View Full Version : Steel Winter Wheels
hogansvt
08-16-2006, 09:36 AM
I was told that Tire Rack will not have steel wheels to fit the 5 this winter. Any suggestions for a steel winter wheelset?
I now have 16" Tire Rack alloys with BFG Traction T/A's and love them! Also I have my 17"' OEM alloys with the Toyo's for sale. I am having a very hard time selling the whole package at $495.00 for the whole wheelset. Is my price too high? They only have 9k miles.
canadianexpress
08-16-2006, 10:12 AM
Little bit off topic here, but can you give a little more info on the BF Goodrich Traction T/A. I am thinking about going with the T/A when my toyo's (16") wears out.
Thanks
Little bit off topic here, but can you give a little more info on the BF Goodrich Traction T/A. I am thinking about going with the T/A when my toyo's (16") wears out.
Thanks
I can give some feedback on the Traction T/A. I had them on two saturns and on my mothers Acura Legend coupe. They are a good tire for the money. I have 15,000 miles on the one Saturn set and have not had much trouble. The only issue is on two of them there appears to be some cracking in the outer tread. There is a tread that goes down the side of the tire and it is in that tread that I am noticing some cracking. This issue is not appearing on my mother's Acura, but she only has about 6,000 miles on hers. They do function well in all weather conditions and I managed to get two sets of 195 15's for around $600.00 which works out to about $75.00 per tire installed.
canadianexpress
08-17-2006, 10:38 AM
Thanks for the info. I am thinking about changing both my vehicles (Mazda V, and Acura 1.6el (canadian model similar to honda civic si w/4 door) to these tires.
Cheers.
PolarBear
08-17-2006, 05:46 PM
Hmm.
I was thinking that steel wheels from Mazda 3 should fit. They have the same offset.
Regarding BF GoodRich T/A. I have them on my Protege. They're good tires but they are noisy at least if to compare with my OEM BridgeStone Potenza RE92
Medicman
09-11-2006, 02:22 AM
Anybody advise me what size 16" rim I need for the M5
I was wondering if it was 16x _____. Or would a standard
16" 5 bolt fit ?
Please let me know, or if any Canadians have done this already?
Zoom5Zoom ?
Medicman
09-11-2006, 05:53 AM
Disregard fellas , I found the info....
bulwnkl
09-11-2006, 10:18 AM
BTW, Tire Rack is listing 16" steelies alone or in tire packages right now. Perhaps it's just the TPMS option they're not dealing with(?).
was98strat
09-11-2006, 10:39 AM
BTW, Tire Rack is listing 16" steelies alone or in tire packages right now. Perhaps it's just the TPMS option they're not dealing with(?).
Shouldn't be a prob, The 5 doesn't have TPMS!
P_bouchr
09-11-2006, 12:14 PM
What's TPMS? I'm guessing the tire pressure monitor? If so, it's just that the user manual talk about it and I was wondering if N.A. models had these...
dsulli37
09-11-2006, 09:05 PM
I have TPMS.
Look on ebay at Mazda3/6 wheel prices. I think you're a little too high.
was98strat
09-11-2006, 09:21 PM
The biggest problem I see with the Mazda wheels is they are Hub centric. Most steelies seem to be lug centric. My dicussion with Mazda mechanics, they indicated that the design of their hubs and wheels make a hub centric wheel a better fit than a "universal wheel. Unfortunately it makes the steelies a bit more expensive as they have to be made more accurately.
Wuster
09-13-2006, 09:02 AM
What's TPMS? I'm guessing the tire pressure monitor? If so, it's just that the user manual talk about it and I was wondering if N.A. models had these...
Total sidebar here, but TPMS comes standard on 5 Touring with Navi here in the States.
Medicman
09-15-2006, 09:17 AM
The biggest problem I see with the Mazda wheels is they are Hub centric. Most steelies seem to be lug centric. My dicussion with Mazda mechanics, they indicated that the design of their hubs and wheels make a hub centric wheel a better fit than a "universal wheel. Unfortunately it makes the steelies a bit more expensive as they have to be made more accurately.
