TECHNICAL GUIDE / 06

Differences Between Dummy Wheels and Hub Stands PLUS

Common Functions

Both Dummy Wheels and Hub Stands PLUS support the following operations:

• Vehicle support with tires and wheels removed
• Suspension adjustment in a 1G state
• Camber measurement and adjustment
• Toe measurement and adjustment
• Access to arms
• Re-measurement after setup changes
• Use in a home garage or at a circuit

Both are tools for measuring and adjusting alignment at the work site, without moving the vehicle to a shop's alignment tester.

The compatible inch size for toe measurement is determined by the specifications of the toe adjustment tool used, not by the Dummy Wheel or Hub Stand PLUS itself.

Simply knowing "what they can do" may not fully clarify the differences between the two products. The differences lie in their structure and measurement methods for achieving these functions.

Main Differences

Features of the Dummy Wheel

The Dummy Wheel is an alignment tool manufactured by machining the main body from aluminum. It supports both selection from standard sizes and custom dimensioning according to application.

The hub mounting section, camber angle measurement surface, and toe adjustment tool mounting section are machined on the same part, with no welded or assembled sections on the main body.

By avoiding displacement due to joining, thermal distortion due to welding, and cumulative tolerances of multiple parts constituting the main body, we maintain the most stringent control over the body's shape among our products.

The following specifications can be selected according to the vehicle and application:

• PCD
• Number of holes
• Bolt diameter
• Hub center height
• Color

The center bore is fixed at Φ73.2. If you need to center it according to the vehicle's hub diameter, please prepare a compatible aftermarket hub ring separately.

The hub center height can be selected from standard sizes, and custom dimensions can also be specified according to the tire size and application.

If the front and rear tire outer diameters differ, you can have different hub center heights for the two front and two rear wheels.

For more details on how to determine the hub center height, please refer to "How to Determine the Dummy Wheel's Hub Center Height."

If you wish to share it across multiple vehicle models, please provide the target vehicle models for individual compatibility checks.

The Dummy Wheel kit stores the main body and accessories in two carry-case-style toolboxes.

While the overall volume is larger, it is designed for transport as a pit tool, allowing for mobility and management with wheeled cases.

Features of the Hub Stand PLUS

The Hub Stand PLUS has a structure where machined steel plate parts and machined parts are assembled with bolts.

The laser-cut bottom surface of the main plate and the machined bottom surface of the roller mounting part are aligned and bolted together.

Instead of relying on bolt hole gaps or an operator's feel for positioning, machined surfaces are used as positioning references. Also, since welding is not used, thermal distortion during assembly does not occur.

While reducing manufacturing costs compared to the Dummy Wheel, it retains the necessary structure for alignment measurement and suspension adjustment.

The hub center height can be selected from standard sizes, and custom dimensions can also be specified according to the application.

The center bore is fixed at Φ73.2. If you need to center it according to the vehicle's hub diameter, please prepare a compatible aftermarket hub ring separately.

If you wish to share it across multiple vehicle models, please consult us before ordering.

The main body and accessories can be stored in one box, reducing storage volume compared to the Dummy Wheel. However, the entire box, including the surface plate and accessories, is heavy, so the configuration prioritizes storage over lightness.

Differences in Camber Measurement Surface

The Dummy Wheel has a dedicated angle measurement surface for placing a digital inclinometer.

Since the placement for the inclinometer is fixed, camber can be measured using the same surface as a reference every time.

Since the Hub Stand PLUS is made of steel, a digital inclinometer with a magnet can be directly attached near the hub.

There is no dedicated angle measurement surface; the operator chooses a convenient location near the hub for measurement.

Both support camber measurement, but the method of establishing the reference for inclinometer placement differs.

Differences in Manufacturing Method

The Dummy Wheel and Hub Stand PLUS employ different manufacturing methods according to their required performance and price.

The Dummy Wheel manages the positional relationship of the main body through integrated machining.

The Hub Stand PLUS combines steel plates and machined parts, using machined reference surfaces to position the components.

Neither uses welding, but they are not products aiming for the same shape management or price point.

The Dummy Wheel prioritizes main body shape management and specification flexibility. The Hub Stand PLUS balances maintaining necessary measurement and adjustment functions with initial cost, storability, and repairability.

For more details on how measurement references are created based on structure and manufacturing methods, please refer to "How Alignment Tools Create Measurement References."

Measurement Results Are Not Determined by the Product Alone

While the Dummy Wheel offers more stringent management of the body shape and inclinometer placement surface, this alone does not determine the final alignment measurement results.

The following conditions also influence the measurement results:

• Height and tilt of the four leveling plates
• Inclinometer and scale used
• Measurement and adjustment procedures

It's not that the Hub Stand PLUS cannot measure, or that using the Dummy Wheel automatically yields correct values.

It's necessary to distinguish between the importance of main body shape management and how the entire measurement environment is constructed.

For more details on the conditions affecting measurement results, please refer to "Reference, Rigidity, and Measurement Conditions that Affect Measurement Results."

Choose According to Your Application

The Dummy Wheel is suitable when prioritizing dedicated design based on vehicle specifications and strict control of the body shape. The Hub Stand PLUS is suitable when a wide range of specification compatibility is not required, and you want to set up a measurement environment with an accessible price and configuration.

Choose Based on Required Specifications, Not Just Price

The Dummy Wheel and Hub Stand PLUS are not simply a higher-end and lower-end product in terms of price.

They are products with different priorities regarding main body structure, shape management, inclinometer mounting method, specification compatibility range, storability, and initial cost.

If you prioritize main body shape management, a dedicated angle measurement surface, and a wide range of specification compatibility, the Dummy Wheel is suitable.

If you prioritize initial cost, storage in one box, and ease of introduction, the Hub Stand PLUS is suitable.