What is a PCD Converter?
The
Pitch Circle Diameter (PCD) converter is a metal device used to re-align the
bolting positions of a vehicle’s wheel. The device is useful in altering the
number bolts and diameter of the wheel during replacement. The decision to use
the PCD converter usually arises from the need to alter the weight or
appearance of a vehicle's wheels. The different sizes and specifications
associated with different wheel PCD converters necessitate a clear
understanding of what you specifically need for your case. Hence, having the
right information regarding PCD converters will help you in the process of
choosing the right fit for your wheels. The details covered in this guide will
inform you of the correct procedure for the wheel PCD converter installation.
You will also be able to deal with the potential risks associated with the use
of a PCD converter.
Installation of the Converter.
As
you consider the installation of the PCD converter, decide whether to do it
yourself or at the garage. In the do it yourself scenario, ensure you have the
proper tools and wheel sizes according to vehicle's specifications. In the
course of your installation, you might be dealing with one-piece or two pieces
PCD converters. Whichever the case you encounter taking the necessary precautions
during installation will help you attain the benefits of the wheel PCD
converter. Installation of the one-piece PCD converter is relatively easier. In
this case, you fit the bolt holes on one side of the converter to the
corresponding studs of your vehicle’s hub. On the other end of the converter,
you fit the desired wheel as you would do directly on the vehicle. The number
of studs on the outer side of the ‘one-piece’ converter corresponds to the
number of bolt holes in your desired wheel. The installation of two-piece
converters involves fixing two pieces of the device. The base, and hat. The hat
is fixed onto the wheel, while the base is fitted onto the vehicle's hub. In
the processes of installing the PCD converter, consider the use of spigot
locating rings. The spigot, as part of the wheel structure, is necessary for
holding the vehicle's weight. The rings will help you in the alignment of the
wheel's spigot with that of your car. On the flip-side, lack of spigot locating
rings while using the PCD converter might shift weight to the studs,
potentially damaging the wheels or even resulting in an accident. Consider the
function of studs and bolts as you proceed with the installation process, which
is simply to hold the wheel in position after fitting the wheel PCD converter.
When do you need a Wheel PCD Converter?
The
decision to use a PCD converter varies from one vehicle owner to another.
However, common reasons involve an aspect of vehicle enhancement. The
appearance of the vehicle might be improved through the addition of a new set
of alloys. However, the number of your vehicle's studs does not correspond to
the number of holes in the desired wheel. In this case, you can consider the
use of a PCD converter. The converter will not alter the functionality of the
wheel but will help you fix the desired wheels on your vehicle. In addition to
aesthetics, using a PCD converter might result from the need to better manage
the unsprung weight of your vehicle.
Choosing a Suitable PCD Converter.
The
process of choosing a suitable wheel PCD converter will require your
consideration of several factors. One of the main factors is the PCD
converter's thickness. Wheel PCD converters come in different thickness. The
thickness alters the wheel's backspacing, which, in the case of thick PCD
converters, pushes the wheel further away from the vehicle's hub. Consider
choosing a wheel PCD converter that results in the alignment of the vehicle's
body with the outside of the fitted wheel. In further consideration of the
converter's thickness, it is beneficial to consider the popular use of spacers
and their (sometimes) similar function to that of the wheel PCD converter.
Converters with similar bolt patterns to the vehicle's hub might double up as
spacers. Deciding on your intentions beforehand will eliminate the confusion
from your activity.
You should also make consideration of the wheel's offset, which should
correspond to specifications of the selected PCD converter. In addition to the
converter's thickness, it is advisable to choose the material able to withstand
continued use and the vehicle's weight. Hence, having a clear idea of your
vehicle’s specifications will guide the choice of the converter and desired
wheels.
Risks of Using PCD Converter.
The
decision to use the wheel PCD converter presents given risks. One of the main
risks is the potential protrusion of wheels beyond the vehicle's body
alignment. The PCD converter-wheel combination will determine how far the wheel
will protrude in relation to the vehicle's body. The main concern with this is
the alteration of the vehicle' general appearance. Another risk associated with
the use of wheel PCD converter is the possibility of the wheel touching the
tender underside. One of the recommended approaches in dealing with the
potential risks involves choosing a wheel-converter combination that results in
lower backspacing and a higher offset. In selected scenarios, the decision to
use the converter might conflict with the set legal standards for wheel-body
alignment of the vehicle. Adherence to the set regulations will allow you
'up-stepping' the converter-wheel combinations without compromise on safety
standards.
The choice to use a Wheel PCD converter depends on different reasons, which
vary from one user to the next. However, the main idea behind the use of
converters is that they can improve the appearance of your vehicle without a
compromise on the performance. Though packed with several advantages, it is
also advisable that one remains aware of the potential disadvantages that could
arise from the decision to use the wheel PCD converter. Knowledge of the
benefits and potential risks arising from the use of converters will help you
make the decision to use, or abandon your quest for adoption of the wheel PCD
converters. Specifications given for the vehicle, necessary PCD converter, and
the desired wheels should all come into play in the course of your
decision-making process. Consider the potential length of service you stand to
get following the installation of the wheel PCD converter and how it compares
to the vehicle’s original state.
Sources:
Alloy Guide 2019. An explanation of PCD and Offset. Available at http://www.alloyguide.com/pcd.php
Performance Alloys 2019. A guide on the process of changing your bolt pattern. Available at https://www.performancealloys.com/hub-and-pcd-adapters
Summit Racing 2015. Guide on the selection of wheel PCD converters. YouTube Video. Available at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=opi7LwCekDk
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