Offset and cracked axle
 

2013 Honda Accord Coupe V6 manual had new aftermarket rims put on that have offset of 35mm with no spacers versus OEM offset of 55mm. After 4,000 miles both front axles have cracks. Total mileage on the car is 17,000. Could the difference in offset have caused the axles to crack? After replacing the axles should spacers be added? We are getting different answers from dealer such as offset difference is not important to we aren't driving the car enough.

I would say the offset alone would not be the culprit. What size of wheels did you put on your car and how heavy are they?

18 x 8 and 26 pounds - the same size as the OEM rims

I don't think so either. And if they were a problem, it would be at the stub axles and hub bearings. My thought is a defect in the axles (not unheard of these days).

Thank you. Should we make sure spacers are added? We are not seeing any difference in handling or tire wear.

When you say "spacer" are you referring to a plate with holes in it for the wheel studs, or a hub ring which fits around the hub flange and fits inside the central bore of the wheel?

Plate with holes in it for wheel studs to correct for the 35mm offset replacing a 55mm offset rim.

If you're experiencing no rubbing or other clearance issues, then the plate is irrelevant; said another way, the offset will not impact the axles.

Thank you.

So was the cracking at the stub axle or in the long part of the axle inboard of the steering knuckles?

Spacers would not have helped; they go in the opposite direction anyway. Any spacer would have made your rims equivalent to an even lower offset.