Selection of rims for Nissan Laurel - a task that requires attention to detail. Error in drilling parameters (PCD) or departure (ET) can lead to vibrations, accelerated wear of wheel bearings, or even the inability to install the wheel on the car. This is especially true for owners of classic models C33, C34 And C35, where the original discs have long gone out of production, and there are dozens of analogues on the market with different characteristics.

In this article we will not only provide the exact drilling parameters for all generations Laurel, but we’ll also figure out how to choose the right disks, taking into account the width, diameter and central hole (DIA). We will separately dwell on the nuances of installing non-standard sizes, compatibility with brake systems of various modifications and typical mistakes that car owners make. If you are planning to purchase new disks or want to check the compatibility of existing ones, here you will find all the necessary information, including correspondence tables and practical tips.

What is drilling and why is it important for Nissan Laurel

Drilling (or PCD — Pitch Circle Diameter) is the diameter of the circle on which the holes for attaching the disk to the hub are located. For Nissan Laurel this parameter is critical, since even a minimal mismatch (for example, an attempt to install a disk with PCD 114.3 instead of PCD 100) will cause the bolts to not fit into the holes or the disc to be unevenly secured. The consequences of such “tuning” range from the steering wheel beating at speed to the destruction of the hub.

Besides PCD, when selecting disks for Laurel need to consider:

  • 🔧 Departure (ET) — the distance from the mating plane of the disk to its center. An incorrect offset shifts the center of gravity of the wheel, increasing the load on the suspension.
  • ⚙️ Center Hole (DIA) — diameter of the mounting hole for the hub. If it is less than required, the disc will not fit; if more, adapter rings will be required.
  • 📏 Disc width and diameter — affect compatibility with tires and body arches. For example, on Laurel C34 wheels were installed from the factory 6.5Jx15, but many owners put 7Jx16 or even 8Jx17.

Particular attention should be paid to models with all-wheel drive (Laurel 4WD), where drilling parameters may differ from front-wheel drive versions. Also

📊 What type of wheels do you prefer for Nissan Laurel?
  • Cast
  • Forged
  • Stamped
  • Replicas of the original

Official drilling parameters for all generations of Nissan Laurel

Below is a table with factory drilling parameters for the main generations Nissan Laurel. The data is relevant for sedans and station wagons, including modifications with different types of drive. Please note that for some special versions (eg Laurel Altima or Laurel Spirit) parameters may vary.

Generation Years of manufacture PCD (drilling) ET (reach), mm DIA (central hole), mm Wheel width, inches Disc diameter, inches
C32 1989–1993 5×114.3 35–45 66.1 5.5–6.5 14–15
C33 1993–1997 5×114.3 35–45 66.1 6.0–7.0 15–16
C34 (before restyling) 1997–1999 5×114.3 35–45 66.1 6.0–7.5 15–17
C34 (after restyling) 1999–2002 5×114.3 38–45 66.1 6.5–8.0 16–18
C35 2002–2004 5×114.3 38–45 66.1 6.5–8.0 16–18

Important: For all-wheel drive (4WD) models, the permissible offset (ET) may be 5–10 mm less than front-wheel drive versions. This is due to the design features of the drive shafts.

If your Laurel equipped with a sports suspension or a modified braking system (for example, calipers from Skyline), drilling parameters remain the same, but the disc diameter may need to be increased to accommodate larger brake discs. In such cases, popular sizes 17×8.5 or 18×9 with departure ET35.

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Before purchasing discs with a non-standard offset, check the clearance between the inside of the disc and the shock absorber or spring. To do this, temporarily install the disk and turn the steering wheel to its extreme positions.

How to measure the drill hole yourself on a Nissan Laurel

If you are not sure about the parameters of your car or buy used wheels without documentation, you can measure the drilling yourself. To do this you will need a caliper or ruler. Here are the step-by-step instructions:

  1. Remove the wheel and clean the hub from dirt.
  2. Measure the distance between the centers of two adjacent bolt holes (let's call it A).
  3. For 5-hole discs (like Laurel) multiply the resulting value by 1.701. For example, if A = 70 mm, then PCD = 70 × 1.701 ≈ 119 mm. However for Nissan Laurel standard value - 114.3 mm, so if there are deviations, check the accuracy of the measurements.
  4. To check the center hole (DIA) measure the diameter of the seat on the hub.