I thought earlier I had the info but later got the same response from the Mazda dealer as 98strat. The Mazda dealer said the hubs from Walmart or Canadian tire dont properly fit and are just held on by bolts and not on the hub.
The quote I got was $931.00 PLUS taxes...from Mazda.
HELP !!
was98strat
09-15-2006, 02:59 PM
I thought earlier I had the info but later got the same response from the Mazda dealer as 98strat. The Mazda dealer said the hubs from Walmart or Canadian tire dont properly fit and are just held on by bolts and not on the hub.
The quote I got was $931.00 PLUS taxes...from Mazda.
HELP !!
OUch, what tires are they quoting on? I have it from Ajax Mazda that a set of winter suva eskimo's on 16's will be around $825 Aparently someone on this board got Pirelli Winter carving on 16 steelies from Gyro Mazda (Scarborough) for $795
canadianexpress
09-15-2006, 03:36 PM
OUch, what tires are they quoting on? I have it from Ajax Mazda that a set of winter suva eskimo's on 16's will be around $825 Aparently someone on this board got Pirelli Winter carving on 16 steelies from Gyro Mazda (Scarborough) for $795
That would be me. Gyro Mazda sells pirelli tires to all other Mazda dealerships. Got it last year for that price but not sure what they are charging now. The aftermarket hub centric 16" steelies from Gyro was about $60 (if my memory serves me well) and then you can go with any tires. (heard good things about Hankook Icebear W300). Hope this helps.
By the way, if anyone is changing the tires by themself, invest in a sledge hammer. No amount of kicking will get that wheel off.
Cheers
Medicman
09-15-2006, 04:10 PM
OUch, what tires are they quoting on? I have it from Ajax Mazda that a set of winter suva eskimo's on 16's will be around $825 Aparently someone on this board got Pirelli Winter carving on 16 steelies from Gyro Mazda (Scarborough) for $795
The quote I got was from a Dealership near Chatham.. I am not even sure
what kind or style...( it was through a guy I know, also a 5 owner, who knows someone at the dealership)
Medicman
09-15-2006, 04:13 PM
That would be me. Gyro Mazda sells pirelli tires to all other Mazda dealerships. Got it last year for that price but not sure what they are charging now. The aftermarket hub centric 16" steelies from Gyro was about $60 (if my memory serves me well) and then you can go with any tires. (heard good things about Hankook Icebear W300). Hope this helps.
By the way, if anyone is changing the tires by themself, invest in a sledge hammer. No amount of kicking will get that wheel off.
Cheers
Where is Gyro at ?? I guess I can do a search.
I prob just need the rims and and can get the tires locally.
canadianexpress
09-15-2006, 05:10 PM
Here is their website (map included as well)
http://www.mazda.ca/dealer/DealerInfo.asp?DealerID=249&lang=Eng
was98strat
09-15-2006, 05:41 PM
That would be me. Gyro Mazda sells pirelli tires to all other Mazda dealerships. Got it last year for that price but not sure what they are charging now. The aftermarket hub centric 16" steelies from Gyro was about $60 (if my memory serves me well) and then you can go with any tires. (heard good things about Hankook Icebear W300). Hope this helps.
By the way, if anyone is changing the tires by themself, invest in a sledge hammer. No amount of kicking will get that wheel off.
Cheers
CE,
Is it the Steelies that are hard to get off?? or are you talking about the ALU rims? I just had my tires rotated (with my 8k il change) and they seemed to come off pretty easy. I think some anti-seaze compound might be in order on the hub before the rims are installed to prevent the rims from sticking to the hubs
Medicman
09-15-2006, 06:07 PM
Here is their website (map included as well)
http://www.mazda.ca/dealer/DealerInfo.asp?DealerID=249&lang=Eng
Thanks..I'll look it up!!
canadianexpress
09-16-2006, 10:04 PM
CE,
Is it the Steelies that are hard to get off?? or are you talking about the ALU rims? I just had my tires rotated (with my 8k il change) and they seemed to come off pretty easy. I think some anti-seaze compound might be in order on the hub before the rims are installed to prevent the rims from sticking to the hubs
I only had experience with the steelies so far, when I did the change over in the spring time. Will post the info when I take off the original in the fall.
bulwnkl
09-17-2006, 03:24 PM
One of my OEM aluminum alloys (rear) needed my bashing utensil (most people call it a mini-sledge) to remove after only a couple thousand miles on the odometer.
