How to Identify the Bolt Pattern on Your Wheel

How to Identify the Bolt Pattern on Your Wheel

Of all the information and measurements to know about Camaro wheels, the bolt patterns are the most important. You can often put replacement wheels on a car that have a different diameter, width or offset than the factory wheels. However, if the bolt pattern is even a millimeter off, that new wheel isn't going to fit no matter what you do.

As such, it's crucial to buy wheels with the correct pattern. This information can vary wildly from vehicle to vehicle, and sometimes, cars from the same generation (or even the same model year) can even have multiple bolt pattern options. We're here to explain what lug patterns are and how to measure wheel bolt pattern so you can shop smarter for restorations and custom upgrades.

What is a Wheel Bolt Pattern?

The bolt pattern is a measurement that consists of two things:

1. The number of lugs you have.
2. The diameter of the imaginary circle the lugs are mounted on.

Typically, the larger a vehicle is, the more lugs it has and the larger the circle. Although a 5-lug pattern is the most common, you can find rims that use 4, 6 or 8 lugs. Some even have dual bolting systems. Even among 5-lug wheels, the circle diameter can vary greatly. By getting rims with the correct pattern, you ensure a firm, safe fit for the lug nuts and a smooth ride.

How to Measure a Wheel Bolt Pattern

The easiest way to get the bolt pattern for your vehicle is to look at the wheels currently on the vehicle. Most rims have a stamp on the inside (hub side) that lists the size and pattern. It will consist of two numbers separated by a slash, x or hyphen. The first number is the number of lugs, and the second number is the diameter.

For example, our American Racing 15x7 Torq-Thrust Wheels have a bolt pattern of 5x120.65. This means the wheel has five lugs and a bolt diameter of 120.65mm (4.75 in.). If this is what's stamped on the stock wheels for your Camaro, then your replacement wheels must have the same pattern.

However, getting the information from the wheel interior may not always be possible. Some rims don't have the size stamped on, or the information may be rusted over. If you're restoring a barn find, there may not even be any rims to look at.

Luckily, there's a second method for measuring lug patterns. If your rim or hub has an even number of lugs (4, 6, or 8), simply measure the distance from the center of one lug to the center of the lug directly opposite. What about how to measure a 5-lug bolt pattern? For this odd number, you measure the distance from the center of one lug to the outer edge of either of the opposite lugs. Write down this number along with the lug total and you'll have everything you need to order Camaro wheels online.

Buy the Right Wheels at Rick's Camaro

We have a huge selection of replacement Camaro wheels for your project. Order factory-style wheels and custom Camaro wheels that fit any stock bolt pattern. You can also shop based on size, offset and tread type. Call us Monday-Friday to speak with a Camaro wheel expert.