Wheel lugs are what keep a vehicle’s wheels secure. Depending on the manufacturer’s design or the updated look you’ve put on the car, you could have anywhere between three to eight lugs evenly spread around the center hub.
The arrangement of how they get spaced is referred to as the bolt pattern. Each one determines the wheels of a given diameter and width, letting you know what fits and what will not with an upgrade.
When you look closely, you’ll discover that most automotive bolt patterns are relatively similar. You’ll see five or six lugs that hold the wheel in place while driving. Most automakers use the same stock pattern for all their makes and models.
5x150mm / 5.5 Bolt Pattern
Toyota uses a 5 x 150 mm bolt pattern for many of its vehicles, including the Tundra. When you see the 5.5 as part of the product description, that measurement indicates the spacing to expect with the item. That means your best option is an 18×9 at the 5×150 with an 18 offset when using this setup.
This measurement rating can also indicate that the product you’re purchasing has multiple bolt patterns. That makes the wheel a uni-lug item since it fits more than one pattern with only one set of holes drilled.
You can also have dual-lug or multi-lug wheels with multiple holes that can work almost universally because of their design.
When you use uni-lug wheels with a Toyota (or any other vehicle), you’ll find that the oval-shaped holes tend to fit three of today’s most popular bolt patterns.
- 5 x 5 inches
- 5 x 4.75 inches
- 5 x 4.5 inches.
You will need to upgrade your lugs when choosing wheels with this option because the stock shape won’t work with the new product. The manufacturer should cover oval-shaped washers to fit the wheel with offset or centered holes, based on the vehicle’s bolt pattern you want to match.
When using the example from above, the offset washer with an inward hole works with the 4.5-inch bolt pattern. If it is centered, you have the 4.75-inch option.
If you position the hole outward, you’ll have the 5-inch pattern needs appropriately met.
◼️ How Are Dual Pattern Wheels Different?
If you need to meet a 5 x 150 mm 5.5 bolt pattern for your vehicle, you might find that dual pattern wheels are better for your upgrade needs than a uni-lug design.
Although both choices are suitable for the installation, you can typically use standard lugs for this installation. That’s because the wheels have two sets of holes drilled into them.
That means a wheel that meets a 5-bolt pattern for your vehicle would come with ten holes. It would be your job to match up the alignment and cover the look if you don’t like the look of those openings on your car, truck, or SUV.
When you find this option available, you’ll want to look at the circle size they can cover. If you’re using a 5x bolt pattern, you’ll typically get two options.
That means most wheels will find a 5 x 4.5 or a 5 x 4.75 bolt pattern that works with a conical seat lug nut. They’ll also use a center cap, hubcap, and plugs to cover the unused holes.
It is up to the vehicle’s owner to match their bolt pattern to their make and model requirements.
Why Are Bolt Patterns Critical to Consider?
The bolt pattern consists of lug holes that surround the hub bore located at the wheel’s center. Each one is at a point where the wheel accepts the lugs to secure them to the vehicle.
Although the lug holes are relatively small, they perform a significant task for every vehicle. They ensure that the entire assembly stays fastened to keep the wheels turning appropriately while driving.
All lug holes get organized in a circular pattern. Your vehicle only accepts wheels that come with the same bolt pattern as the stock design.
When you look at the 5 x 150 mm option, that actually converts to a 5 x 5.91-inch product. That means you’d need something different if your vehicle calls for a 5 x 150 mm 5.5-inch wheel. That’s why understanding these measurements or purchasing a dual-style item is essential to a positive result.
If you were to purchase one while the other was needed, you wouldn’t get the item appropriately installed.
You’ll need to measure the bolt pattern on your vehicle if you’re unsure how the fit and finish work when purchasing new wheels.
How Do I Measure the Bolt Pattern on My Vehicle?
Bolt patterns get classified into a two-number system. The first one indicates the number of bolt holes you’ll find in the wheel, while the second describes the circle’s diameter when you look at the installation process.
If you were to imagine a line that cuts through the center of each lug nut hole, the diameter measurement would cut across the middle between the two areas to give you a specific outcome.
That means a 5 x 150 mm wheel offers five lug nut holes on a 150 mm diameter circle.
