When it comes to upgrading or replacing wheels on your Subaru Forester, one of the most crucial details you need to understand is the bolt pattern. The bolt pattern is an essential measurement that ensures the wheels you purchase fit your vehicle securely. In this guide, we will explain everything you need to know about the subaru forester bolt pattern, including its importance, how to measure it, and how it affects your wheel and tire choices.
Understanding the Subaru Forester Bolt Pattern
The Subaru Forester, a popular compact SUV, is known for its reliability, versatility, and solid performance. Whether you’re looking to replace your tires, install custom wheels, or upgrade your ride, it’s important to know the correct bolt pattern for your Forester. The bolt pattern refers to the number of bolts on the wheel and the distance between them. This pattern determines whether the wheels you choose will fit your car, ensuring safe driving and preventing any issues with wheel alignment or attachment.
What is Bolt Pattern?
A bolt pattern consists of two key measurements: the number of bolts and the bolt circle diameter (PCD). The number of bolts tells you how many bolts are on the wheel, typically ranging from 4 to 8. The PCD, on the other hand, is the diameter of the circle formed by the bolts. It is measured in millimeters and tells you how far apart the bolts are from each other.
For example, a bolt pattern of 5×100 means the wheel has 5 bolts, and the diameter of the circle formed by the bolts is 100 millimeters. Understanding your vehicle’s specific bolt pattern ensures that the wheels you buy will be compatible with your Forester.
Subaru Forester Bolt Pattern: Common Specifications
The Subaru Forester typically uses a 5-lug bolt pattern. Most Forester models from various years use a 5×100 bolt pattern, but this may vary slightly depending on the specific year and trim. Let’s break it down:
1. 5×100 Bolt Pattern:
The most common bolt pattern for Subaru Foresters is 5×100, meaning there are five bolts, and the distance between them (the bolt circle diameter) is 100 millimeters. This is a standard bolt pattern used in many Subaru models, including the Subaru Impreza, Subaru Legacy, and others. If your Subaru Forester has this bolt pattern, you’ll want to ensure that the replacement wheels you purchase also feature the same pattern to ensure a proper fit.
2. 5×114.3 Bolt Pattern (For Some Models):
Some newer Subaru Forester models (especially those released after 2015) may have a 5×114.3 bolt pattern, which means the circle formed by the five bolts measures 114.3 millimeters in diameter. If your Forester is one of the newer models, it’s crucial to double-check the bolt pattern before purchasing new wheels, as the 5×114.3 pattern is used on other models like the Subaru Outback and the Subaru Crosstrek.
Why Bolt Pattern Matters for Your Subaru Forester
The correct bolt pattern is crucial when replacing or upgrading your wheels. If the bolt pattern doesn’t match, the wheel won’t bolt securely onto your vehicle, which can lead to dangerous driving conditions. A mismatched bolt pattern may cause the wheels to wobble, leading to poor performance, alignment issues, and even potential damage to the wheel studs or hubs.
When you’re looking for new wheels or tires for your Subaru Forester, it’s important to verify the bolt pattern first. Many online wheel and tire shops allow you to filter results by the vehicle make, model, and year, making it easier to find wheels that fit perfectly.
How to Measure the Bolt Pattern for Your Subaru Forester
If you’re unsure about the bolt pattern of your Subaru Forester, you can measure it yourself. Here’s how:
- Count the Number of Bolts: Look at your current wheels to determine how many bolts are on the wheel. This will usually be 5 bolts on most Forester models, but older models may have a different number.
- Measure the Bolt Circle Diameter (PCD): To measure the bolt circle diameter, you need a measuring tape or caliper. The easiest way to measure is to use the “two bolt” method:
- Measure the distance between the center of one bolt to the center of the bolt directly across from it.
- Multiply that number by 2 to get the bolt circle diameter.
For example, if the measurement between the bolts across from each other is 50mm, you would multiply by 2, giving you a 100mm diameter, meaning your bolt pattern is 5×100.
