Failed Spidertrax spacer, there goes the wheel

[decker1]

I thought I would share my experience with spidertrax spacers for anyone who might be considering them. On my way back from camping going through a downward S-curve, the front driver-side spidertrax decided to loose the lugs and my wheel came right off; Good news is that (with removing the spacers) I was able to put my wheel back on and continue the 5 hour drive home. Aside from a bent fender does anyone have any recommendations on what to replace or fix? I dont feel too much of a difference driving. However I do notice a slight creaking/folding sound that I can only relate to a ball joint, which comes out on a turn or bump at high speed (like when getting off a highway).

Rotors will probably go, although I dont feel a difference in those either. All in all I got extremely lucky!

 

[WandaRunner]

Had the same thing happen to me. Except on freeway and it was passenger side. Apart from body damage: new rotor, lugs, re-alignment and was good to go.


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[unsub1]

Whoa.

 

[Vermilion]

Damn! These two posts make me want to consider taking mine off. The fact that the lugs just sheared off instead of the actual spacer coming off the hub is worrying.

 

[raycje5]

Of course I’m literally dropping my truck off at 10:30 tomorrow to get wheels,these spacers and lift. Dang.

 

[83Mule]

Consider that it isn't a ''Spacer'' issue........but a lug nut and stud issue. Likely something was loose and it cascaded into shearing the studs as the spacer is otherwise secure and undamaged. Even without spacers this same failure happens and it's from a loose lug or stretched stud. I would repair the spacer with fresh, quality studs and nuts and torque to 80lbs.

 

[snow junky]

Looks like it wasn’t the spacer at all. Looks like the studs snapped. What did you torque them to? I use cheap 2 in ebay spacer and never had a problem.


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[2016 4Runner SR5]

99.9% of the time these failures are user error. Overtightening the lugs causing them to snap. SpiderTrax makes a quality product. This happens all the time with cheap ebay junk but not SpiderTrax. Torque properly, check regularly, they will last forever.

 

[daxone]

All this sounds scary. Glad the rigs aren’t too badly damaged.


’14 White Trail,Ecotechne rack,XenonDepot HIDS,RSG sliders,6112,RCI skids

 

[jhguth]

factory studs are easy to stretch, there are failures even without spacers. a lot of FJ people upgrade their studs as a preventative measure.

 

[2016 4Runner SR5]

factory studs are easy to stretch, there are failures even without spacers. a lot of FJ people upgrade their studs as a preventative measure.

What studs are they using? Sounds like a worth while upgrade for those of us running bigger heavier tires.

 

[Busabos77]

Like what other members said. Possibly bolts were over torqued. Sorry to see the damage but glad you are safe.

 

[mrblah]

What studs are they using? Sounds like a worth while upgrade for those of us running bigger heavier tires.

arp lexus tire studs but prepare too pay a shiny penny.

I don't think upgrading your fasteners will prevent failure (i.e. overtorquing)

 

[2016 4Runner SR5]

arp lexus tire studs but prepare too pay a shiny penny.

I don't think upgrading your fasteners will prevent failure (i.e. overtorquing)

I remove by hand and torque by hand every time. 86 foot pounds

 

[adio3x]

I had my spidertrax spacers on for literally 8 years, never took them off or had to re-torque anything. Did you use red loctite & torque them to proper specs?

 

[pDubs]

The red loctite goes on the stock studs, which seems to have held fine though.

I have had 1.25 wheel spacers on for 3+ years, with no problems but I would be lying if I don't worry about it every once in a while.

 

[decker1]

Good replies! I did just have the breaks done so its possible they were over-torqued. But I didnt do it myself so I cant verify what it was torqued to. To the reply about making an insurance claim, I was considering it but I dont want a higher rate if I can fix it myself for under a grand or so. If airbags deployed most definitely. Side curtain air-bags go for about 1200 new

 

[2016 4Runner SR5]

Good replies! I did just have the breaks done so its possible they were over-torqued. But I didnt do it myself so I cant verify what it was torqued to. To the reply about making an insurance claim, I was considering it but I dont want a higher rate if I can fix it myself for under a grand or so. If airbags deployed most definitely. Side curtain air-bags go for about 1200 new

Always tell the person working on the truck to properly torque the spacers and have them put it in writing on the work order and receipt. As for airbags, insurance would total it for airbag deployment. Cost isn't worth it for them to fix it. Seen it happen to many times.

 

[decker1]

I had a accident a couple years ago on the trail (no collision) that ended with deployed side curtain airbags. Basically I just hit some rocky terrain and set them off somehow. Insurance did cover it and the bill ended up being about 11-12k.
But I consider that pretty lucky as you said it typically ends with a totaled vehicle

Always tell the person working on the truck to properly torque the spacers and have them put it in writing on the work order and receipt. As for airbags, insurance would total it for airbag deployment. Cost isn't worth it for them to fix it. Seen it happen to many times.

 

[bigbadpoppa]

If your messing around wheels and spacers.....hand torque them yourself and check on them regularly. Relying on others to do this for you is asking for trouble.