Metric Hubs???

[Loader]

Quick question for frame and suspension experts. I may have a chance to pick up some new (to me) wheels, they are from a 2003 (approx) VW Bug, the size is 16 inch 5 x 100mm. I have searched the net and been unable to locate a trailer hub that would work.

Any ideas as to wear I could purchase the hubs/bearings to build an axle so I could use these VW wheels?

Thanks

[PaulC]

Earl, maybe you could use a standard axle with adapter plates. You may have to get them made up but they should be cheaper than getting a set of hubs drilled to VW specs.

Cheers
Paul

[tonyj]

I agree with Paul than an adapter plate might be the way to go, but you may have a tough search. There are lots of VW adapter plates going from a VW hub to a Ford or Chevy wheel, but finding an adapter plate going from an american hub to a VW wheel might be tough.

It might be easier and cost effective to look for a similar wheel that doesn't require an adapter.

[Loader]

Thanks Paul and Tony. I've been all over the net too, with no real luck. I was thinking along the same lines (adapter plate). I may just have to pass on these wheels then - cost prohibitive.

[Dale M.]

Just find a hub the wheel will fit over (center) and take them to machine shop (if you don't have capabilities) and have studs pressed out and new holes drilled to fit new "pattern" and press studs back in ....

I would avoid adapters if at all possible...

Dale

[bg]

http://www.ezaccessory.com/Wheel_Adapte ... 0-5100.htm

I think that's what you'd need, Earl.

[Steve F]

Can you not get blank hubs? They are quite common here. Surely taking them to a machine shop and getting them drilled would be pretty cheap?

Scroll to the bottom
http://www.allstatestrailerspares.com.au/index.php?cPath=88_90&osCsid=a3b72444dfe8401b54c311e331ceb6ba

Cheers
Steve

[asianflava]

You may need the adapters anyway. Since they are VW wheels, they probably front wheel drive wheels which typically have a positive offset. The adapters will take up some of that space so that the wheels don't rub on the frame.

[Classic Finn]

Quick question for frame and suspension experts. I may have a chance to pick up some new (to me) wheels, they are from a 2003 (approx) VW Bug, the size is 16 inch 5 x 100mm. I have searched the net and been unable to locate a trailer hub that would work.

Any ideas as to wear I could purchase the hubs/bearings to build an axle so I could use these VW wheels?

Thanks

Since I live in the land of beauracracy we overcame that same exact problem.

Also a thought, check with Jim Lindner..in Indiana. because Jim uses the VW Bug Wheels. And the axles are made there locally.

Just a little note though, Jim isnt the quickest in replying. Now wonder how I know.

Also the hubs can be filled and redrilled.. We did that here because the adapters are not legal here. So we have a one piece hub and the inspectors here wouldnt know the difference. Plus my
Wheels are somthing that isnt found here normally. American Racing Wheels..

Thats the way mine are done. and just as professionally redone as any store bought. Any shop that does machinist turning can make them.

Next if we have a certain bolt pattern thats not found here this place will make me the entire hubs.

If there is a will there is a way.. So we did.





Classic Finn

[Loader]

Thanks for all the replies and links guys!

BG - those spacers adapters look pretty good, and you are right Rocky, the wheels are positive offset. Although the axle would be a custom made "cut to length", so perhaps the offset wouldn't be as big a deal.


Heikki, thanks for Jim's name.

[bg]

Can you not get blank hubs? They are quite common here. Surely taking them to a machine shop and getting them drilled would be pretty cheap?

Scroll to the bottom
http://www.allstatestrailerspares.com.au/index.php?cPath=88_90&osCsid=a3b72444dfe8401b54c311e331ceb6ba

Cheers
Steve

Haven't been able to find any yet. Looking for an odd bolt pattern myself (4x108mm).

[Classic Finn]

Can you not get blank hubs? They are quite common here. Surely taking them to a machine shop and getting them drilled would be pretty cheap?

Scroll to the bottom
http://www.allstatestrailerspares.com.au/index.php?cPath=88_90&osCsid=a3b72444dfe8401b54c311e331ceb6ba

Cheers
Steve

Haven't been able to find any yet. Looking for an odd bolt pattern myself (4x108mm).

4 x 100 and 5 x 112 is most common here. One example for the 4 x 108 is used on Peugeot 309 and its a 13 inch

Id also say a machine shop will do the trick.

Classic Finn

Just for help if needed.

Here is a conversion table form inches to the mm .

Inches to
Millimeters.

4 x 3.93
4 x 100

4 x 4.25
4 x 107.95

4 x 4.33
4 x 110

4 x 4.50
4 x 114.3

4 x 5.12
4 x 130

4 x 5.51
4 x 140

5 x 4.00
5 x 100

5 x 4.25
5 x 107.95

5 x 4.50
5 x 114.3

5 x 4.53
5 x 115

5 x 4.72
5 x 120

5 x 4.75
5 x 120.65

5 x 5.12
5 x 130

4 x 6.5
4 x 165.15

[brettweir]

looks to me me that 4x4.25 should work for the 4x 108mm

[brian_bp]

The adapters are likely the easiest approach; the thicker (1.25") ones would likely be required to get close to making up the difference between the VW offset and the trailer axle offset.

Any ideas as to wear I could purchase the hubs/bearings to build an axle so I could use these VW wheels?

If the rear axle bearing carriers of the Golf are bolted to the suspension then an axle tube could have plates with matching bolt pattern welded to it... then any wrecker with VW parts is a source of the hubs and bearings; this approach was featured in a recent topic about Australian trailer suspensions using Toyota hubs. Brakes would complicate matters.

[Classic Finn]

The adapters are likely the easiest approach; the thicker (1.25") ones would likely be required to get close to making up the difference between the VW offset and the trailer axle offset.

Any ideas as to wear I could purchase the hubs/bearings to build an axle so I could use these VW wheels?

If the rear axle bearing carriers of the Golf are bolted to the suspension then an axle tube could have plates with matching bolt pattern welded to it... then any wrecker with VW parts is a source of the hubs and bearings; this approach was featured in a recent topic about Australian trailer suspensions using Toyota hubs. Brakes would complicate matters.

Its not a big job for a machinist to do the hub work..

Classic Finn