The bolt pattern of the vehicle will tell you if the wheel will fit or not! There are fitment guides to save you. But at times, some vehicles go missing in those guides and things might get tougher from that place!
Then what are your plans? Do you know how to measure bolt patterns on rims perfectly? How to do it? Let’s tell you more about it!
Step by Step Measuring Bolt Patterns on Rims
Whenever it comes to measuring drop hitch, things are tough. But measuring bolt patterns on rims is easy, trust us! Here are two methods of doing so. If you have already measured the drop hitch, have a look at the best drop hitches available. And then come right back to measure the bolt patterns for adding new wheels!
Method 1: Bolt Pattern Measurement for Vehicles
So, here, we will discuss how to deal with the bolt pattern measurement for the vehicle you have. We will settle for the 4 lug vehicles, 6 lug vehicles, and 8 lug vehicles only. However, if you want to measure the bolt pattern for your 5 lug vehicle, skip to method 2. With this method, you can also learn how to measure bolt pattern 8 lug vehicles!
Step 1: Take off the Wheels
To measure the bolt patterns, you need a wheel, right? But you cannot measure it when the wheel is added to the vehicle. So, we recommend you to take off the wheel that is added to your car or truck. Go for the wheel at the rear. These are easier to measure. Usually, the rear wheels do not have a hub added to them. As a result, it gets less complicated to measure them by taking them off.
Step 2: Getting the Right Ruler
So now, you have already removed the wheel from the vehicle. The wheel is before you. All you need is to measure the bolt pattern. In this case, we recommend you get a tape measure for the measurement. If you don’t have that, a simple ruler will do the work. However, keep in mind that it can show 32nd’s of an inch. Otherwise, the measurement won’t be correct.
Step 3: Start the Measurement
The wheel is before you and also the tape measure/ ruler. It’s time to measure the bolt pattern. Get your hands on the inner portion of one stud. Name the inside portion of this stud A. Now, get your hands on the outside portion of the opposing stud and name it B.
All you need now is to measure the distance between A and B. Keep in mind that if you have 4 lugs or 6 lug vehicles, you have to settle for the opposing studs. On the other hand, if you have the 5 lug vehicle, you need to go for 2 studs that are next to each other.
Step 4: Discover the Bolt Pattern
Now that you have measured the amount C, you have to think about the P.C.D. It refers to Pitch Circle Diameter. It is necessary when it comes to measuring the 4 lug or 6 lug vehicles. The P.C.D or the bolt pattern diameter here is the distance you have just measured.
Check the measurement C once again and if it is 4.5 inches, you have to understand that the bolt pattern you have is 4 x 4.5. However, at times the measurement might not end in a quarter, half, or whole inch. What to do then? In that case, you have to measure in millimeters.
If C is 3 inches and 15/16ths of one inch, you should get your hands on measuring it in millimeters. And finally, the bolt pattern will be 4×1000. If you are planning to use the vehicle for towing, check out how to install a trailer hitch in some easy steps!
Note: In the case of 5 lug vehicles, you have to measure the distance and then get the 5-Lug P.C.D Chart. With this chart, you can understand the Actual Dimension in the 3 place decimal. Also, if you get your eyes on the chart, you will see the “Nearest 32nd of one inch.” Search for measurement C on the chart. You can easily get the 5-lug vehicle’s bolt pattern in this manner.
Once you are done with the rear wheel, you have to cross-check the measurement having a look at the front wheels too. It will help you to learn if both of the front and rear wheels have the same bolt pattern or not.
Method 2: Bolt Pattern Measurement for 5-Lug Vehicles
So, we already know that you have this 5-lug vehicle in your garage! Let’s tell you how to measure the bolt pattern for the 5 lug vehicles. Yes, the old-school rodders know how to do it. But if you don’t, you can take a look!
Step 1: Take off the Wheel
When it comes to how to find bolt pattern on the rims of a 5 lug vehicle, this method can do an incredible job for you. The first thing you need to do for this process is to take off the existing wheel. Well, in this case, we recommend you settle for the rear wheel. This one is easier to measure. As there is no hub in the way, it will be easier for you to deal with this one. Once you have removed the wheel, you can proceed to the next level.
Step 2: Measure the Distance
So, now, the wheel is before you. You have to start the measurement process. Get your hands on the middle part of one stud first. Let’s name this point A. Now, get the measuring tape and start from this point A. Now, you have to take it to the second stud.
Here, you have to be careful. In this process, you have to go to the outside of the second stud making sure that you have skipped a stud. Let’s name this point as B. All you need right now is to go through the distance between A and B and measure it in number. Name it as C.
Step 3: Discovering the Bolt Pattern
Once you get the number C, you are ready! This is the measurement of the bolt pattern. In this case, if you get to see 4 ½ inches, the bolt pattern you have is a 5 on 4 ½ or 5 x 4.5 and 5 x 114.3. There are other common bolt patterns available too. They are either 5 x 5 or 5 x 4.75. If you find that you need 33-inch tires, check out the best 33-inch tires for Jeep Wrangler! You will be proud of the fitment, we bet!
Wrap Up
Some people find it exhausting to measure the bolt pattern when in case, the process isn’t that tough. Especially, when it is a whole of the inch or quarter or half, it gets easy. In the case of the millimeters, you might be a little annoyed. If you can do it, bravo! If you still don’t like to take this pressure, just get a professional and let him measure it for you!
