Wheels spacers with stock rims (GTI)

[gavs]

As always Greg I value your opinion so highly that under normal circumstances I would have but because of the OP asking for a photo or 2 of a car already with them, I felt that an entire clean out was required rather than leaving any fuel for the fire to start up again regarding the actual legalities. There is so much info already on the entire forum about wheel spacers, I didn't think another thread descending into arguments (ala GTI vs Golf R, my tune's better than your tune, super low handles better than...) was something needed when a simple photo would suffice.

[dylan8]

VIC Roads November 2009
Official Vehicle Standard Information - Roadworthiness Requirements

CONTENTS

Roadworthiness Requirements

Preface

Introduction

Section A Wheels and Tyres

Section B Steering and Suspension


ROADWORTHINESS REQUIREMENTS

In Victoria a Certificate of Roadworthiness is generally required when a vehicle is sold or if it is to be re-registered. In some cases a Certificate of Roadworthiness is also required to clear a Vehicle Defect Notice.

Track Width

In the case of passenger cars and light goods vehicles, the track measured to the centre of the tyre treads must not exceed the original specification by more than that specified for that type of suspension in VSI 8. However, for vehicles fitted with diagonally split braking systems, there must be no change in front or rear track from the original specification. Hub/rim spacers are unacceptable unless specified by the vehicle manufacturer.

Bazzle

He is in Sydney so different rules.

[Guest001]

So presumably this will apply


Replacement wheels requiring an engineering certificate
Wheels that exceed the diameter and width limits for minor wheel changes must be assessed by a
signatory. If th signatory finds that the wheels are safe for your vehicle, you will be issued
with an engineering certificate.

The vehicle owner must notify the RTA so that registration records can be updated. This is done
by obtaining a “Adjustment of Records” and a “blue slip” from an Authorised Unregistered Vehicle
Inspection Station (AUVIS) (contact the RTA Customer Service Centre on 13 22 13 for details of your
nearest AUVIS).

The Adjustment of Records, blue slip and engineering certificate are then presented at a Motor
Registry.

The owners copy of the engineering certificate is stamped and endorsed by the RTA and must be kept
in th vehicle. This certificate must be presented to an authorised officer of the RTA or the
Police when requested


There are limits on the size of wheels that can be certified by a signatory. These limits are as
follows:
Rear wheels
The maximum permitted rear rim width for a particular vehicle is determined by its unladen weight
(10 litres of fuel, no occupants or luggage) in accordance with the following tables:


Vehicles built to comply with ADR 24 (after 1/1/1973 for passenger cars)

Unladen weight

Allowable rim width increase above the widest optional wheel available for the axle assembly used

Up to 800kg 26mm (1inch)

801 - 1200kg 39mm (1.5 inches)

1201kg & over 51mm (2 inches)

Note: 25mm increase in wheel track limit also applies

Front wheels
Front wheels shall be:
• No wider than the maximum permitted for rear wheels on your vehicle or 204mm (8 inches).
• No narrower than 70% of that fitted to the rear wheels.
• No narrower than a standard wheel fitted to the your vehicle as original equipment.

Front wheel drive vehicles
Except where the original manufacturer provides to the contrary, front wheel widths shall be no
more than 26m greater than the widest optional wheel offered by the vehicle manufacturer. This
requirement also applies to four wheel drive vehicles with constant front wheel drive.

Vehicles with diagonally split brake systems
Except where the original manufacturer provides to the contrary, the front and rear wheel widths
must be the same. The front wheel offset (and front wheeltrack) must remain as original.

Additional requirements for replacement wheels
When wheels and tyres outside the manufacturers recommended range are fitted to a vehicle the
following requirements must be met:
• The wheel rim width must not be less than the minimum width fitted by the vehicle manufacturer
for the particular model.
• The wheel and tyre must be contained within the body work or mudguards (including any flares)
when the wheels are in the straight ahead position.
• The wheel and tyre must not foul any part of the body or suspension under all operating
conditions.
• All wheels and tyres fitted to an axle must be of the same carcass construction, diameter,
offset, width and mounting configuration (except for spare wheels used in an emergency situation).
• The wheel must not prevent the wheel nuts from fully engaging their studs.
• The wheel rim must not have a circumferential weld other than that which attaches the rim to
the wheel centre.
• The wheel must be one designed for the particular hub/axle in respect to bolt pitch circle
diameter and wheel nut tapers. Wheels with slotted stud holes are not permitted.
• Speedometer accuracy must be maintained for the selected tyre and rim combination.
• The fitment of wheel spacers (or adaptors for dual wheel conversions) between the wheel
mounting face and the road wheel is not permitted unless fitted as original equipment by the
vehicle manufacturer.

Not trying to be a smart++++ but people who have maybe just bought a VW and come on here for advice see this sort of thing and think that because others do it it must be OK.

Giving the inspecting officer the answer "I saw it on the VW forum and they do it" probably wont cut the mustard.

I used to subscribe to Caravan Forums and similar things happened there Like "Ive done it for 40 years and nothing has happened".

Next week van goes up in flames because of his dodgy illegal gas system Hmmmmm get where Im coming from

[nightphotographer]

The last thing I want to add on this, is that I recently ran adapters to a show that I borrowed. On one of the adapters 3 of 5 threads had been crossthread and so only 2 bolts would tighten, and barely at that. I decided NOT to run that adapter until I had a replacement new one because I'm not a moron. So really it all comes back to what Tim was saying, because there would be people out there who would've!

p.s. I had no issues apart from burning all the paint of my rear arches cause my fitment was so tight!

[BLN355]

Maybe this thread can be named "wheel/spacer legalities thread and stickied then my original question put in a thread with the original title?

I really don't need all the info pasted here as I know the legalities I just want to see some pics of spacers with stock GTI wheels

[gavs]

Right, thread locked.

The OP asked this:

So is anyone running wheel spacers on their GTI's?
Im thinking about picking up a set of 20mm spacers to run with my stock rims for a bit more flush as the original offset looks a little poxy imo.

If anyone has some feedback on them or pics of your GTI running them that'd be great.

I think out of all of the messages posted, the answer is no so I am locking the thread. As I said, Kawabanga has posted pics of his car running spacers, he would be the only person who could give feedback.