An alternative way is to use special drilling templates, which are sold in auto stores. They are plates with holes for different PCD and allow you to quickly determine compatibility.

Measure the PCD and DIA on the hub|Check the offset (ET) with the recommended values|Check the compatibility of the wheel width with the tires|Make sure there is no contact between the disk and the brake calipers|Check the clearance between the disk and the arch when the vehicle is fully loaded-->

Please note: on some models Laurel (especially after tuning) hub adapters can be installed, changing PCD. In this case, the parameters need to be measured on the adapters themselves, and not on the hub.

Wheel compatibility with other Nissan and Infiniti models

Thanks to the unification of platforms, drives from some models Nissan And Infiniti suitable for Laurel without modifications. This is true if you are looking for original wheels or want to save money on buying used options. Below is a list of compatible models:

  • 🚗 Nissan Skyline (R32, R33, R34) - full compatibility PCD 5×114.3 And DIA 66.1. However, the departure (ET) may differ: Skyline often used ET20–30, which requires checking for Laurel.
  • 🚙 Nissan Cedric/Gloria (Y31, Y32, Y33) - identical drilling parameters, but the width of the disks can be larger (up to 9J).
  • 🚖 Infiniti I30/J30 — the discs fit all parameters, but often have a more “premium” design.
  • 🚘 Nissan Maxima (A32) - compatible discs with PCD 5×114.3, but there may be a crash ET40–45.

When choosing disks from other models, consider not only drilling, but also:

  • 🔩 Bolt thread - on Laurel used M12×1.25 (bolt length - 27–30 mm).
  • 🛑 Clearance for brake calipers - on Skyline GT-R or Cedric Larger brakes may require larger internal diameter discs.
  • ⚖️ Disc weight — forged or cast wheels from sports models may be heavier, which will affect the dynamics.
⚠️ Attention: Discs from Nissan 350Z or 370Z, despite the similar PCD, not suitable for Laurel due to another departure (ET15–25) and a large central hole (DIA 66.1, but adapter rings are required).

Common mistakes when choosing disks for Laurel and how to avoid them

Even experienced car owners sometimes make mistakes when selecting wheels. Here are the most common mistakes and how to prevent them:

  1. Ignore departure (ET). Many people think that if PCD matches, then the disk will fit. However, an incorrect departure leads to:

    • 🔄 Accelerated wear of wheel bearings.
    • 🚗 The wheel “bulges out” (the track increases, which is prohibited by traffic rules).
    • 🔧 Contact of the disc with the suspension elements when turning.

Solution: Always check ET with the compatibility table or use the offset calculator.

  • Purchasing drives with the wrong DIA. If the center hole is larger than the one on the hub, the disc will mount off-center, causing runout. A smaller diameter will not allow you to put on the disc.

    Solution: use adapter rings (hubs) for drives with large DIA.

  • Disk width not taken into account. Discs that are too wide (e.g. 9J on Laurel C33) may touch the arches or require the wings to be rolled out.

    Solution: Stick to the recommended width or check clearances using a test setup.

    • Another common problem is buying replicas of low-quality original discs. Such discs may have inaccurate geometry, which will manifest itself in the form of vibrations at speeds above 100 km/h. To avoid this, buy discs from trusted manufacturers (for example, Enkei, BBS, Rays) or order original spare parts using the vehicle's VIN code.

    What to do if the disc does not fit on the hub?

    If the disc does not fit on the hub due to the small DIA, it can be bored out on a lathe (but this will weaken the structure). If the problem is with the bolts (they don't fit into the holes), check the PCD - perhaps the drive is from a different model. As a last resort, use eccentric bolts, but this is a temporary solution.

