Nissan Cefiro is a legendary business class sedan that has gained popularity due to its reliability, comfort and dynamic performance. However, even such time-tested cars have questions regarding the selection of wheels. Bolt pattern is a key parameter that determines the compatibility of the discs with the hub, and an error here can lead to vibrations, accelerated wear of the suspension, or even an emergency.
In this article we will look at all bolt pattern parameters for Nissan Cefiro different generations (A31, A32, A33), including PCD, ET (departure), DIA (center hole diameter) and recommended tire sizes. You will also find out which wheels are suitable for other models. Nissan And Infiniti, how to check compatibility and avoid common mistakes when choosing.
What is a bolt pattern and why is it important for Nissan Cefiro
Term bolt pattern (or PCD - Pitch Circle Diameter) indicates the diameter of the circle on which the holes for attaching the disc to the hub are located. For Cefiro this parameter is critical, since incorrect selection can lead to:
- 🔧 Uneven wear tires and wheel bearings.
- 🚗 Vibrations at speeds over 80–100 km/h.
- 💥 Unscrewing nuts while driving (in extreme cases).
- ⚠️ Refusal when passing a technical inspection.
U Nissan Cefiro All generations have the same bolt pattern - 5×114.3 (5 holes, circle diameter 114.3 mm). However, this is not the only parameter that needs to be taken into account. It is also important:
- 📏 Disc offset (ET) — distance from the mating plane to the center of the disk.
- ⭕ Center Hole Diameter (DIA) - must match or be larger than the hub.
- 🔩 Fastener type - for Cefiro nuts/bolts are used
M12×1.25.
- A31 (1988–1994)
- A32 (1994–1998)
- A33 (1998–2003)
- I don't know the generation
Nissan Cefiro bolt pattern table by generation
Below are the official parameters for all generations Cefiro. Please note that the data is relevant for standard versions - modifications with all-wheel drive (Attesa E-TS) or sports packages (Brougham VIP) may differ.
| Generation | Years of manufacture | PCD (bolt pattern) | ET (reach), mm | DIA (hole diameter), mm | Recommended tire size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nissan Cefiro A31 | 1988–1994 | 5×114.3 | 35–45 | 66.1 | 205/65 R15, 215/60 R16 |
| Nissan Cefiro A32 | 1994–1998 | 5×114.3 | 35–45 | 66.1 | 205/60 R16, 215/55 R17 |
| Nissan Cefiro A33 | 1998–2003 | 5×114.3 | 35–40 | 66.1 | 215/55 R17, 225/50 R18 |
⚠️ Attention: On Cefiro A33 with engines VQ30DE And VQ25DD sometimes they installed discs with offset ET40 - this is due to wider tires and modified suspension geometry. Before purchasing, check the parameters on the sticker in the doorway or in the service book.
Which wheels are suitable for Nissan Cefiro from other models?
Thanks to a unified bolt pattern 5×114.3, on Cefiro You can install rims from other cars Nissan And Infiniti. However, it is important to check departure (ET) And center hole diameter (DIA) - they must match or be adapted using spacers.
Here is the list of compatible models:
- 🚘 Nissan Teana (J31, J32) - full software compatibility
PCDAndDIA, but the offset may vary (ET35–45). - 🚘 Nissan Maxima (A32, A33, A34) - identical parameters, except for versions with
VQ35DE(there may beET42). - 🚘 Infiniti I30/I35 - suitable for wheels from Infiniti first generation, but requires verification
DIA(sometimes 67.1 mm). - 🚘 Nissan Skyline (R33, R34) — the bolt pattern is the same, but the offset is normal
ET30–38, which may require spacers.
If you install disks from Skyline or Stagea, be sure to check compatibility with brake mechanisms - on Cefiro A33 with VQ30DE There may be larger calipers that require discs with a larger internal diameter.
⚠️ Attention: Discs from Nissan Primera (P10, P11) have a bolt pattern 4×114.3 - they don't fit for Cefiro! Also avoid discs from Mitsubishi or Toyota with 5×114.3, but to others DIA (for example, 73.1 mm for Toyota Camry).
How to choose the right tires for Nissan Cefiro
Selecting tires for Cefiro depends on generation, driving style and climatic conditions. The manufacturer recommends the following sizes:
- 🌡️ For A31:
205/65 R15(winter),215/60 R16(summer). - 🌡️ For A32:
205/60 R16(universal),215/55 R17(sports version). - 🌡️ For A33:
215/55 R17(standard),225/50 R18(tuning).