Larger vehicles typically have more bolts arranged on a larger circle to provide enough support for the wheels when driving. Smaller cars don’t need as much assistance, which is why they have fewer lugs in smaller areas.
The best way to measure the bolt pattern is the same on almost every wheel. You’ll use a straight line from the center of the two bolt holes that sit opposite each other from top to bottom. If that option isn’t possible, you can use two direct points where the lug installations sit that are opposite each other.
If you purchase a dual option wheel, you’ll have two measurements to consider. Although there are ten lug holes, they belong to two different circles. That’s why you’ll need separate readings to ensure that you’re buying the correct item.
That’s why you can buy a 5 x 150 mm and 5 x 5.5-inch bolt pattern wheel to cover all your bases. If you get a uni-lug design, you’d need to purchase a specific product. Either way, you’ll need to measure the bolt pattern to ensure that it meets your vehicle’s needs.
How to Install New Wheels on Your Vehicle
It only takes a few minutes to install new wheels and tires on your vehicle. Since you’ll be driving for at least 3,000 miles on that setup before the next inspection, including millions of rollovers, it’s good to ensure that everything is put on correctly before completing the work.
Here are the highlights you’ll want to review for the 5 x 150 mm, 5 x 5.5-inch, or any other bolt pattern you’re working on today.
| Check Tire Positions: | • When you select asymmetric or directional tires for your vehicle, you’ll want to match each wheel and tire to its final position. • This step prevents mistakes when you actually set the wheel and tire around the car, much like how you see pit crews do it during a race. |
| Install New Pairs: | • The best practice for replacing tires is to do all four at once. • If you need to do a pair, it works better to have the updated product on the rear axle while rotating the worn ones to the front. • You’ll have more hydroplaning resistance when taking this step. • Don’t forget to account for two different tire sizes when looking for wheel options if your make and model require them. |
| Finish the Installation: | • Your owner’s manual has the correct procedure outlined for wheel and tire removal. • It usually helps to break the lugs loose before raising the car since you’ll have more leverage. • Hand tools work the best for passenger vehicles. • Once they’re loose, you can raise the car, finish the removal, and replace with the updated items. |
If you feel any resistance during the removal process, you can purchase thread repair kits or taps to achieve the correct installation.
Your wheels must sit flat against the hubs for the operational capacity to function safely. It helps to remove any dirt and rust from the brake rotor’s mounting surface to get a better fit. Drum corrosion can also hinder this process.
After taking that step, you’ll need to remove any temporary retaining devices, including stud clips, to ensure the fit is flush. Some cars have locator or indicator pins on the hub, which aid in wheel indexing during the assembly process. They don’t perform a specific function, allowing you to remove them without penalty when putting on new wheels.
The only exception is the large bolts on Hyundai vehicles that hold the rotors to the hubs. These should not get removed.
Your final step is to verify that the previous hub centering rings have been removed from the installation point if aftermarket products were previously used. If you have any questions about the issues your vehicle encounters, please refer to a local specialist who can give you an accurate review of your situation.
A Final Thought on the 5 x 150 mm 5.5-Inch Bolt Pattern
All vehicles have a specific bolt pattern that must be followed to have a successful wheel installation. If you don’t follow the exact specifications, either with uni-lug, dual holes, or multi-lug designs, the car isn’t fit for driving. The only option you have left is to use a converter.
The one shortcut I sometimes use when trying to use a different wheel style for my car is to use a wheel adapter.
My favorite product is this wheel adapter that changes your 5 x 5.5-inch vehicle bolt pattern to the 5 x 150 mm when there isn’t something suitable for me to use.
It spaces out your wheel by 1.25 inches to give you a little extra definition for those times when you need it the most. You’ll receive pre-installed studs with the mounting lug nuts, and the set comes with all four you need for an affordable price.
I know it’s easier to use a dual-lug or multi-lug design when you want to swap out the wheels with the 5x configuration styles. For me, I’m not too fond of the profile it creates visually. Filling in the holes or having some extra space with the oval shapes just isn’t for me.
That’s why I use the wheel adapter when it is necessary.
Unless your vehicle’s manufacturer says otherwise, there isn’t a right or wrong answer here. You can select what you like the most for each situation.