A system designed to adapt a vehicle’s wheel mounting configuration from a stud-centered (stud pilot) system to a hub-centered (hub pilot) system. In a stud pilot setup, the wheel is centered by the studs protruding from the hub. Conversely, a hub pilot system centers the wheel using the central bore that fits snugly over a corresponding lip on the hub. This modification involves components that facilitate the change in centering method.
This adaptation offers potential improvements in wheel balance and reduced vibration. By precisely centering the wheel on the hub, the likelihood of wheel runout is minimized, contributing to a smoother ride and potentially extending the lifespan of tires and suspension components. The historical context often involves situations where aftermarket wheels, designed for hub-centric mounting, are used on vehicles originally equipped with stud-centric systems.