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Changing Tire Sizes Changing Tire Sizes
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  #1  
Old 29 Jan 2013
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Changing Tire Sizes
I've bought a Nissan Terrano, it has stock 17'' alloy wheels, (235/65R17 H 104)

However I want to change to change to 16'' Steel wheels (Steel Wheel Black 8 Spoke (7 X 16) for Nissan Terrano R20 - 2.7TD 1993-1999 (MAVERICK) 1993-> (TERRANO))

As I cannot get 17'' steel wheels for it easily, plus with the 16'' I can fit my choice of tyre (http://www.blackcircles.com/catalogu...&tyre=11234684)

Also for peace of mind for overland travel of having steel v alloy wheels.

I've done abit of searching and from what I've read this shouldnt be a huge problem, but also some horror storys.

Did some calculations at and the -0.27% or -2mm. This seems like nothing to me?

Can anyone confirm my thinking please?
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  #2  
Old 30 Jan 2013
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As you say there is only 0.3% difference in circumference so shouldn't much difference.

One thing to check is the offset on the steel wheels, these can sometimes catch people out.
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  #3  
Old 30 Jan 2013
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Cysne View Post
I've bought a Nissan Terrano,
I remember from your earlier thread; I've looked at one or two but I have no decision as yet.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Cysne View Post
but also some horror storys.
Pray tell; a brief synopsis perhaps?
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  #4  
Old 30 Jan 2013
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One has to make sure that the 16" wheels will clear disk brake calipers. Is 16" an option for the vehicle somewhere in the world? If so, no problem. Also, steel are thinner and therefore offer more clearance on the inside. If someone is selling them explicitly for your model AND year (is yours a 93-99?), no problem should ensue.
The diameter calculation has completely to do with the chosen size of tire. for example 235/65R17 are 28.9" tall. If the common size 235/85R16 are chosen or the common 3rd world size 7.50R16, they are 31.7 to 31.9" tall - a 10% increase.
Your choice of 235/70R16 should work OK.

Charlie
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  #5  
Old 30 Jan 2013
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They are also supplied with 16'' Wheels in other places, mine is the ''sport'' so has bigger alloys...

The offset is correct according to the suppliers.

Glad my thinkings confirmed, guess I'll order them.

No horror storys specific to Terrano's just about changing wheels sizes, ie speedo going weird, excessive wear on components etc.
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  #6  
Old 1 Feb 2013
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I'd try and source genuine steel 16" rather than aftermarket ones if possible. I've seen a fair few bent ones.
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  #7  
Old 5 Feb 2013
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Now then, I am considering weather to even change to steel wheels. Could anyone offer me some advise?

The price is the same but I am worried the steel wheels are right, they seller says they are but I dont want to risk a grand on 5x steel wheels and 5x tyres to suit.

So I was thinking, do I even really need steel wheels?

I'd be downsizing slightly to go to steel wheels. I have a spare on the back that is easy to change.

My offroading won't be that harsh and I noticed on LWR they used alloys?

My route is through Skandivania, into russia, accross the Atlay region, round monoglia, road of bones to magadan, back through russia through south europe, then roadwork back to sweden.

Do I really need to change to steelies or can I stick to the alloys, incase one smashes I have a spare?

Thanks!
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  #8  
Old 6 Feb 2013
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I haven't had a problem with alloys yet in 10 years of trips. Learning to drive with mechanical sympathy is crucial for you. If you are in danger of damaging your alloys then you will likely break other steering components too. Good tyres and attention to pressures will help a lot.

I see you want to fit 235 tyres and I think 8'' wide rims are too wide.

If you could get original 16" steels (probably only 6" wide or less) then I'd suggest 235 85 16 as being one of the best tyre sizes and you should have enough power to deal with the increase in diameter. The higher side wall will give your rims more protection too whilst allowing a longer footprint when aired down.

It's a rabbit hole of information....
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  #9  
Old 6 Feb 2013
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Exactly... Ugh, the internet doesnt help as I can pour over google for hours.

I'll go for the alloy wheels and practice changing them. I think you are right, that is my gut feeling anyway...

Lastly anyone know if the terrano came with a wheel changing kit as I cannot find one anywere on my car!
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  #10  
Old 6 Feb 2013
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One thing to bear in mind that your "sport" model may have bigger disks and callipers so may not be able to other sizes - looking up the disk size should let you know.
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  #11  
Old 6 Feb 2013
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A few more thoughts to, hopefully, clarify.

Best practice would be OEM 16" steel wheels with BFG tyres as you chose though I'd go for 235 85 16 for clearance, higher side wall and longer footprint when aired down.I believe that tyre size is just a magical proportion.
16" tyres are pretty much available anywhere around the world.
Steel rims can be hammered back into shape and welded if necessary - use an innertube and you should be back on the road in no time.

That being said I have very good experience on OEM alloys (on a G wagen) with 35x12.5x15 Cooper tyres and before that Goodyear wranglers. I have however ensured that the geometry stays as factory.

...and if we were to go with best practice we'd never leave the drive

I'm curious to know what tyres you have on your alloys now? I'm guessing you could be looking at 10,000 miles or more on this trip and getting the tyres right is very important.
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  #12  
Old 6 Feb 2013
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Checking that, it does have bigger discs compared to standard model... So maybe you are right and the 16'' wouldn't fit. I rang a nissan stealership and they have no Steel wheels listed as suitable for my car.

It currently has some Dunlop road tyres, unsure of model but with 5-7 mm off tread left on them,. They are quiet slippy in the wet tarmac already so would like to change.

The trip is around 13,000 - 15,000 miles in total irrc
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  #13  
Old 6 Feb 2013
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Take a spare tyre as well as a spare wheel + tyre.

17" tyres may not be easy to get off the beaten track hence the liking for 16 inch rims

Can you run with tubes - can you even get tubes in that size cos they make a good backup for a damaged tyre
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  #14  
Old 9 Feb 2013
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16" would be better for trip , that is if it is possible to fit , cant you get the supplier to just send you one rim , and test fit in all four positions on car ?
As previous posts alloy is not end of world , as force needed to damage would most likely cause other damage to your vehicle. (oe alloy for G wagon is exception to usual rule cost explains why)
Run tubeless , and carry tubeless tyre repair kit ( T handle and plugs) and 12v compressor . Also carry spare tubes in case tyre is too bad for plugging ,
Carry tools to change tyre from rim , and second tyre casing (keeps weight down , as you dont have spare weight capacity with chosen vehicle.
Dont rely on jack supplied with car (probably scissors type) unless it is screw type bottle jack. same applies to lug nut tool.

You also dont need the width as Silver G suggests also , I would go with his suggested size as well , also a MT like BFG as you can live with a bit of extra whine, but an MT will be much better in conditions where you need such a tyre. JMHO
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