Nissan Maxima is a legendary business class sedan that combines dynamics, comfort and stylish design. However, even such a reliable car eventually needs to replace its rims or tires. Here owners are faced with a key question: what kind of bolt pattern does Nissan Maxima have?? An error in choosing parameters can lead to vibrations, premature wear of the suspension or even emergency situations.

In this article we will analyze in detail the bolt pattern parameters for all generations Maxima (from QX to A35), we’ll explain how to choose the right wheels and tires, and also warn you against common mistakes. You'll learn which non-standard options are compatible with your model, how to check the drilling yourself, and what to do if original discs are not available. Let's start with the basics!

What is a bolt pattern and why is it important for the Nissan Maxima

Bolt pattern (or drilling) is a set of parameters that determine how the disc is attached to the vehicle's hub. For Nissan Maxima this indicator includes:

  • 🔧 PCD (Pitch Circle Diameter) - the diameter of the circle on which the holes for the bolts are located (measured in mm). For example, 5×114.3 means 5 holes on a circumference of 114.3 mm.
  • 📏 ET (Departure) — the distance from the mating plane of the disk to its center (can be positive, zero or negative).
  • ⚙️ DIA (Diameter of Center Hole) — hole for the hub, which must match or be larger than the original one (using adapter rings).
  • 🔩 Bolt/Nut Thread Type - for Maxima this is usually M12×1.25.

Mismatch of at least one of these parameters leads to:

  • ⚠️ Vibrations at speed (especially noticeable on 80+ km/h).
  • ⚠️ Uneven tire wear and pendants.
  • ⚠️ Difficulty balancing wheels
  • ⚠️ Risk of wheel separation during emergency braking (in critical cases).
⚠️ Attention: On Nissan Maxima A34 (2000–2003) PCD drives were sometimes installed 5×114.3, but with a non-standard offset ET38. Using discs with ET40 and higher will lead to contact with the caliper!

The manufacturer strictly regulates these parameters, but there are “universal” disks with adapters on the market. The use of such solutions on Maxima is strictly not recommended - it violates the suspension geometry and voids the warranty on the chassis.

📊 What generation of Nissan Maxima do you have?
  • A35 (2016–present)
  • A34 (2000–2003)
  • A33 (1995–1999)
  • A32 (1993–1994)
  • QX (1989–1992)
  • Other

Nissan Maxima bolt pattern table by generation

Drilling parameters vary depending on the year of manufacture and modification. Below is the current table for all generations Maxima, including rare versions (for example, Maxima QX with rear wheel drive).

Generation Years of manufacture PCD Reach (ET), mm DIA, mm Fastener thread Tire size (original)
Maxima A35 (8th generation) 2016–present time 5×114.3 35–45 66.1 M12×1.25 245/40 R19
Maxima A34 (6th generation) 2000–2003 5×114.3 35–40 66.1 M12×1.25 215/60 R16
Maxima A33 (5th generation) 1995–1999 5×114.3 30–40 66.1 M12×1.25 205/65 R15
Maxima A32 (4th generation) 1993–1994 5×114.3 25–35 66.1 M12×1.25 195/70 R14
Maxima QX (3rd generation, rear wheel drive) 1989–1992 5×114.3 20–30 72.6 M12×1.25 195/70 R14

Please note two key points:

  1. DIA at Maxima QX different from other generations (72.6 mm instead of 66.1 mm). This means that wheels from newer models will not fit without adapter rings.
  2. Departure (ET) on A35 May vary depending on configuration. For example, versions with 19-inch wheels have ET35, and with 18-inch — ET40.
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If you buy used wheels, be sure to check them for runout using a special stand. Even minimal curvature (0.3–0.5 mm) on Maxima will lead to vibrations in the steering wheel.

How to measure the bolt pattern on a Nissan Maxima yourself

If you do not have access to documentation or are in doubt about the disk parameters, you can measure the bolt pattern yourself. You will need:

  • 📏 Caliper or ruler with high accuracy.
  • 🔧 Wheel removal key.
  • 📐 Protractor (optional, to check alignment).

Step 1: Determining the number of holes (LZ)

U Nissan Maxima always 5 holes, but on some tuned versions it occurs 4×114.3 (for example, after swapping hubs). Count them visually.

Step 2: PCD Measurement

For 5-bolt bolt pattern:

  1. Measure the distance between the centers of the two not neighboring holes (for example, 1st and 3rd).
  2. Multiply the result by the coefficient 1.051 (for 5 holes).
    Example: if the distance between the 1st and 3rd hole 72 mm, then PCD = 72 × 1.051 ≈ 75.6 mm. But Maxima it should be straight 114.3 mm - this means that you measured incorrectly!

