i have had 3 sets of rims on mine, all the same offset, and 2 sets hit the calipers and one never.
the jazz has a strange thin edge on the caliper which hits the X FACTOR ( wheel jargon ) in the back of the rim.
this is the bit where the face of the rim that bolts against the hub, meets the spokes etc, if the angle of this bit is too big, it will hit the caliper.
some small washers between the rim and the hub ( over the wheel studs ) solved the problem, without going too thick with spacers.
really its better to take a few mm off the casting of the caliper. It will not affect the caliper in any way. I've done this before and it works perfect.
Using spacers or washers your compromising the tension of how the wheels sit. DOn't forget you've got close to a ton riding on your wheels (and your life). If you hit a pothole and the spacer/washer breaks, then your wheels will be unbalances and could cause crashing. You life your risk but i wouldn't do it.
In my opinion correctly installed spacers are not too bad. By correctly installed I mean using longer wheel studs to suit and using a hubcentric ring to locate the wheel on the hub. The problem with spacers, is if they are not hubcentric, the wheel studs are loaded in shear which they are not designed for but I think they safety issue is overstated somewhat and if installed correctly you should not have a problem.
Be aware that spacers are illegal though and if caught you will get defected.
THe best option is obviously to get wheels with the appropriate offset and spoke design to clear the brake caliper. I would also be hestant to start machining metal off the caliper..whilst it maybe OK in some cases you are treading a fine line.
Originally Posted by kyle
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