Selection of rims for Nissan Bluebird - a task that requires precision down to the millimeter. Error in drilling parameters (PCD, ET, DIA) can lead to vibrations at speed, premature wear of the wheel bearings, or even the inability to install the wheel on the vehicle. This article will help you understand the nuances of drilling for all generations Bluebird - from classic models of the 1980s to modern versions.

We have collected current data on factory parameters, permissible deviations and compatibility with disks of other brands. We paid special attention unique feature of Bluebird U14 (1996–2001): its 5x114.3 PCD is often confused with 4x114.3, which leads to the purchase of incompatible disks. You will also find practical tips for checking drilling and answers to frequently asked questions from owners.

What is disc drilling and why is it critical for Nissan Bluebird

Disc drilling is a set of geometric parameters that determine their compatibility with the car. For Bluebird the key ones are:

  • 🔧 PCD (Pitch Circle Diameter) - the diameter of the circle on which the mounting holes are located. For most Bluebird this is 4×114.3 or 5×114.3.
  • 📏 ET (EinpressTiefe) — disc offset, measured in millimeters. Affects the width of the wheelbase and the load on the suspension.
  • ⭕ DIA — the diameter of the central hole must match the diameter of the hub or be larger (using adapter rings).

Mismatch of even one parameter leads to serious problems. For example, incorrect PCD will cause the disk to skew when tightening the bolts, and an incorrect ET will shift the center of gravity of the wheel, accelerating wear of bearings and rubber. Owners Bluebird Sylphy (B17) often experience steering wheel vibration due to the use of offset discs ET45 instead of recommended ET38–42.

⚠️ Attention: PCD discs 4×100 (for example, from Volkswagen Golf) look similar to 4×114.3, but incompatible! A difference of 14.3 mm will result in the bolts not being tightened evenly.

Drilling discs by generation Nissan Bluebird

Drilling parameters vary depending on generation and market. Below is a table with factory data for key versions:

Generation/Model Years of manufacture PCD ET (mm) DIA (mm) Bolt thread
Bluebird 910 (U11) 1983–1987 4×114.3 35–45 66.1 M12×1.25
Bluebird U12/U13 1987–1996 4×114.3 38–42 66.1 M12×1.25
Bluebird U14 1996–2001 5×114.3 35–45 66.1 M12×1.25
Bluebird Sylphy (G10/G11) 2000–2012 4×114.3 38–42 66.1 M12×1.25
Bluebird Sylphy (B17/B18) 2012–present 5×114.3 35–45 66.1 M12×1.5

Note the change in bolt threads in Sylphy B17/B18 - standard is now used M12×1.5, which requires replacing bolts when installing disks from older models. Also U14 stands out among others Bluebird five-bolt drill, which limits compatibility with drives from Toyota Camry or Honda Accord those years.

📊 What generation of Nissan Bluebird do you have?
  • U11 (1983–1987)
  • U12/U13 (1987–1996)
  • U14 (1996–2001)
  • Sylphy G10/G11 (2000–2012)
  • Sylphy B17/B18 (2012–present)
  • Other

How to measure PCD and ET on your own Nissan Bluebird

If you buy used wheels or are in doubt about the markings, you can measure the parameters yourself. For this you will need:

  • 📐 Caliper or ruler with high accuracy (up to 0.1 mm).
  • 🔩 Bolt or stud with thread to match your Bluebird.
  • 📝 Paper and pencil for notes.

PCD Measurement:

  1. Select two adjacent bolt holes.
  2. Measure the distance between their centers (for example, 72 mm).
  3. For a 4-bolt drive, multiply by 1.414, for a 5-bolt drive, multiply by 1.701. The result should match the factory PCD (for example, 72 × 1.414 ≈ 101.8 mm - this is not correct for Bluebird, a correct PCD 4x114.3 will give 81mm between holes).

ET Measurement:

  1. Place the disc on a flat surface with the outer side facing down.
  2. Attach a ruler to the rim and measure the distance to the plane of contact with the hub (parameter B).
  3. Turn the disc over and measure the overall width (parameter A).
  4. Overhang ET = (A – B)/2 – B. For example, if A=200 mm, B=150 mm, then ET = (200–150)/2 – 150 = –125 mm (negative overhang).

Make sure the PCD matches the table for your generation Bluebird

Check the diameter of the central hole (DIA) - it should be ≥ the hub

Check the offset ET (deviation ±5 mm from the factory one is acceptable)

Specify bolt threads (M12×1.25 or M12×1.5)

Check the width of the rim (should not exceed the maximum for your tires) -->

Drive Compatibility Nissan Bluebird with other cars

Discs from some models of other brands are suitable for Bluebird without modifications. The main rule: all parameters (PCD, ET, DIA) must match, and the threads of the bolts must be identical. Below is a list of tested options:

  • 🚗 Toyota Corolla (E120/E150) — PCD 4×114.3, ET 38–45, DIA 60.1 (centering rings 60.1→66.1 are required).
  • 🚗 Honda Civic (8G/9G) — PCD 4×114.3, ET 35–45, DIA 64.1 (rings 64.1→66.1).
  • 🚗 Mazda 3 (BK/BL) — PCD 5×114.3, ET 35–50, DIA 67.1 (only for Bluebird U14 And Sylphy B17/B18).
  • 🚗 Subaru Impreza (GD/GG) — PCD 5×100 — incompatible despite the resemblance!

Important: even if the PCD matches, check DIA. For example, disks from Mitsubishi Lancer have PCD 4×114.3, but DIA 67.1, which will require rings for Bluebird (DIA 66.1). Also consider the width of the rim: for Bluebird U14 maximum width - 7.5J, exceeding will lead to friction on the arches.

