Optimal - VW Phaeton on ICW Wheels & H&R wheel spacers

Recently updated on January 28, 2022 at 11:55 am

The aim of our variant is to let the wheel set sit almost identically to the 20-Megara wheel set in the wheel arch. To do that, we need to get at least one ET60 from an ET46. In addition, we should still remember that the rim with 10j has a greater width than the Megara. Eventually, we decided to use 20 mm track plates on each side. For each axis we are traveling with 40-mm-spacers. While many modifications to the vehicle can often only be carried out professionally in one workshop, the case is different when it comes to installing track plates. Here advertise the provider with a straightforward installation, which can be performed within a few minutes of the layman - quite simple with jack and little effort. This too we wanted to examine more closely this time and have therefore decided to make the installation itself without the help of a specialist workshop.

AREBOS AR-HE-IW1100 impact wrench

Our intention is to help an Intertek electric powered impact wrench, which should provide an optimal work base including a case and four sockets (17, 19, 21 and 22 mm) as well as 1010 Watt and 450 Nm of power. The choice against the classic wheel cross fell due to the countless wheel bolts. At least 20 wheel bolts for the winter wheels must be solved, then 20 wheel bolts for the track plates and finally 20 pieces for the wheel set. 60 screws by hand? No desire…

NOTICE: We would like to illustrate the installation of the spacers, but strongly suggest that we assume no liability for the correctness. We neither guarantee the timeliness and correctness, nor the completeness or quality of the information provided. Liability claims against us for material or immaterial nature that may arise as a result of the use of information in this report are generally excluded to the extent permitted by law.

Step 1 - there is a lack of strength ...

Here we go! Or maybe not ... We have jacked up our VW Phaeton by means of an original jack (After all, a lift hardly has a home) and our impact wrench with the right nut (17 mm). Operation is self-explanatory as the rather heavy unit (5,2 Kg) only has two buttons for forward and reverse. However, the first disillusionment already occurs when problems arise when placing the nut on wheel bolts of our standard winter wheels (no special rims). All four included nuts are in our opinion simply too short. The casing of the impact wrench rests directly against the rim, causing unsightly scratches. The removal of the plastic cover of the screwdriver does not work either. What remains is therefore only the handle to other nuts from another nut box, otherwise the screwdriver can not use properly in this case.

not optimal

And the second disillusionment will not be long in coming. Despite the torque of 450 NM, a nominal power of 1010 Watt and an input rated voltage of 230 Volt, the impact wrench has far too little power for loosening our wheel bolts. At this point, probably only helps a further operated with compressed air device. So now had to serve the commercial Radkreuz. With this we loosened the screws, in order to solve them completely afterwards with the screwdriver - after all a relief but certainly not sense and purpose.

Clean the support surface for the spacers

In order for our H & R-DRA system to be mounted perfectly and flush on the wheel hub, thorough cleaning beforehand is essential. A round brush attachment for the drill can help here very quickly. With this the cleaning can be done easily. Workshops then often apply copper paste or another type of grease to prevent the rims from “sticking”. However, we are of the opinion that the placement of the track plates directly on the wheel hub makes more sense and there should be no liquids in between. Otherwise, the heat generated during braking threatens to convert fat to oil. This in turn could then spread over the brake discs and we do not want to discuss anything else here.