Converting Noble Hubs

Converting Noble Hubs

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Discussion

RossoDiamante

Original Poster:

53 posts

107 months

Tuesday 5th January 2016
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In my initial search for a second set of wheels for my M400, I've discovered that the combination of diameter/width, offset, and 4 lugs seems to be unique to the Noble. Thus very few options for getting wheels. Wheels can certainly be made for the car custom, but it seems that could be upwards of $4K. I've seen the Braid wheels that are a bit more reasonably priced but very limited styles.

Was thinking about whether it could be practical to switch the hubs on the Noble to accept a somewhat more common wheel size opening up the possible selection of wheels going forward?

"Driven" offers the following observations:



Originally Posted by RossoDiamante
Are the stock wheel and tire sizes from a Rossion Q1 the same as the Noble M400?



Different bolt pattern. Q1 got the benefit of moving to 5 lug hubs. 5x120, IIRC.

Before you go on a searching frenzy, here's what you need to know about swapping hubs/bearings/trying to go to 5 lug:
1. You can swap your Noble 4 lug hubs for Q1 5 lug hubs. You'll also need the wheel bearings for the Q1 (Noble hub bore is 1.5354" while Q1 is 1.575"...so the wheel hubs from the Q1 are too big for the Noble bearings). I don't know what car the Q1 uses for wheel bearings and hubs (anyone know?).
2. Axles might work.
3. Rotors do not. You have two options: redrilling the rotors (not the best thing) or get 5 lug rotors from a Q1. NOT sure if they work in the Noble calipers.
4. Other options: finding a wheel bearing that fits in the noble knuckles (wheel bearing OD is 2.9528" with a depth of 1.4567").

Nobles can be fitted with Ford Contour SVT V6 bearings/hubs, despite a minor difference in hub bore from the factory hubs.


Can we have some discussion about a possible conversion? First of all, what would be the potential downsides to doing such a conversion assuming the parts can be sourced readily? What are the potential pitfalls and what are important considerations in selecting possible replacement parts and final design parameters?

I'm most curious about the Ford Contour SVT solution as I would assume those parts can be sourced easily?

limeylight

2 posts

151 months

Wednesday 6th January 2016
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Sounds like a nightmare. I'd just go with the BRAIDs. They are on everything similar so it must be a viable direction to head in.

What are the required specs?

RossoDiamante

Original Poster:

53 posts

107 months

Thursday 7th January 2016
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8.5J x 18 ET 23
10J x 18 ET 35

235/40/18
265/35/18