FL1 rims hitting brake calipers !!!

Arnodafe72 · Tuesday at 06:44

Hi guys ! Yeah, issue maybe you can help me with - bought a set of original old Freelander 1 rims secondhand for my 2995 Freelander 1 Facelift. However, the rims hit the brake calipers which go over the brake discs on the front. (The back wheels have brake drums, so no calipers.) What should i do - get spacers ? Which size would one recommend, or should i forget it altogether, yours greatfully, arnodafe72 cheers !

GrumpyGel · Tuesday at 07:57

Pre 2000 rims will hit post 2000 calipers.

Forget what size spacers you need - but its best to get post 2000 rims.

Nodge68 · Tuesday at 15:26

As above. The offset of post 2001 rims was changed to accommodate the larger brakes fitted to the later models.
As suggested, it's best to get the correct rims. A 5mm spacer should move the rims out enough to clear the brakes, but the studs aren't really long enough to allow correct engagement of the nuts, so longer studs are needed.
It's far better to save all the messing about, and simply buy the correct rims to suit the age of the vehicle.

Arnodafe72 · Tuesday at 16:48

Nodge68 said:
As above. The offset of post 2001 rims was changed to accommodate the larger brakes fitted to the later models.
As suggested, it's best to get the correct rims. A 5mm spacer should move the rims out enough to clear the brakes, but the studs aren't really long enough to allow correct engagement of the nuts, so longer studs are needed.
It's far better to save all the messing about, and simply buy the correct rims to suit the age of the vehicle.

Thanks again @Nodge68 - yeah, just picked up 5mm spacers from the tire shop. They said anything bigger than 5mm you have to change the studs......is it absolute that the studs aren't adequate ? Regards, as always, arnodafe72

Alibro · Tuesday at 17:55

Arnodafe72 said:
Thanks again @Nodge68 - yeah, just picked up 5mm spacers from the tire shop. They said anything bigger than 5mm you have to change the studs......is it absolute that the studs aren't adequate ? Regards, as always, arnodafe72

I had 5mm spacers for the same issue but wasn't happy with them and replaced the rims.
With the way tyre fitters and mechanics hammer in the wheel nuts you need every mm of thread to keep you and your family safe.
The other issue with spacers is it means the centre hub is not seated correctly so adds even more pressure on the studs.

Arnodafe72 · Tuesday at 19:51

Alibro said:
I had 5mm spacers for the same issue but wasn't happy with them and replaced the rims.
With the way tyre fitters and mechanics hammer in the wheel nuts you need every mm of thread to keep you and your family safe.
The other issue with spacers is it means the centre hub is not seated correctly so adds even more pressure on the studs.

Ok, cheers man ! Makes you wonder why anyone uses them.....

Nodge68 · 2025-04-30T16:28:58+0100

Arnodafe72 said:
Thanks again @Nodge68 - yeah, just picked up 5mm spacers from the tire shop. They said anything bigger than 5mm you have to change the studs......is it absolute that the studs aren't adequate ? Regards, as always, arnodafe72

On an M12 X 1.5 thread, it needs 15mm of thread engagement to achieve maximum clamping load capacity. You'll find that with spacers, you probably have about 12mm of thread engagement, which isn't really enough.

Alibro · 2025-04-30T21:32:23+0100

Arnodafe72 said:
Ok, cheers man ! Makes you wonder why anyone uses them.....

Because these ones are cheap and easy. Proper spacers are made using high grade metal, are held on with nuts and have 5 new studs for the wheels but will set the wheels out 10 or 15mm.

Arnodafe72 · 2025-05-01T16:55:20+0100

Nodge68 said:
On an M12 X 1.5 thread, it needs 15mm of thread engagement to achieve maximum clamping load capacity. You'll find that with spacers, you probably have about 12mm of thread engagement, which isn't really enough.

Just so its clear - i have 215/65R16 on my Freelander - does that change things @Nodge68 ? Would love to have two sets of rims for both summer and winter tires but they don't exist round here where i am at the arctic circle, to het hold off secondhand. Don't think this makes a difference but thought i would add it - thanks again !

Nodge68 said:
On an M12 X 1.5 thread, it needs 15mm of thread engagement to achieve maximum clamping load capacity. You'll find that with spacers, you probably have about 12mm of thread engagement, which isn't really enough.

FL1 rims hitting brake calipers !!!

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