Alloy wheel issues on Volvo 544

[arcturus]

Originally Posted by Salop Farmer

I think I have solved my problem of Alloy wheels rubbing against upper area of kingpin forging unless spacer fitted. Scandcar offer for sale a Minilight style 5.5”wheel for the 544 with a 14 mm ET ( inner offset ).The wheels I purchased have a 20 mm ET which although fine on an Amazon is not ok on PV without at least a 4 mm spacer to clear suspension. You live and learn! Incidentally Scandcar want 198 euros + carriage and taxes per wheel against £80 +vat per wheel from R&R Alloys and free delivery. So I guess I’ll live with the spacer requirement.

Buy cheap, pay dear?

[old fart]

Originally Posted by Salop Farmer

I think I have solved my problem of Alloy wheels rubbing against upper area of kingpin forging unless spacer fitted. Scandcar offer for sale a Minilight style 5.5”wheel for the 544 with a 14 mm ET ( inner offset ).The wheels I purchased have a 20 mm ET which although fine on an Amazon is not ok on PV without at least a 4 mm spacer to clear suspension. You live and learn! Incidentally Scandcar want 198 euros + carriage and taxes per wheel against £80 +vat per wheel from R&R Alloys and free delivery. So I guess I’ll live with the spacer requirement.

Can you get some with the correct offset from R&R, and sell yours to an Amazon owner?
Also you can get spacers that have studs fitted, that bolt on with the original wheel nuts. Look for wheel spacers on e-bay.

[Salop Farmer]

Originally Posted by old fart

Can you get some with the correct offset from R&R, and sell yours to an Amazon owner?
Also you can get spacers that have studs fitted, that bolt on with the original wheel nuts. Look for wheel spacers on e-bay.

I am pretty sure that R&R only produce the 20mm offset for the Amazon as they are a British company and won’t even be aware of the 544 as there are relatively few in the UK. But I will give them a phone call tomorrow.
After careful inspection, with a 4mm spacer in place, I can get sufficient clearance with the wheels I’ve purchased. The only down side is the wheel stud threads no longer protrude through the standard wheel nut but terminate 2mm below the outer face of said nut. As I have no intention of competing in any type of competition with the car I wouldn’t have thought this situation would cause a problem. Never the less I will check spacers on eBay.

[old fart]

Originally Posted by Salop Farmer

I am pretty sure that R&R only produce the 20mm offset for the Amazon as they are a British company and won’t even be aware of the 544 as there are relatively few in the UK. But I will give them a phone call tomorrow.
After careful inspection, with a 4mm spacer in place, I can get sufficient clearance with the wheels I’ve purchased. The only down side is the wheel stud threads no longer protrude through the standard wheel nut but terminate 2mm below the outer face of said nut. As I have no intention of competing in any type of competition with the car I wouldn’t have thought this situation would cause a problem. Never the less I will check spacers on eBay.

If you're only losing 2mm of thread you're better off than using the other type of spacer, as their nuts will only be the thickness of the spacer.

[Army]

Sorry - as expected - the best picture I have isn't likely to help =>



When I take to stuff to bits I'm always convinced I've taken way more pictures than is sensible. However, when I need to refer back to them there is hardly ever something of use...

[Army]

The one bit of the way in which my conversion was done that might be different to yours is the use of a hard brake line on the hub axle part.

Note that the flexible hose is towards the front of the car.

[From the picture] I don't see how a wheel could be in contact with the flexible hose on this set up. I guess a wheel with the "incorrect offset" would make contact with the vehicle body before it would reach the brake hose.

[arcturus]

I know that it's a personal taste thing but I frequently receive positive comments as to how smart the wheels look.
One other thing,would wheels with offsets pass a mot inspection,I know that they wouldn't here.

[Salop Farmer]

That photo actually gives me the information I need thanks Army. My flexi is actually terminated much closer to the disc backplate than yours. So if I re jig the brackets I think the problem would be solved. And Arcturus, yes the wheel choice is a personal thing. About ten years back I spotted a 544 in an Historic Rally.I had chance to look closely at the car at a service checkpoint, it was red and had Minilight wheels, and I said to myself when I get round to renovating my car those are the wheels for me. One little personal touch that (I believe) complement the looks, without being over the top. Am not expecting any Mot issues. By the way your wheels look great.

[Derek UK]

What part of the suspension or anything is touching the wheel? Picture? Sometimes you can safely give the part that touches a quick buzz with the grinder. It's often the corner of a calliper but being a PV that's probably not the case unless you have converted. Whatever route you go you should have at least 2 threads protruding from the wheel nuts. Change for longer ones if that isn't the case. A 4-5mm spacer isn't the end of the World but the PV suspension is a very old design so altering things best avoided. But, for the road it should be OK.

[Salop Farmer]

Well Derek to be shamefully honest I have not yet mastered the uploading of photos to this site. Hopefully really soon as I have quite a few pics of my rebuild. The area the inner rim rubs is the point at which the castor/camber adjuster clamp bolt passes through the king pin inner forging. I have never seen longer wheel studs available for sale. I will do a bit of research.