wheel offsets LAC

[Louis-Alain Richard]

> -----Message d'origine-----
> De : quattro-bounces at audifans.com [mailto:quattro-bounces at audifans.com] De
> la part de calvink at fastermac.net
> >
> > Maybe the explanation lies in these facts:
> >
> > 1- Offset exists only on wheels that are NOT zero-offset
> > (where the bolting flange is in the center of the tread)
> > 2- All RWDs (American cars until 1980) usually use
> > zero-offset wheels  3- FWD cars are an European invention
> > (since the 30s with Citroen) 4- FWD cars need positive
> > offset wheels so the load on the wheel bearings is in the
> > center of the tire tread and the CV joint is not too far
> > inboard.
> >
> > So, my guess is that European manufacturer needed the
> > offset for their FWD cars (and measured it in mm) but the
> > tire standards were already cast in stone (in inches, more
> > precisely).  Hence the dual standards of the automotive
> > wheels.
> >
> 
> And then, just to confuse things a little, the beat up
> Merkur XR4ti I have (in storage)is RWD but uses positive
> offset wheels like a front drive car. In fact, Focus and
> Contour wheels are a direct fit.
> 
> Calvin Krug

Here Calvin, your Ford is a RWD but it has an independent rear suspension
with CV halfshafts. So my theory is still valid, positive offset wheels are
mandatory for any car that has some CV halfshafts be it front or rear. 

Heck, newer American 4wd trucks have also positive offset wheels because
they now feature an independent front suspension.


Louis-Alain