Steel wheels hub centric? Options

[Stltri]

Are the OEM steel wheels hub centric? I am thinking of going with steels (cheaper and I think classier option) to replace my aftermarket EMPI 8-spoke wheels which are difficult to balance and "center" on my hubs (1974). I have tried the EMPI cone lug bolts (using the recommended sequential "star" pattern tightening technique) as well without luck. The tire center has tried rebalancing three times now using their Hunter machine. They said wheels are straight. The tires are all new. Alternatively, they recommended custom hub centering rings since they think the EMPI's are not sitting center on the hub.

[Superhawk996]

FYI - you will not find better rim runout in a stamped steel wheel vs. aluminum due to the nature of the manufacturing process.

The advantage you may find on a steel wheel is that they actually have more wheel runout. This can be used to your benefit IF and ONLY IF you have a tire shop that knows what they are doing.

As mentioned in the match mount video posted above, the higher runout can be used to offset higher tire radial forces. Tire requires use of a road force machine and a Tech that actually knows what he's doing and cares to do it properly.

Many low end tires have R1H (Radial 1st Harmonic) forces that can be quite high.

Here's a little known fact of the aftermarket tire industry. Many of the the tires that go into the aftermarket for service are actually tires that don't meet Automotive OEM specifications for R1H or other key characteristics. Off brand tires are usually even worse.

The 1st set of tires that come on a new car are likely to be the best tires it will get in its life (as far as R1H, balance, Conicity, etc. are concerned) Going back and buying the same OEM spec tire will likely get you a tire that isn't quite up to OEM spec. Not to say they will be outrageously bad, but they won't be quite as nice as that 1st day off the showroom lot. Not true in 100% of cases, but true more often than not.