Step 3: Departure Check (ET)

Calculation formula:

ET = (A + B)/2 – C

где:


A — расстояние от внутренней кромки диска до привалочной плоскости,


B — ширина диска,


C — расстояние от ступицы до привалочной плоскости.

⚠️ Attention: On Maxima A35 with disks ET35 installation of tires wider than 255 mm will lead to contact with the fender liners when the steering wheel is turned completely. Check the gaps!

Measure the PCD and compare with the original|Check the diameter of the central hole (DIA)|Make sure that the offset (ET) differs by no more than ±5 mm|Check the width of the rim (for A35 - no more than 8.5J)|Check the type of bolt thread (M12×1.25 for all Maxima)-->

Selection of tires for Nissan Maxima: sizes and recommendations

Tire size directly depends on the generation and diameter of the rims. The manufacturer recommends the following parameters:

Generation Disc diameter Recommended tire size Acceptable analogues
A35 (2016–present) 19" 245/40 R19 235/45 R19, 255/35 R19*
A34 (2000–2003) 16" 215/60 R16 205/65 R16, 225/55 R16
A33 (1995–1999) 15" 205/65 R15 195/70 R15, 215/60 R15

* On the Maxima A35, 255/35 R19 tires can only be installed with an offset of ET35 and a rim width of 8.5J. Otherwise they will touch the arches.

When choosing tires, consider:

  • 🌡️ Speed index: for A35 minimal - V (up to 240 km/h), enough for older generations H (up to 210 km/h).
  • ❄️ Seasonality: on Maxima It is not recommended to use all-season tires due to the high weight of the vehicle. Optimally, separate sets for summer and winter.
  • 🔊 Noise level: For a comfortable ride, choose tires with markings 70 dB and below (for example, Michelin Primacy 4 or Continental ContiSilent).

On Maxima A33/A34 Tires with a non-standard profile are often installed (for example, 225/50 R16 instead of 215/60 R16). This is acceptable, but leads to:

  • 📉 Reduced comfort (stiffness increases by 15–20%).
  • 🔄 Changes in speedometer readings (error up to 5%).
  • ⚠️ Risk of damage to the suspension when driving over uneven surfaces.
What happens if you install tires of a non-standard size?

For example, installing 235/40 R19 instead of 245/40 R19 on an A35 will result in:

- Reducing ground clearance by 5–7 mm.

- Increased load on shock absorbers (reduces their life by 20–30%).

- Possible contact of the tire with body elements when the vehicle is fully loaded.

- Changing gear ratios (the car will accelerate “stupidly”).

Tuning and non-standard wheels: what is possible and what is not

Many owners Nissan Maxima strive to improve the appearance of the car through non-standard wheels. However, not all changes are safe. Let's look at permissible and prohibited modifications.

Allowed options:

  • 🔄 Wheels with different designs, but with original parameters (PCD 5×114.3, ET35–45, DIA 66.1).
  • 📏 Increasing rim width by 0.5–1 inch (for example, with 7.5J to 8.5J on A35), but with offset adjustment.
  • 🎨 Painting or chrome plating standard disks (does not affect technical characteristics).

Prohibited options:

  • ❌ Discs with PCD 5×112 or 5×100 (even with adapters).
  • ❌ Departure ET < 25 or ET > 50 (violates suspension geometry).
  • ❌ Discs with DIA > 70 mm without adapter rings (will lead to runout).
  • ❌ Installation of disks from Nissan 350Z or Infiniti G35 without checking compatibility (they have a different crash!).

Popular question: Is it possible to install wheels from Infiniti Q50 on Maxima A35? Technically yes, since they have the same PCD 5×114.3 And DIA 66.1. However:

  • Departure to Q50 often ET40–45, which can lead to deterioration in controllability Maxima.
  • Disc width at Q50 may be more (up to 9J), which will require rolling out the arches.
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Any changes in wheel diameter by more than 1 inch (for example, from 18" to 20") require reprogramming the ECU for the speedometer and ABS to work correctly.

Typical mistakes when selecting wheels and tires for a Maxima

Even experienced car owners sometimes make mistakes. Here are the most common ones:

  1. Ignore departure (ET)

    Purchasing discs with ET50 instead of ET35 will cause the wheel to move inside the arch. On Maxima A35 This may result in contact with the suspension springs.

