What is a car flange?

[OStella]

Flange is a disk-shaped metal body with several fixing holes around its periphery for connecting other components. Below is an introduction to related content: 1. Application: This component is widely used in machinery, resulting in various shapes. 2. Flange: Flanges are sealed with gaskets between them. A flange is a disk-shaped part, most commonly seen in pipeline engineering, where flanges are used in pairs. In pipeline engineering, flanges are primarily used for connecting pipes. At the ends where two pipes need to be connected, a flange is installed on each end. Low-pressure pipelines can use threaded flanges, while pipelines with pressures above 4 kg require welded flanges.

[SanJune]

During my car modification process, wheel spacers have been a great helper. They are essentially metal discs installed between the wheel hub and bearing, with thickness ranging from 15mm to 30mm. Their primary function is to push the wheels outward, widening the track width which significantly improves cornering stability, especially noticeable at high speeds. I chose 7075 aluminum alloy spacers for their lightweight yet sturdy properties. During installation, it's crucial to sand the contact surfaces first, tighten the bolts to manufacturer specifications using a torque wrench, and apply anti-seize compound. After three years of use, I regularly inspect the bolts and bearing condition during maintenance, and haven't encountered any issues so far. However, it's important not to exceed 30mm spacer thickness, otherwise the steering tie rods might rub against the tire sidewalls, which would be troublesome.

[SanGenesis]

I've been in auto repair for almost a decade, working with wheel spacers every day. They're metal adapters that fit between the wheel hub to solve bolt pattern mismatch issues. There are two common types: hub-centric rings for aftermarket wheels, and spacer types that alter wheel offset. Recently serviced a modified car where the owner used low-quality spacers - all wheel bolts snapped during highway driving. Always choose forged aluminum spacers. During installation, the bearing face must tightly contact the wheel hub's inner surface, and bolt holes must align perfectly. Most crucially: inspect regularly - check wheel bolt torque every 5,000 km and examine bearing wear during each maintenance. If vibration or abnormal noise occurs, stop immediately - loose spacers can be deadly.

[LaElias]

Last time I accompanied my friend to a modification shop to pick out wheels, I finally understood what wheel spacers are. Simply put, they're the sandwich layer between the wheel hub and the wheel, mainly to make the wheels protrude more from the body, reducing the chance of the car tipping during turns. The shop owner specifically reminded us to check three key measurements when buying: thickness, number of bolt holes, and center bore size. If these don't match the original car's specs, they won't fit at all. It's best to choose spacers with a hub-centric design to ensure the wheel stays centered. After installation, a wheel balance is necessary; otherwise, the steering wheel might shake at high speeds. For everyday city driving, a thinner 15mm spacer is sufficient—thicker ones can actually increase fuel consumption.