Problem Fitting Aftermarket Wheels

[mkn23]

So I picked up a used set of wheels, Rays Gram Lights 18x7.5 +47 with 245s all round for a good price but I'm having fitment issues. Tire clearance is perfectly fine but actually fitting the wheels on isn't.

To my knowledge the stud pattern is 5x114.3 so the rears fit fine apart from my lug nuts which don't seem to fit or lock, correct me if I'm wrong but we can't use OEM nuts and the thread pattern is 12x1.25? And I got the Rays Dura Aluminium for like $50, probably replicas but I don't mind (unless that's the reason they won't lock on properly).

The front rotors have this extra half stud thing, did a bit of research and it looks like it's in the place of the rotor lock down nut, the rear rotors have a flat bolt/screw that is flat on the plate whereas the fronts in the same area is protruding outwards.

Just wondering if you guys have any solutions before I hassle my mechanic with changing my tires...

Cheers guys

[Lakes101]

Take some pics of the rotor hats and studs to help us help you. And yep I reckon the issue is with the cheap knock off lug nuts you bought. I have used cheap ones before on my first car and never again they stripped the threads as they are weak and the thread pitch is not correct and off centre, which lead to loosing a rear wheel around a corner!! Not fun stay away from cheap lug nuts mate as I learned they literally have your life riding on them

[Nightcrawler]

Why on earth would you buy such evil offset wheels? The rears will actually sit another 6mm further inside the guards than even stock wheels . People normally put on wheels with 50mm wider track to give the car some stance - not actually fit worse offset wheels. These will look beyond shit, I am sorry to tell you. I would be checking your strut clearance, especially on the rear - I wouldn't be surprised if they are hitting, and that is what is causing your fitment issues.

[niZmO_Man]

Sell the wheels, buy something with better fitting specs.

Oh, and you might need these

[mkn23]

Not really going for the stance look, if I wanted I could just run some spacers maybe but they're my first non OEM wheels for cheap so I'm not fussed. Fronts are +45 and rears are +50, so I assumed +47 would be suitable in the middle of the two.

I'll give it another shot tonight with some more tools (and sleep) and take some pictures.

Any recommended lug nut brands? Not looking to fork out huge amounts of money but a reliable and decent looking set would be nice. And also would it better to be open ended or close ended?

[GH05T]

if I wanted I could just run some spacers maybe but they're my first non OEM wheels for cheap so I'm not fussed.

get fussed, its more important that you realise, it will look arse, track worse and be less safe than stock aswell as illegal.

im not the nanny police when it comes to wheels but your actively taking a step backwards for no viable reason.

[mkn23]

So after further research, the half nut out front is just a dummy nut removable with the right tools and effort.

And I've decided to run 20mm bolt on spacers all round, would that make the fitment 'decent'?

[Ben C34]

Spacers are illegal in Australia.

[colin.ssc]

So after further research, the half nut out front is just a dummy nut removable with the right tools and effort.

And I've decided to run 20mm bolt on spacers all round, would that make the fitment 'decent'?

You'll be fine. Just make sure the spacers are done properly and redone after driving a few hundred kms.

I run 25mm front and 20mm rear with OEM wheels. Yes they are probably illegal but most mods are illegal unless you get a certificate.

[mkn23]

You'll be fine. Just make sure the spacers are done properly and redone after driving a few hundred kms.

I run 25mm front and 20mm rear with OEM wheels. Yes they are probably illegal but most mods are illegal unless you get a certificate.

which brand spacers did you get?

Spacers are illegal in Australia.

everything fun is illegal in Australia.

[Nightcrawler]

If you have an accident and they realise you have spacers on (which they WILL) your insurer will not pay you a single cent, as you have contravened all laws by running spacers. Plenty of people do it, but be warned.

Just buy the correct offset wheels and be done with it.

[colin.ssc]

which brand spacers did you get?

H&R trak+ drm

Yes please be aware it is illegal and insurers can try screwing you over for using them.

I am just sharing what I use and it is for me personally and whatever you take out of it is your responsibility and i will not be responsible for anything that happens.

[niZmO_Man]

7.5" wide wheels with 245 tyres? Aren't the OEM wheels 8.5"?

[colin.ssc]

OEM 7.5" front 8.5" rear and 245 will fit 7.5" wheels legally....at least i think it should

[mkn23]

yup...i know, not the best fitment and probably an impulse buy..

but hey, learning curves, i'll make these fit eventually

Edited July 29, 2015 by mkn23

[nickcorr]

OEM 7.5" front 8.5" rear and 245 will fit 7.5" wheels legally....at least i think it should

Do on my V36 sedan.....

[colin.ssc]

Do on my V36 sedan.....

mine too

[Lakes101]

For spacers and nut go here mate!! http://www.gktech.com/index.php/products/#36

[mkn23]

Update:

I've fitted the wheels and nuts and it looks okay...bit tucked in so I'll be going with the 25mm spacers from gktech

At first the fronts were making a strange noise but I tightened the nuts and it was all good but the rears eventually made a rubbing, squeaking noise every time I braked, checked the rotors and it seemed something on the pad was somehow scratching the rotor, brought to the mechanic right around the corner because I my normal mechanic was booked out till next week and the guy said it just needed to be machined again as it was done properly, so I just let him do his thing to get it over and done with. Picked it up the next morning, the guy said he fit a smaller spacer (wot? didn't realise there was a spacer) to fix the noise but there was some noise still evident but he just said it just needed to be bedded in so off I went and with more driving the noise got louder so now I'll be leaving it on Monday to see what the issue is.

And before I went to the mechanic, I put my stock rears back on and the same sound could be heard so it wouldn't be the wheels.

Here's a pic

Edited August 1, 2015 by mkn23

[Ben C34]

What the f**k.