When selecting tires, consider:
- 📌 Load Index - for Cefiro minimum indicator
91T(615 kg per wheel). - 📌 Speed index - not lower
H(210 km/h) for A31/A32 AndV(240 km/h) for A33. - 📌 Seasonality — for winter, choose tires with markings
M+Sor3PMSF.
What happens if you install tires of a non-standard size?
Installing tires with the wrong outer diameter (e.g. 235/45 R18 instead of 215/55 R17) will lead to distortion of the speedometer readings (error up to 10%) and increased load on the transmission. It is also possible for the wheels to touch the arches when fully loaded or on uneven surfaces.
Tuning and non-standard wheels: what you need to know
Many owners Cefiro strive to improve the appearance of the car with forged or cast wheels increased diameter. However, there are a number of nuances here:
- Max diameter without modifications:
- A31 —
R17(possible problems with clearance). - A32 —
R18(clearance check required). - A33 —
R19(only with low profile tires).
- A31 —
ET20–35, otherwise the wheel will stick out beyond the arch.ET less than standard, spacers (10–25 mm thick) will be required.⚠️ Attention: Installing disks with ET less 20 without modification of the arches will lead to wheels touching the fender liners when turning or under load. This also increases the load on the wheel bearings.
☑️ Preparation for installing non-standard disks
Typical mistakes when choosing wheels and tires for Cefiro
Even experienced car owners sometimes make mistakes that lead to control or safety problems. Here are the most common:
- ❌ Ignore departure (ET) — discs with incorrect offset shift the center of gravity of the wheel, which leads to accelerated wear of the suspension.
- ❌ DIA mismatch - if the center hole is smaller than the hub hole, the disc will not fit tightly, which will cause runout.
- ❌ Installing tires with the wrong load index - for example,
88Tinstead of91H, which is dangerous when fully loaded. - ❌ Using bolts instead of nuts - on Cefiro with alloy wheels needed flare nuts, not bolts!
To avoid problems, always check the parameters with the data on the sticker in the doorway or in the service documentation. When in doubt, use online bolt pattern calculators (for example, on the website WillTheyFit).
Discs with incorrect PCD can only be installed using adapters, but this is unsafe - adapters increase the load on the hub and can lead to the wheel coming loose.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the Nissan Cefiro bolt pattern
Is it possible to install wheels from Nissan Skyline R34 on Cefiro A33?
Yes, but with reservations. The bolt pattern matches (5×114.3), however:
- Departure to Skyline often
ET30–38, and on Cefiro —ET35–40. Spacers 5–10 mm thick will be required. - Central hole diameter (
DIA) on Skyline may be 66.1 mm (same as Cefiro) or 73.1 mm - check before purchasing. - Disc width at Skyline often larger (8–9.5J), which may require rolling out the arches.
What nuts are needed for alloy wheels on Cefiro?
For Nissan Cefiro Suitable for all generations flare nuts with parameters:
- Thread:
M12×1.25. - Length: 25–30 mm (depending on the thickness of the disc).
- Cone angle: 60° (standard for most alloy wheels).
⚠️ Do not use flat nuts or bolts - they will not provide reliable fastening!
How to check the bolt pattern on your Cefiro?
There are three ways:
- Measuring with a caliper:
- Measure the distance between the centers of two adjacent holes - to
5×114.3it should be ~70.5 mm. - Multiply by 1.05 (factor for 5 holes) - if the result is ~114.3, the bolt pattern is correct.
- Measure the distance between the centers of two adjacent holes - to
PCD and recommended tire sizes).Is it possible to install tires with different profiles on the front and rear axles?
Technically you can, but not recommended. A different profile leads to:
- Uneven grip on the road (especially on wet surfaces).
- Distortion of work ABS And ESP (if any).
- Accelerated wear of the differential (on all-wheel drive Cefiro A31 4WD).
A difference of 1-2 sizes is allowed (for example, 205/60 R16 front and 215/55 R16 rear), but only with the same outer wheel diameter.
What wheels are best to choose for winter on the Cefiro A32?
Optimal for winter use:
- Steel wheels
6.5J×16 ET35–40with caps - they are cheaper and more resistant to corrosion from reagents. - Tires size
205/60 R16with indexQorT(for city driving). - Alloy wheels (if finances allow) - choose models with
ET40for better stability.
Avoid wide tires (eg 225/50 R17) - they perform worse in snow and increase fuel consumption.