearance, wheel coverage and the requirements stated in the respective approval documents must be taken into account.
Frequently asked questions about wheel spacers.
Fitment, approval documents, installation and technical requirements explained.
Where can I find the approval documents and do wheel spacers require approval? +
Hofmann wheel spacers are supplied with the corresponding TÜV approval document in printed form.
Eibach provides the approval documents for its Pro-Spacer wheel spacers exclusively as digital downloads. A QR code can be found on the Eibach packaging, allowing the relevant product and approval information to be accessed directly with a smartphone.
Alternatively, you can select and download the appropriate Eibach approval document using the vehicle identification tool on the Eibach website.
Find Eibach approval documents →Important: Wheel spacers are subject to approval requirements. Whether an inspection and approval is required after installation depends on the respective approval documents and their conditions. With an ABE, an additional inspection may not be required if all stated requirements are fully met. With a Teilegutachten (parts certificate), an inspection and approval is required.
How should wheel spacers be installed correctly? +
Before installation, the contact surfaces of the wheel hub, wheel spacer and wheel must be clean and free from dirt, corrosion and other residues. The wheel spacer must sit flat, securely and without play against the wheel hub or wheel carrier.
The spacer must be secured using the wheel bolts, wheel nuts or studs specified for the respective system. Thread size, seat type, length and the required thread engagement must match the particular vehicle and wheel combination.
A torque wrench must be used for final installation. The tightening torques specified by the vehicle, wheel or wheel spacer manufacturer must be observed. An impact wrench must not be used for final tightening. Excessive or uncontrolled tightening torque can damage fasteners, threads or wheel studs.
After installation, correct seating and sufficient clearance must be checked. For its Pro-Spacer systems, Eibach also specifies that the connections and tightening torques should be checked again after approximately 50 km.
Eibach provides installation instructions and videos for the various Pro-Spacer systems. If you are unsure about installation, we recommend having the wheel spacers fitted by a qualified workshop.
Eibach installation instructions & videos →Can wheel spacers be used with aftermarket wheels? +
In principle, wheel spacers may be combined with aftermarket wheels. However, the wheel spacers and their vehicle approvals are developed and tested on the basis of the original factory wheel and tyre combination.
Approval for the vehicle therefore does not automatically mean that every aftermarket wheel may be used together with the wheel spacers. Wheel width, offset, tyre size, clearance, wheel coverage and the requirements stated in the relevant approval documents must all be taken into account.
If the specific combination is not covered by the available approval documents, an individual vehicle inspection and approval may be required.
What is the difference between ABE, Teilegutachten and TTG? +
ABE (Allgemeine Betriebserlaubnis / General Operating Permit): An additional inspection is generally not required if the vehicle and installed combination are fully covered by the ABE and all stated conditions are met. However, the ABE itself may specify that an inspection is required.
Teilegutachten (Parts Certificate): Following installation, an inspection in accordance with § 19 (3) of the German StVZO is required. The inspector checks, among other things, correct installation and compliance with the conditions specified in the certificate.
TTG (Teiletypgenehmigung / Parts Type Approval): The TTG is gradually replacing the previous German Teilegutachten system. Whether an additional inspection is required is specified in the respective approval documentation.
What width of wheel spacer is suitable for my vehicle? +
The maximum possible spacer width cannot be determined by the vehicle model alone. Important factors include the installed wheel and tyre combination, wheel width, wheel offset and the actual available space inside the wheel arch.
Manufacturing tolerances and possible factory axle offset can also affect the available space. After installation, sufficient clearance and the required wheel coverage must be ensured. The requirements stated in the respective approval documents must always be observed.
Do I need longer wheel bolts or different wheel nuts? +
This depends on the wheel spacer system being used. Slip-on systems generally require correspondingly longer wheel bolts. With bolt-on systems, the wheel spacer is first secured to the wheel hub and the wheel is then mounted to the spacer.
Wheel bolts and wheel nuts must match the respective vehicle and wheel combination in terms of thread, seat type and length. The manufacturer's installation instructions must always be followed.
What does 2 × 25 mm wheel spacing mean? +
The specification 2 × 25 mm means that one 25 mm wheel spacer is installed on each wheel of an axle. This increases the total track width of the axle by 50 mm.
The effective wheel offset also changes accordingly. For example, a wheel with ET 45 combined with a 25 mm spacer per wheel has an effective wheel position equivalent to ET 20.