Centerbore

Centerbore refers to the central hole in a wheel that is designed to fit over the vehicle’s wheel hub. This bore serves to locate the wheel on the hub and to transfer radial loads from the wheel into the hub assembly. The bore diameter is wheel-specific and varies by vehicle and wheel design.

Wheels can be hub-centric or lug-centric. Hub-centric wheels have a center bore that matches the hub diameter, providing precise alignment and reducing reliance on lug nuts for centering. Lug-centric wheels rely on the lug nuts to center the wheel, which can introduce runout if the bore is not precisely matched. When the wheel bore is larger than the hub, a hub-centric ring or adapter may be used to fill the gap and achieve proper centering. If the bore is smaller than the hub, the wheel cannot be mounted on that hub without modification or non-standard hardware.

Practical considerations include verifying bore size when replacing wheels and determining whether a hub-centric ring is required for proper centering. Installation should follow the manufacturer’s torque specifications for lug nuts, and any rings or adapters must be compatible and properly seated. Poor centering can cause vibration, uneven bearing load, and accelerated wear. In cases of bore mismatch, consult wheel or vehicle manufacturers or a qualified technician to determine suitable wheels or adapters.