    Recommendations for selecting tires for rims on Nissan Laurel

    Choosing the right tires is just as important as choosing the wheels. Inconsistency between the width or profile of the tires and the parameters of the rim impairs handling and increases the risk of aquaplaning. Below are recommendations for the most popular disk sizes on Laurel:

    Disk size Recommended tire size Minimum profile, % Notes
    6.5Jx15 205/60 R15 50 The best option for urban use.
    7Jx16 215/50 R16 or 205/55 R16 45 Suitable for a sporty driving style.
    8Jx17 225/45 R17 or 215/40 R17 40 Requires checking the gaps in the arches.
    8.5Jx18 235/40 R18 35 Only for modified suspensions.

    When choosing tires, consider:

    • 🌧️ Seasonality — for winter, choose tires with a speed index of at least Q (up to 160 km/h) and soft rubber composition.
    • 🚘 Load Index - for Laurel minimum index 91 (615 kg per wheel).
    • 🔄 Direction of the drawing — asymmetrical or directional tires improve water drainage, but require proper installation.

    For owners Laurel with all-wheel drive (4WD) it is recommended to install the same tires on all wheels to avoid imbalance in the transmission. Differences in tread or pressure between axles can cause differential failure.

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    When installing non-standard tire sizes (for example, 225/45 R17 instead of 205/60 R15) be sure to adjust the speedometer readings as the outer diameter of the wheel changes.

    Where to buy wheels for Nissan Laurel: original vs analogues

    Find original disks for Nissan Laurel (especially for models C32 And C33) today is difficult, but possible. Here are the main options:

    • 🏠 Official Nissan dealers — they can offer original wheels by VIN code, but the price will be high (from 15,000 rubles per disk).
    • 🌍 Japanese online auctions (For example, Yahoo! Auctions Japan or Rakuten) - they often sell used original wheels in good condition. Cost: 5,000–12,000 rubles. per disc + delivery.
    • 🔧 Specialty stores (For example, TireRack, DiscounTire) - offer analogues from well-known brands (Konig, OZ Racing) with compatibility guaranteed.
    • 🔄 Used market - on Avito or Drom.ru you can find discs from Skyline or Cedric, but careful checking of the geometry is required.

    When purchasing analogues, pay attention to:

    • 📄 Certification - discs must be marked JWL (Japanese standard) or TÜV (European).
    • ⚖️ Weight — lightweight wheels improve dynamics, but may be less durable.
    • 🎨 Design - replicas of original disks (for example, Nismo) often look better than stamping, but check the quality of the paint job.
    ⚠️ Attention: When purchasing discs from Japanese auctions, check to see if they have been in an accident. Damaged disks (even after repair) can crack under stress.

    If you are planning tuning, pay attention to wheels from Work, WedsSport or Volk Racing — they offer models with an aggressive design and a wide range of offsets. However, be prepared for the fact that such disks can cost 2–3 times more than standard ones.

    FAQ: Frequently asked questions about drilling Nissan Laurel

    Is it possible to install disks with 4x114.3 PCD instead of 5x114.3?

    No, this is not possible without using adapters, which is highly not recommended. Adapters change the load on the hub and can lead to an emergency. Discs with 4×114.3 (for example, from Mazda or Subaru) are incompatible with Laurel.

    What is the maximum disc diameter that can be installed on a Laurel C34 without modifications?

    On a standard suspension, the maximum diameter is - 18 inches with tires 225/40 R18. To install 19–20 inches you will need to reduce the ground clearance (spacers or springs) and roll out the arches.

    What happens if you install wheels with an offset of ET20 instead of ET40?

    The disc will move outward, resulting in:

    • Increasing the track (may be prohibited by the traffic police).
    • Increased load on wheel bearings.
    • Possible contact of the tire with the arch when fully loaded.

    The permissible deviation of the offset is ±5 mm from the factory value.

    Will wheels from Nissan Skyline R34 fit Laurel C34?

    Yes, but with reservations:

    • Sverlovka (5×114.3) and DIA (66.1) match.
    • Departure (ET) on Skyline often ET20–30, which is less than Laurel (ET35–45). This will require the use of spacers.
    • The width of the discs can be greater (up to 9–10J), which will cause problems with the arches.
    Do I need to balance the disks after installation?

    Yes, balancing is required even for new disks. An unbalanced wheel causes vibrations in the steering wheel and accelerates wear on the suspension. On Laurel It is recommended to carry out balancing every 10,000–15,000 km or after a strong impact (for example, falling into a hole).