The test was performed to replicate the clamping forces generated on hub-piloted commercial vehicle wheel/hub assemblies. The test compared forces generated when using OEM-style flange nuts, and various wheel centering devices.
Testing was conducted by Braun Intertec, an independent testing facility, and paid for by Stempf Automotive Industries, Inc., the developer of Pilot Sleeve™ polyamide wheel centering inserts. The testing company compared polyamide wheel centering sleeves to some popular competitive products.
Specifically, a calibrated 500 ft/lbs. of torque was applied to a 22mm stud embedded with a strain gauge, simulating clamping forces securing a truck wheel to the hub.
This was done three times for an OEM-style flange nut, and three times for each wheel centering product tested. All data was then averaged for consistency.
Ultimately, these tests revealed that polyamide wheel centering inserts not only outperformed all tested competitive products, they were shown to improve clamping forces achieved by the OEM-style flange nut alone. These other tested products included; External Steel Centering Sleeves, and a variation of aftermarket Flange Nuts with an extended “skirt” that penetrates the wheel.
Polyamide wheel centering inserts are manufactured to be used with steel or aluminum commercial truck steer wheels, drive wheels and inside/outside dual wheels that use two-piece flange nuts. Made from a highly durable, non-corrosive polyamide, the sleeves correct for off-center wheel-to-hub alignment, which can lead to out-of-tolerance radial wheel runout. The patent pending, self-sizing design takes-up the gap between the 22mm wheel studs and the 26mm wheel mount holes, regardless of wheel condition.
As hub pilots lose original OEM tolerances over time, or become damaged, the wheel can become displaced from the original centered position on the hub. This can lead to out-of-tolerance radial wheel runout, resulting in increased tire wear, reduced fuel economy, driver fatigue, wheel clocking and even loosening of the lug nuts.
Polyamide inserts quickly mount over the 22mm studs, engaging the wheel mounting holes to correct for wheel-to-hub misalignment, re-centering the wheel to the hub.
For more information, visit https://pilotsleeve.com/