Nissan Bluebird bolt pattern: how to choose the right wheels and tires

Owners Nissan Bluebird sooner or later you have to deal with the need to replace wheels - be it a seasonal tire change, an upgrade of wheels, or a banal replacement of a damaged rim. But here the questions begin: what bolt pattern suitable for this model? Is it possible to install rims from other cars? How not to make a mistake with departure (ET) and central hole (DIA)? An incorrect choice can lead to vibrations, uneven tire wear, or even damage to the hub.

This article will help you understand all the nuances: from standard bolt pattern parameters Nissan Bluebird different generations to recommendations for non-standard disk sizes. We collected data for the models U12, U13, U14, U15 and others, including rare modifications. We’ll also tell you how to check the compatibility of wheels yourself and what to look for when buying used wheels.

What is a bolt pattern and why is it important for Nissan Bluebird

Bolt pattern (or PCD - Pitch Circle Diameter) is the diameter of the circle on which the holes for attaching the disc to the hub are located. For Nissan Bluebird this parameter varies depending on the generation and market. For example, Japanese versions often have PCD 4×114.3, while European modifications could be equipped 5×114.3.

But PCD is not the only critical parameter. Equally important:

• 🔧 Disc offset (ET) — distance from the mating plane to the center of the disk. Incorrect offset shifts the center of gravity of the wheel, increasing the load on the bearings.
• 🕳️ Central hole (DIA) — diameter of the seat on the hub. A hole that is too large will require centering rings.
• 📏 Disc width (J) — affects the choice of tire width and clearance in the arches.

Ignoring these parameters is fraught with:

• ⚠️ Vibration of the steering wheel at speeds over 80 km/h (even when balancing).
• ⚠️ Accelerated wear of ball joints and silent blocks.
• ⚠️ Difficulty passing technical inspection (if the discs are not certified for the model).

Nissan Bluebird bolt pattern by generation: parameter table

Wheel parameters for Bluebird varied depending on generation, engine and market. Below is a summary table for the most common modifications. Please note: the data is relevant for sedans and station wagons, but may differ for rare versions (for example, Bluebird Sylphy or Bluebird ARX).

Generation	Years of manufacture	Bolt pattern (PCD)	Departure (ET)	Center hole (DIA)	Standard disk size
U11	1983–1986	4×114.3	35–45 mm	66.1 mm	14×5.5J, 15×6J
U12	1987–1992	4×114.3	35–50 mm	66.1 mm	14×6J, 15×6.5J
U13	1992–1997	4×114.3 / 5×114.3 (for versions with SR20DET engine)	38–45 mm	66.1 mm	15×6.5J, 16×7J
U14	1997–2001	5×114.3	35–45 mm	66.1 mm	15×6.5J, 16×7J
U15 (JDM)	2001–2007	5×114.3	40–50 mm	66.1 mm	16×7J, 17×7.5J

⚠️ Attention: For models with all-wheel drive (Attesa E-TS) is only allowed ET 35–40 mm. Installing discs with offset ET < 35 will lead to contact with suspension elements when the steering wheel is fully turned.

If your Bluebird equipped with engine SR20DET or QR25DE, check the bolt pattern visually - there may be markings on the hub 5×114.3 even if the documentation indicates 4×114.3. This is due to the unification of the platform Nissan FF-S.

How to measure the bolt pattern on a Nissan Bluebird yourself

If you are not sure about the parameters of your car (for example, after swapping hubs or tuning the suspension), you can measure the bolt pattern yourself. You will need:

• 📏 Caliper or ruler with high accuracy.
• 🔨 Key for removing the wheel (if you remove the disk).
• 📐 Protractor (optional, for checking ET).

Step 1: Determining the number of holes

Count the mounting bolts on the hub. For Bluebird this is usually 4 or 5. If holes 5, but you see marks from 4 bolts - perhaps the previous owner used adapters (which is highly not recommended!).

Step 2: PCD Measurement

• For 4×114.3: Measure the distance between the centers of opposite holes (such as top and bottom). It must be 114.3 mm.
• For 5×114.3: Measure the distance between the centers of two adjacent holes and multiply by 1.051 (for 5 bolts). For example, if the distance 70 mm, then 70 × 1.051 ≈ 73.57 mm - this is incorrect, because it's correct PCD must be 114.3 mm.

Remove the wheel and clean the hub from dirt

Count the number of mounting holes

Measure the distance between the centers of the holes

Check the table for your Bluebird generation

Check departure (ET) and DIA compatibility-->

⚠️ Attention: Some sellers indicate PCD 4×100 as "universal" for Japanese cars. This incorrect for Bluebird! Installing disks with PCD 100 will only lead to 2 from 4 the bolts will be tightened correctly, but the rest will be skewed.

Compatibility of disks with other cars: what can be installed on Bluebird

If the original discs are for Nissan Bluebird It’s difficult to find (especially for older generations), you can consider analogues from other models. Main rule: bolt pattern, offset and center hole must match. Below is a list of compatible cars:

• 🚗 Nissan Primera (P10, P11) — 5×114.3, ET 35–45, DIA 66.1. Suitable discs from versions with engines SR20DE And QR25DE.
• 🚗 Nissan Almera (N15, N16) - only for 4×114.3. Discs from Almera Tino won't fit because of something else DIA.
• 🚗 Infiniti G20 (P10) - full compatibility with Bluebird U13/U14 in all respects.
• 🚗 Mitsubishi Lancer (CJ, CK) - only for 4×114.3, but verification required ET (y Lancer often crash 46 mm).