Choosing the Right Wheels for Your Subaru Forester
Once you’ve confirmed the bolt pattern for your Subaru Forester, you can start looking for wheels. But bolt pattern isn’t the only measurement you need to consider when choosing new wheels. Other factors include:
- Wheel Diameter and Width: The diameter and width of the wheel affect how the tire fits and how your Forester drives. For example, a wider wheel may give your Forester a more aggressive stance, but it may also affect handling or tire selection. You can typically find the recommended wheel size for your specific model in the owner’s manual or consult with a professional at an auto shop.
- Offset: The offset refers to the position of the wheel’s hub mounting surface in relation to the centerline of the wheel. The offset impacts the way the wheel sits on the vehicle, affecting the vehicle’s stance, handling, and even clearance. A high offset pulls the wheel inward, while a low offset pushes it outward. Ensure that the wheels you choose have the correct offset for your model year.
- Center Bore: The center bore is the diameter of the hole in the center of the wheel that fits around the hub of your vehicle. It’s essential to ensure that the center bore of your new wheels matches the hub diameter of your Subaru Forester to avoid fitment issues. If the center bore is too small, the wheel won’t fit, while a larger center bore will require hub-centric rings to ensure the wheel is properly centered.
- Lug Nut Size: Make sure that the lug nut size for your new wheels matches the lug nut size of your vehicle. Subaru Foresters typically use 12mm x 1.25 lug nuts, but it’s always a good idea to verify the size for your specific model.
Common Wheel Sizes for Subaru Forester
Depending on the model year and trim level, Subaru Foresters may come with different stock wheel sizes. Common wheel sizes for the Subaru Forester include:
- 15 inches (for older models)
- 16 inches
- 17 inches (common for newer models)
- 18 inches (available on certain trims and options)
Be sure to check the size of your existing wheels or the specifications provided in the owner’s manual before purchasing replacements.
Aftermarket Wheels for Subaru Forester
If you’re looking to upgrade your Subaru Forester’s appearance or performance, aftermarket wheels are an excellent option. Aftermarket wheels come in a wide variety of designs, materials, and finishes, giving you the chance to personalize your ride. However, you need to make sure that any aftermarket wheels you buy have the same bolt pattern, offset, and center bore specifications as your Forester’s stock wheels.
How to Install Wheels on Your Subaru Forester
Once you have the correct wheels for your Subaru Forester, the installation process can be done by a professional or at home if you have the right tools and experience. Here’s a basic outline of the installation steps:
- Lift the Vehicle: Use a jack to lift the vehicle off the ground, ensuring that it is stable and secure before removing any wheels.
- Remove the Old Wheels: Use a lug wrench to remove the lug nuts holding the old wheels in place. Once all the lug nuts are removed, carefully take off the wheel.
- Install the New Wheels: Position the new wheel onto the hub and hand-tighten the lug nuts onto the bolts. Make sure the wheel is seated correctly and that the lug nuts are properly aligned.
- Tighten the Lug Nuts: Use a torque wrench to tighten the lug nuts to the manufacturer’s recommended torque specification. Be sure to tighten them in a criss-cross pattern to ensure even pressure.
- Lower the Vehicle: Once all the lug nuts are tightened, carefully lower the vehicle back onto the ground and recheck the lug nuts for tightness.
Conclusion
Understanding the Subaru Forester bolt pattern is essential when upgrading or replacing your vehicle’s wheels. By knowing the correct bolt pattern and other critical measurements such as wheel diameter, offset, and center bore, you can ensure that your new wheels fit your Forester securely and perform optimally. Whether you’re looking to enhance the style, performance, or durability of your ride, a proper wheel fitment is crucial to maintaining your vehicle’s safety and driving experience.
With the right information, you can confidently choose the best wheels for your Subaru Forester, keeping your vehicle in top shape and looking great on the road.