17" wheels lack of fitment ... lesson learned
01-29-11, 08:05 AM
#1
Driver School Candidate
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17" wheels lack of fitment ... lesson learned
After doing some research, I realized our factory 18" wheel has 35 ET. I set out to look for some 16" or 17" wheels that are not too extreme so that I can run more sidewall on the tires as my wife is complaining how much harder the RX rides (this is after the dealer loaner car, which was an ES350). This was obvious, but she has made comments in the past, and it looked to be some concern among other RX owners.
Thought this would be a good opportunity to just get another set of wheels and tires to play around with. Rather than getting new, I thought of just getting some used wheels/tires on craigslist. Well, early this week, I found a killer deal on an almost new (3000 miles) set of 17x7.5, 45 ET black laced with chrome lip alloys wrapped with 235/65/17. Basically, it is about an inch taller, but doing the measurement, I was sure it would fit. The 45 ET was a little concerning, but thinking it should be fine.
Well, after about 20min fiddling with it, it looks like the front brake caliper is where the problem comes. In order to fit, I would need either a 5mm or probably a 10mm spacers now. I'll see if I can get away with a basic 1/4" (approximate 6mm) spacer from local auto parts this weekend. If not, has anyone had any luck in running 10mm spacers, and are they hub centric? I understand that anything with 10mm or more, I'll also need to get longer wheel studs, or just one of those spacers that comes with studs mounted.
As the title suggest, if buying used aftermarket, it's always a good idea to at least try on one of the wheel for the front. I know in this case, ET was a factor, but how the wheel was designed on the curvature where it's closes to the brake caliper also plays a part. After comparing to my other 2 vehicle (Toyota Tundra and Honda Odyssey), our RX really has some fat calipers.
Thought this would be a good opportunity to just get another set of wheels and tires to play around with. Rather than getting new, I thought of just getting some used wheels/tires on craigslist. Well, early this week, I found a killer deal on an almost new (3000 miles) set of 17x7.5, 45 ET black laced with chrome lip alloys wrapped with 235/65/17. Basically, it is about an inch taller, but doing the measurement, I was sure it would fit. The 45 ET was a little concerning, but thinking it should be fine.
Well, after about 20min fiddling with it, it looks like the front brake caliper is where the problem comes. In order to fit, I would need either a 5mm or probably a 10mm spacers now. I'll see if I can get away with a basic 1/4" (approximate 6mm) spacer from local auto parts this weekend. If not, has anyone had any luck in running 10mm spacers, and are they hub centric? I understand that anything with 10mm or more, I'll also need to get longer wheel studs, or just one of those spacers that comes with studs mounted.
As the title suggest, if buying used aftermarket, it's always a good idea to at least try on one of the wheel for the front. I know in this case, ET was a factor, but how the wheel was designed on the curvature where it's closes to the brake caliper also plays a part. After comparing to my other 2 vehicle (Toyota Tundra and Honda Odyssey), our RX really has some fat calipers.
02-16-11, 08:57 AM
#3
Offset is a key factor. If they are not equal, chances are the calipers will hit.
Offset is your ET?
Offset is your ET?
02-16-11, 09:30 AM
#4
You should get the 10mm spacers. The 2RX is picky with this. the oem Specs are 18x7.5 wide, it's just the offset at this point.
Also, i'd recommend buying some hubcentric spacers, as you already mentioned.
not to add insult to injury, but it doesn't hurt to browse tirerack for wheel specs before making impulse buys like in this case. Since these spacers are going to now run you ~120-200$ for all four... probably outweighing the 'savings' in the first place.
Worst comes to worst, just 'flip' them on craigslist in case spacers aren't your thing or not worth the hassle.
Also, i'd recommend buying some hubcentric spacers, as you already mentioned.
not to add insult to injury, but it doesn't hurt to browse tirerack for wheel specs before making impulse buys like in this case. Since these spacers are going to now run you ~120-200$ for all four... probably outweighing the 'savings' in the first place.
Worst comes to worst, just 'flip' them on craigslist in case spacers aren't your thing or not worth the hassle.
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