  2. DIA mismatch

    Discs with DIA 73 mm (for example, from some Toyota) will not fit Maxima without adapter rings. The alignment will be disturbed, which will cause vibrations.

  3. Installing tires with the wrong load index

    For Maxima (weight ~1.6–1.8 t) minimum load index — 95 (690 kg per wheel). Tires with index 91 (615 kg) will burst when fully loaded.

  4. Purchasing discs without taking into account the type of thread

    Bolts M12×1.5 (from BMW) are not suitable for Maximawhere used M12×1.25. This will cause the thread to break when tightening.

⚠️ Attention: On Nissan Maxima A33 (1995–1999) sometimes fitted with tapered wheel nuts 60°, not standard 45°. Using unsuitable nuts will cause the wheel to unscrew itself!

To avoid errors, always check the parameters with:

  • 📄 Operating manual (section "Wheel and Tire Information").
  • 🖥️ Official Nissan website (enter your car's VIN in VIN decoder).
  • 🔧 Lettering on the inside of the driver's door (the original tire sizes are indicated there).

Where to buy wheels and tires for Nissan Maxima: proven options

The choice of where to buy depends on your goals:

Original wheels:

  • 🏢 Official Nissan dealers - guarantee of compatibility, but high price (from 15,000 ₽ per disk).
  • 🌍 Order via Nissan Parts (USA/Europe) - 30-40% cheaper, but requires waiting for delivery (2-4 weeks).

High quality analogues:

  • 🛒 Stores: Koleso.ru, Shina.ru, Autodoc — wide range, frequent discounts.
  • 🔧 Tire shops: Many offer wheels to order with preliminary fitting.

Used wheels:

  • 📌 Avito, Drom.ru - cheap, but there is a high risk of buying broken or crookedly balanced discs.
  • 🔄 Showdown - only if you are sure of the origin of the disks (for example, with a guarantee against disassembly).

When purchasing used disks, be sure to:

Inspect for cracks (especially near the bolt holes) | Check the runout on the balancing stand (tolerance - no more than 0.5 mm) | Make sure that the previous owner did not drill additional holes | Check the markings with the original ones (PCD, ET, DIA must match)-->

For Nissan Maxima A35 The following brands of wheels are popular:

  • 💎 Premium: BBS, OZ Racing, Enkei (price from 20,000 ₽).
  • 🔹 Middle segment: Replica, Kosei, Alutec (from 10,000 ₽).
  • 💰 Budget: SKAD, Trebl (from 5,000 ₽).

When choosing tires, focus on:

  • 🏆 Best summer ones: Michelin Pilot Sport 4, Continental SportContact 6.
  • ❄️ Best winter ones: Nokian Hakkapeliitta R3, Bridgestone Blizzak LM005.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the Nissan Maxima bolt pattern

Is it possible to install wheels from a Nissan 370Z on a Maxima A35?

Technically yes, since they have the same PCD 5×114.3 And DIA 66.1. However, on 370Z Offset discs are often used ET25–30which is not suitable for Maxima (required ET35–45). Also the width of the rims is 370Z can reach 10J, which will require rolling out the arches.

What happens if you install disks with PCD 5x112?

This absolutely unacceptable. Even with adapters, this solution will lead to:

  • Uneven tightening of bolts (risk of self-loosening).
  • Vibrations due to misalignment.
  • Accelerated wear of wheel bearings.

On Maxima can be used only PCD 5×114.3.

What is the maximum diameter of wheels that can be installed on a Maxima A34?

Without suspension modifications:

  • 17" - Requires low profile tires (e.g. 225/45 R17).
  • 18" — possible only with rolling out the arches (there will be impacts when the steering wheel is turned completely).

On A34 original maximum diameter - 16". Increase to 17" will lead to:

  • Reducing ground clearance by 10–15 mm.
  • Tightening the suspension (comfort will decrease by 20%).
Do I need to balance disks after replacement?

Definitely! On Nissan Maxima due to the high weight of the vehicle, the imbalance even in 10 grams will lead to:

  • Steering wheel vibrations at speed 100+ km/h.
  • Accelerated wear of wheel bearings.
  • Uneven tire wear.

Balancing needs to be done every 10,000–15,000 km or after a strong impact (for example, falling into a hole).

Can tires with different tread patterns be used on the same axle?

Absolutely not! On Maxima (especially with all-wheel drive) this will result in:

  • Unstable behavior on wet roads.
  • Risk of skidding when braking.
  • Increased load on the differential.

It is allowed to install tires with the same pattern, but with different degrees of wear (the difference is no more than 2–3 mm).