Reasoning for a brands change in hub bolt pattern?

[Rhill]

Hi guys, its a weird question, but I thought would be an interesting one.

Does anyone know why a brand would consciously choose a lug pattern over another? Primarily wondering about Subarus choice to go to 5x114.3 over 5x100. Some models still have the old pattern, and some have gone to the 114.3 pattern.

The strength and packaging reasons seem almost non existent. Hub supply maybe?

Ryan

 

[fantastic]

Not sure good question

 

[skyactiv]

I think the bearings are a bit small and not as long lived on vehicles with 5X100 wheels vs the 5X114.3 The Subarus that use(d) the smaller wheel bolt pattern aren't known for having a long and happy wheel bearing life.

 

[SwampSurvivor]

I always hated random oddball bolt patterns. Like Ford's 4 and 5x 108. Makes finding junkyard wheels impossilble.

 

[nutdriver]

Seems that the slightly greater diameter of the bolt pattern will create a stronger clamping force. The 5x114.3 bolt patter is also popular on many Asian vehicles.

 

[Jetronic]

what is toyota using? Are those new bearings used in toyota products?

 

[Tomioka]

I always hated random oddball bolt patterns. Like Ford's 4 and 5x 108. Makes finding junkyard wheels impossilble.

Ford F150 7700 7 lug.

 

[Rhill]

Thanks guys, yeah some good points. From a clamping standpoint the extra 14mm or whatever it worked out to in terms of bolt circle diameter would make a big difference

Even the extra size in the bearing might help as well.

I know Subarus seem to have much sturdier bearings than they did....maybe the gradual switch to the larger bolt circle.

 

[D60]

They do it to piss me off. There's no good reason for it except like everything else: an engineer sitting at a computer who never has to service what he builds wants to put his mark on something.

GM's 5 on 4.75 annoys me. We already had 5 on 4.5 and 5 on 5 so hey, let's split the difference and do 5 on 4.75. THEN trailer manufacturers picked up on it so if you have a 5 lug trailer heaven help you.

 

[Rhill]

They do it to piss me off. There's no good reason for it except like everything else: an engineer sitting at a computer who never has to service what he builds wants to put his mark on something.

GM's 5 on 4.75 annoys me. We already had 5 on 4.5 and 5 on 5 so hey, let's split the difference and do 5 on 4.75. THEN trailer manufacturers picked up on it so if you have a 5 lug trailer heaven help you.

I can imagine that's really irritating....especially with 5-6-8.....bolt patterns to deal with

 

[supton]

Ford F150 7700 7 lug.

7 lug... what were they thinking?

My only guess: fleet sales? harder to fence something that literally will not bolt to anything else.

*

Personally I find it annoying. I wish Toyota just used the same between Camry and Corolla. Then I'd have wheels that swapped between them--how nice would that be? nope, this is one more way to shame those who bought the lesser car.

 

[eljefino]

Wheel weight capacities probably come in "classes" and you know how cars gain weight as they get re-skinned with new body styles.

Noone wants to make a low-capacity wheel in a heavy-duty lug pattern, they don't want the liability.

Subaru was overdue to get rid of their 5x100 pattern. You could make a heavy duty bearing with a small bolt pattern but automakers probably go to their suppliers for complete hub/ bearing/ brake combos and the suppliers will strongly hint that the cheapest best way is to do it the way so-and-so already does and has the tooling set up for.

Miatas are still 4x100, because they know their fan base already has aftermarket wheels they'd like to use, and Mazda's able to keep the weight off.

 

[D60]

I've also always wondered about the aftermarket wheels that look (pretty much exactly) like swiss cheese to accomodate multiple bolt patterns. Of course this has nothing to do with bearing size, but you'd think at some point the area where your lugnuts contact your wheel is kinda important.....

 

[SC Maintenance]

The wider the bolt circle diameter, the less shear force on the studs. Moment = force x distance. That and the larger bearing needs larger spacing are the technical reasons.

Why there are no standards and the OEM's continually come up with new ones is one of life's great mysteries.