Are they necessary? Why are they installed in the first place? I'm about the swap over to some winter wheels and tires, and the retaining rings on two of the wheel studs seem to prevent the wheel from sitting flush against the hub (really close though, but I'd like it to be perfect). Is there any reason to pause for concern before cutting the retaining rings off?

 

I wouldnt imagine that it would cause any issues. I always remove them the first time I pull the wheels off of a new vehicle and I have never had any issues. I believe that they are only there to hold the rotors in place as the car is being assembled at the plant. Maybe someone else can chime in with their knowledge.

 

I don't know for sure if they're necessary... but when I changed my rotors to drilled/slotted ones I put the rings back on just to be safe.

 

Not necessary. Only there for plant production.

The lug nuts are what hold the wheel and brake rotor in place.

 

anytime i've changed rotors on my current car or others, I never use the clip and have never had a problem.

 

Thanks for the input guys. Other sources have said the same thing, that they're just installed to make assembly easier at the factory, and can be removed without any problems.