🔹 Partial compatibility (needs improvements):

• 🔧 Discs from Honda Accord (CB, CD) - matches PCD 4×114.3, but DIA 64.1 mm. Will be required centering rings thick 1 mm.
• 🔧 Discs from Toyota Corolla (E120, E130) - suitable for PCD, but crashes often ET 45–50, which can cause friction against the arches.

⚠️ Attention: Discs from Nissan Skyline (R32, R33) have PCD 5×114.3, but DIA 66.1 mm only for rear-wheel drive versions. For all-wheel drive Skyline central hole 66.4 mm, which is incompatible with Bluebird.

Recommended tire and wheel sizes for tuning Nissan Bluebird

Many owners Bluebird strive to improve appearance and handling through custom wheels. However, it is important not to overdo it: too wide rims or low-profile tires can lead to:

• 🚨 Touching the fender liners when fully loaded or on bumps.
• 🚨 Deterioration in comfort (the stiffness of low-profile tires is transferred to the suspension).
• 🚨 Problems with the odometer (changing the outer diameter of the wheel distorts the speedometer readings).

🔹 Safe options for tuning:

Generation	Max. rim width	Max. diameter	Recommended tire size	Notes
U12/U13	7.5J	17"	205/45 R17	Arches need to be rolled out (minimum)
U14	8J	18"	215/40 R18	Only for versions with SR20DET (reinforced suspension)
U15	8.5J	18"	225/40 R18	Short travel shock absorbers required

🔹 What is strictly not recommended:

• ❌ Disc diameter 19" and more - even with low-profile tires, they overload the wheel bearings.
• ❌ Disc width over 8.5J without modifying the arches, it will catch on the side members.
• ❌ Tires with a lower speed index H (even if they are cheaper).

How to check if the new wheel will hit the arch?

Remove the old wheel and install the new one (without tightening the bolts). Turn the steering wheel to its extreme positions and check the clearances. Also press the suspension from above - when fully loaded, the ground clearance will decrease by 3-5 cm. If the wheel touches, you will need to roll out the arches or select other parameters of the disk.

Common mistakes when choosing disks and how to avoid them

Even experienced car owners sometimes make mistakes when selecting wheels for Nissan Bluebird. Here are the most common of them:

1. Ignoring the center hole (DIA)
   

   If DIA disk is larger than that of the hub, the wheel will not be mounted in the center, but by bolts. This leads to beating and uneven tire wear. Solution: use centering rings made of aluminum (not plastic!).

2. Incorrect departure (ET)
   

   Installing disks with ET 20 instead of standard ET 40 moves the wheel outward, increasing the load on the wheel bearing. Consequences: hum when driving and reduction of bearing life by 2–3 times.

3. Buying discs without a certificate
   

   Cheap replicas of famous brands (for example, BBS or Enkei) often have hidden cracks or non-compliance with the stated parameters. Check disks for balancing machine before purchasing.

⚠️ Attention: If you are installing disks with PCD 5×114.3 on Bluebird U12 (where standard is 4×114.3), the hubs will need to be replaced! Simple adapters will not provide reliable fastening.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions about the Nissan Bluebird bolt pattern

Is it possible to install wheels with a 4x100 bolt pattern on a Bluebird U13?

No, it's unacceptable. The difference is PCD (114.3 mm vs 100 mm) will cause the bolts to be tightened skewed. Consequences: spinning wheels while driving or damage to the threads in the hub. The only solution is to replace the hubs with compatible ones (for example, from Nissan Micra K12, but this will require swapping the brake discs).

What is the maximum reach that can be installed on a Bluebird U14 with an SR20DET engine?

For U14 with SR20DET safe departure range - ET 35–42 mm. Installing disks with ET < 35 possible only with:

• Installation reinforced silent blocks of levers.
• Use stretch marks front suspension.
• Regularly check wheel bearing play (every 10,000 km).

Will 195/65 R15 winter tires fit on standard Bluebird U12 wheels?

Yes, but with reservations:

• 🔹 Standard size for U12 — 185/70 R14 or 195/60 R15.
• 🔹 Tires 195/65 R15 have larger outer diameter (by ~1.5%), which will distort the speedometer readings (the real speed will be lower than the displayed one).
• 🔹 When the car is fully loaded, it is possible grazing o fender liners.

We recommend checking the gaps using suspension compression test (press the wing from above and spin the wheel).

What should I do if, after replacing the disks, vibration appears at a speed of 100–120 km/h?

Causes and solutions:

1. Mismatch DIA → Install the centering rings.
2. Disc runout → Check on a balancing machine (tolerance: max 0.15 mm).
3. Uneven bolt tightening → Tighten crosswise to torque 90–110 Nm.
4. Damaged wheel bearings → Replacement of bearings (symptom: hum when turning).

If vibration remains, check disk geometry (hidden cracks after impacts are possible).

Can spacers be used to increase the track width on a Bluebird?

Technically yes, but with serious restrictions:

• 🔹 Thickness of spacers - no more 15 mm (otherwise the suspension geometry will be disrupted).
• 🔹 Material - only aviation aluminum (steel spacers rust and “stick”).
• 🔹 It is necessary to replace standard bolts with extended (minimum thread length - 30 mm).

⚠️ Attention: Spacers prohibited for cars with ABS! They displace the wheel speed sensor, which leads to system malfunctions.