⚠️ Attention: Discs from Nissan Almera N16 (PCD 4×100) look similar to Bluebird U12, but incompatible! Installing such rims will result in the steering wheel wobbling and uneven tire wear.
Why can't I install PCD 4x100 discs on Bluebird 4x114.3?

The 14.3mm difference between the holes results in the bolts not centering exactly on the disc holes. When tightened, the disc is deformed and the bolts experience uneven load. This calls:

- Vibration at speeds above 80 km/h

- Accelerated wear of wheel bearings (2–3 times faster)

- Risk of wheel separation during emergency braking

Common mistakes when choosing disks and how to avoid them

Owner experience Nissan Bluebird shows that most often errors are associated with:

  1. Invalid PCD. For example, buying CDs 5×100 instead of 5×114.3 for Sylphy B17. Consequences: inability to tighten bolts evenly and steering wheel wobble.
  2. Ignoring ET departure. Discs with ET 45 instead of 38 narrow the track, increasing the load on the suspension. Symptoms: car pulls to the side, uneven tire wear.
  3. Neglect of DIA. A center hole larger than a hub without rings results in wheel imbalance. For example, DIA 73.1 on Bluebird U12 (hub 66.1) will cause vibration already at 60 km/h.
  4. Unchecked bolt threads. Bolts M12×1.25 not suitable for Sylphy B18 with thread M12×1.5 - this will lead to thread breakage when tightening.

To avoid errors, follow the algorithm:

  1. Specify the generation and year of manufacture of your Bluebird (see table above).
  2. Check the markings on the inside of the disc (for example, 6.5J×15 H2 5×114.3 ET42 DIA66.1).
  3. Check the parameters with the disk manufacturer's data (on the website or in the catalog).
  4. When purchasing used rims, measure the PCD and ET yourself (see section above).
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When purchasing discs online, always ask the seller for a photo of the markings on the back of the disc. "Made in Japan" lettering or logo Nissan do not guarantee compatibility - check the parameters!

Modifications and tuning: what can be changed in drilling

Owners Nissan Bluebird often want to install wider rims or change the offset to improve appearance or handling. Here's what you can do without compromising safety:

  • 🔧 Increasing the width of the disk. For Bluebird U14 maximum width - 8J (in this case, ET must be at least 35 to avoid friction on the arches). Example: disks 8J×17 ET35 with rubber 215/45 R17.
  • 🔧 Reduced ET offset. A reduction of 5–10 mm from the factory value is allowed (for example, with ET42 to ET35), but no more! This will widen the track, improving stability, but will increase the load on the bearings.
  • 🔧 Use of spacers. Spacers with a thickness of 10–20 mm allow the installation of wheels with a large ET (for example, ET45 instead of ET35), but require extended bolts and regular checks for tightness.

Prohibited modifications:

  • ❌ Installation of disks with a PCD other than the factory one (even if the holes “almost fit”).
  • ❌ Using discs with a DIA smaller than the hub diameter (for example, DIA 60.1 to the hub 66.1).
  • ❌ Exceeding the maximum rim width by more than 1 inch (for example, 9J instead of 7.5J for U14).

Example of successful tuning: owners Bluebird Sylphy G11 install disks 7J×17 ET40 with rubber 215/50 R17, which improves appearance and handling without sacrificing comfort. The main thing is to maintain a balance between rim width and offset so as not to overload the suspension.

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When tuning drilling, always follow the rule: changes in disc width and offset should compensate for each other. For example, a 1 inch (25.4 mm) increase in width requires a 12-15 mm reduction in ET to maintain bearing load.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about drilling discs Nissan Bluebird

Is it possible to install disks from Nissan Teana on Bluebird U14?

Teana J31/J32 has PCD 5×114.3 and D.I.A. 66.1, which coincides with Bluebird U14. However, the ET departure Teana usually 40–45, and U14 — 35–42. A difference of 3-5 mm is acceptable, but it is better to choose wheels with ET 38–42 to maintain factory suspension characteristics.

What happens if you put disks with PCD 4×100 on Bluebird Sylphy?

The discs will not be able to be tightened evenly because the bolts will not fit exactly into the center of the holes. This will result in:

  • Steering wheel vibrations at speeds above 60 km/h.
  • Uneven tire wear (especially the inner edge).
  • There is a risk of the wheel coming off during sudden maneuvers or braking.

Even if the discs “fit” onto the hub, their operation is dangerous!

What is the maximum diameter of disks that can be installed on Bluebird U12?

Factory maximum diameter - 15" (For example, 6J×15 ET42). However, when using low profile rubber (for example, 195/50 R16) you can install disks 16" with departure ET38–40. Important:

  • Check the gap between the disc and the caliper (minimum 5 mm).
  • Make sure that the rubber does not touch the fender liners when turning the steering wheel fully.
  • Use disks with DIA 66.1 or centering rings.
Do I need to balance disks after replacement?

Yes, balancing is required even when installing new disks! Unbalanced wheels cause:

  • Steering wheel vibration at speeds of 80–120 km/h.
  • Accelerated wear of the suspension (stabilizer bushings, shock absorbers).
  • Uneven tire wear (especially with an imbalance of more than 20 grams).

The cost of balancing (100–300 rubles per wheel) is recouped many times over by increasing the service life of the vehicle components.

Is it possible to use bolts from Nissan Almera on Bluebird Sylphy B17?

No! Almera N16 has bolt threads M12×1.25, and Sylphy B17 — M12×1.5. Installing bolts with incorrect threads will result in:

  • Thread breakage in the hub when tightening.
  • Spontaneous loosening of bolts while driving.
  • Damage to the brake disc (if the bolt hits it).

Always use bolts that match the threads of your model Bluebird!