How To Replace and Install an ATV or UTV Wheel Spacer

Wheel spacers are an excellent way to improve the stability and handling characteristics of your ATV. Spacers bolt onto the wheel hubs essentially widening your ATV's track. This means the torque forces are spread over a wider area resulting in a more stable platform and more responsive handling.

Of course, there is also the "cool" factor to consider. Spacers typically come in a variety of widths up to 2" meaning your track can potentially be increased by 4". Head on your ATV will take on a wider, more aggressive stance which will amplify its "awesomeness" rating by a factor of five.

• Correct spacers for your ATV
• Floor jack
• Lug wrench
• Torque wrench

The first thing you want to do is determine just how wide you want your track to be and if you want to widen both the front and back, front alone or just the back. It's a matter of personal taste but be aware of the risks to adding spacers to the rear wheels. Essentially you have lengthened the axle without adding any stiffening meaning the axle is more susceptible to stress.

The next decision is to purchase universal spacers or spacers designed for your specific make and model. Not surprisingly the "universal" spacers are less expensive but there is a risk of a less than perfect fit. If you go this route it's recommended that you pull the wheels and check for tightness after riding on them for 15 or 20 miles.

Spacers that are made to fit a specific model are more than just metal shims. They are designed to become an integral part of the machine and typically will provide a longer service life than the universal spacers.

1. Using the lug wrench loosen the lug nuts on the wheel you are working on using a crisscross pattern.
2. Use the floor jack to elevate the wheel.
3. Finish unscrewing the lug nuts and remove the wheel from the hub.
4. Mount the spacer on the hub's wheel studs. The spacer kit will provide nuts to use in securing the spacer to the hub. Check the instructions and then torque those nets to the correct spec.
5. Mount the tire onto the offset studs of the spacer and snug the lug nuts on.
6. Lower the ATV.
7. Finish tightening the lug nuts using a crisscross pattern.

That completes the installation for one wheel. Repeat the same process for the opposite wheel and then take it for a test ride to get accustomed to the new ride and handling.

- End of Procedure -

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