15" Steelie wheels for winter...

[sensfanrk]

I have been looking for 15" steelies for my Vibe for winter. My GM dealer didnt' have any with the right 5x100 bolt pattern and the correct back-spacing. They told me that I could go to Canadian Tire, or a wreckers, but the only way to find the right wheel would basically to take off one of my aluminum wheels, and keep trying different steelies to see if they fit right. So, I kept thinking of places to go, so I went to my local Toyota dealer. To my surprise, in 2002, when the first basic 2003 Matrixes were released, they had 15" steelies on them! So, the guy told me that they will cost approx. $70CDN, and that they have the 5x100 bolt pattern and the proper back spacing. So, if you're looking for 15" that will fit your Vibe, ask for 15's that will fit a 2003 Matrix. A lot of places have a listing for those, but not for the Vibe.

[MadBill]

Mine were supplied by my tire shop. (mounted and balanced with Dunlop Winter Sport M3s for just over $600, 2 years ago) I believe they were for a 2002 Corolla. I also heard that Costco and Wal Mart carry them for more like $45... If you want to check a candidate wheel to be sure, just measure across between two stud holes on one of your current wheels or the spare to determine the dimention which matches the 100 mm bolt circle diameter. The offset is (I believe; someone here can confirm, or I'll dig out my steelies and verify) 38 mm, so the distance from the wheel mounting surface to the rim flange should be ~ 76 mm (~3.0") more to the back than to the front. (+ or - 5 mm or so won't cause any problems)

[Altus]

Pretty sure the backspacing for our wheels is 42mm -- but anything around 40mm should work with no rubbing or clearance issues.I haven't been able to get my set yet, but I checked with Canadian Tire and they had the right steelies one sale this week and next for $40 each -- that's 15x6, 5x100, 42mm backspace.Anyway - good luck.

[sensfanrk]

Thanks! I asked the Toy dealer if wheels from a Corolla or any other Toy would fit (I'm sure Corolla wheels would be cheaper) but of course he said no. Thanks for the tips!

[ragingfish]

I believe the steel wheel offset is 35mm...anything between 35 and 40 (inclusive) should be ok.

[sensfanrk]

I checked with Candian Tire today, and they have 46 15" steelies in stock that will fit a Toyota Matrix. I'm gonna take my truck in tomorrow and pick them up. I will be sure to measure the backspace before I get my tires put on. How much would that suck if the tires were on and mounted on the car, then abruptly found out that the backspacing was wrong! I think I'd kick everybody's "backspace" in Canadian Tire. (If you know what I mean ) My dealer is going to give me a deal on some Michelin X-Ices. Their price was surprisingly only $1 more than Canadian Tire's sale price, including balance and installation. (Canadian Tire told me their price doesn't include balancing.)And ragingfish... GO SOX!!

[ragingfish]

Quote, originally posted by sensfanrk »How much would that suck if the tires were on and mounted on the car, then abruptly found out that the backspacing was wrong! I think I'd kick everybody's "backspace" in Canadian Tire. (If you know what I mean )Been there, done that.That's why I had to have a new wheel sent to me by discount tire direct....th first one the sent had the wrong offset, the wheel cover wouldn't go on...plus it was the flat out wrong wheel...the onyl thing right was the 16x6.5 5x100 part...everything else was way off.And yes...GO SOX!

[MadBill]

My tire dealer told me a great "Oh, No!" wheel story. I was commenting on how close the brake calipers came to the backside of my steelies. He replied: "Tell me about it! Had a guy in for us to put tires on the new rims he said would fit. We put them on his car and they were fine for about 8 months. Then he had a brake job done and the front wheels wouldn't turn anymore! Seemed the thickness of the new outer pad pushed the sliding caliper out so far it fouled the wheel... "