Can a Trailer Wheel have a Larger Center Hole than the Hub

Updated 02/18/2013 | Published 02/15/2013

Question:

is the hub od 4.71 and wheel id is 4.778 this is too loose correct?

asked by: Hal

Expert Reply:

There are 2 different ways that a wheel secures to a hub. Either it secures to the hub using lug nuts or it secures to the wheel with wheel bolts.

Wheels that attach using lug nuts can have a larger pilot hole because the wheel is centered using the lug nuts. The pilot hole cannot be smaller on the wheel though.

If the wheel secures using lug bolts then it has to be an exact fit because the wheel centers on the hub itself and the bolts just hold it in place. If you do have this type of wheel and are off by 0.068 inches (a little over 1-1/6 inches) I would recommend something a little more snug.

expert reply by: Michael H