I bought an 01 Outback that came with 3 aftermarket rims (the ones with lots of holes) and no hub spacers.  I am hoping that is what is causing the bad shaking.  Getting the spacers today.

 

One wheel looks stock, however.  Is this bad for the drivetrain?  

 

There has been some groaning coming from the rear end that you only hear sometimes and then only while giving it gas.

 

I drained and refilled the rear diff yesterday.  (may have been a bit low, but hard to say. none dripped out when I pulled the top.)  Haven't heard it yet.

there can be multiple issues. The rims may be an improper offset and a tire(s) could be rubbing. Also, stress could be put on the wheel bearings. There could be -uh- centralizing? , problems if the center hole is not correct for the hub.

 

the main problem is rolling radius. If one or more tires are a different ACTUAL size, it can cause torque bind.

 

bottom line, you are right to be concerned about this and it needs to be investigated/corrected soon.

 

check ebay and maybe craigslist for rims. Try to confirm rims are hub centric for Soobs and have the proper offset. Make sure tires are the same brand/model/size and close to each other in wear.

Edited April 8, 201510 yr by 1 Lucky Texan

I have a choice today of paying $40 for spacers or $250 for tires and rims.  If I get the spacers for the aftermarket ones, and the tires are the same, do you thing that I would probably be good?

 

Or do I need to look further into the hub spacing?

could you take the spacers back for a refund if the problem remains?

 

what size TIRES are on the car now?

 

is there any jerkiness in a tight circle on dry pavement?

 

auto or stick?

Edited April 8, 201510 yr by 1 Lucky Texan

225 60r 16's all around

225 60r 16's all around

 

 

same brand and model and wear?

 

if so, you may have other problems unrelated to the wheel issue. (though of course, tires can have tread separation and rims can be bent/off-center)

Someone posted elsewhere on the forum that I can put rims from another subaru on there, as long as they are 16's.  Is that correct?  I have a guy trying to sell me 15's and telling me they will fit.  Also contemplating a trip to the junk yard to just get 4 stock rims.  Not a fan of these gorilla lug nuts.

others may know if 15 will fit. I'm gonna say there's better chance they won't - clearing the brake caliper would be the issue. bolt pattern,hub centric and offset are likely good. I'm just not sure.

 

is it hard to try one?

15s will fit. I took a stock set of 15 inch steels from an impreza and put them on my wife's 2000 Outback after she had a punctured sidewall on one of her tires.

In thinking this through, unless you have need of the spacers, it's probably best to try and get back to stock rims and tires. Those spacers put extra wear and tear on your bearings. Plus a good set of rims and tires on there will eliminate possibilities like tread seperation or bent rims.

I think if you tighten the lug nuts carefully enough, that is get one just seated, then the next in the star pattern, then the next, and let the lugs center the wheel you can center it with no centering ring.

 

You can also get shaking if there is corrosion on the rim where it faces the rotor, or on the rotor face.

 

YMMV.