PolarBear
09-18-2006, 04:16 PM
I think I'll get a "cheap" alloy wheels from TireRack. The steel wheels are not much cheaper and personally I don't like look without hubcaps. The cheapest alloy wheel will run around $90 per wheel vs steel around 50$ + hubcaps.
canadianexpress
09-19-2006, 04:50 PM
I think I'll get a "cheap" alloy wheels from TireRack. The steel wheels are not much cheaper and personally I don't like look without hubcaps. The cheapest alloy wheel will run around $90 per wheel vs steel around 50$ + hubcaps.
With the winter steelies, usually don't recommend hub caps. It create problems by retaining the salt in those crevices. Also if you do get alloys (or steelies) make sure they are hub centric. If they are not, they can cause the rotors to warp.
PolarBear
09-22-2006, 12:35 PM
With the winter steelies, usually don't recommend hub caps. It create problems by retaining the salt in those crevices. Also if you do get alloys (or steelies) make sure they are hub centric. If they are not, they can cause the rotors to warp.
You're right about hubcaps for winter. I just don't like the look. As for alloy wheels I think it's very difficult to get alloy wheels that are hub centric unless you go with OEM that way too expensive.
canadianexpress
09-22-2006, 04:50 PM
You're right about hubcaps for winter. I just don't like the look. As for alloy wheels I think it's very difficult to get alloy wheels that are hub centric unless you go with OEM that way too expensive.
I believe they have the hub rings to fix that problem for the alloys, but cannot use these rings on the steelies because the is no place to fit them.
Zoom5Zoom
09-22-2006, 09:32 PM
POLARBEAR
Here is shot with steelies and hubcaps got to love it....
canadianexpress
09-23-2006, 11:23 PM
POLARBEAR
Here is shot with steelies and hubcaps got to love it....
Nokians very nice, how much did they cost?
Zoom5Zoom
09-23-2006, 11:32 PM
Installed, balenced just over a grand.... best tires I have ever owned. I bet they will out last life of my 5
Installed, balenced just over a grand.... best tires I have ever owned. I bet they will out last life of my 5
What did Mazda do about the TPMS? Did you purchase new sensors for your steelies or did you simply have the dash light on for the whole winter?
was98strat
10-11-2006, 06:22 AM
What did Mazda do about the TPMS? Did you purchase new sensors for your steelies or did you simply have the dash light on for the whole winter?
Huh?? The Mazda 5 has no TPMS system. Or at least the Canadian Spec one don't
Zoom5Zoom
10-11-2006, 09:48 AM
no TPMS here ... Mazda canada is just implementing on B-Series for 2007.
no TPMS here ... Mazda canada is just implementing on B-Series for 2007.
I just assumed that the 5 had a TPMs since there was a section on it in the manual...
was98strat
10-11-2006, 01:01 PM
I just assumed that the 5 had a TPMs since there was a section on it in the manual...
The manual is very generic It mentions things like:
TPMS
NAV
Mini Dics players ( really who still owns one of those)
Cassette Players ( really who still owns one of those)
and I think Diesel Engines (I would love to have the 2.0 Diesel!)
none of which we have
HotDog88GT
10-23-2006, 09:52 AM
The biggest problem I see with the Mazda wheels is they are Hub centric. Most steelies seem to be lug centric. My dicussion with Mazda mechanics, they indicated that the design of their hubs and wheels make a hub centric wheel a better fit than a "universal wheel. Unfortunately it makes the steelies a bit more expensive as they have to be made more accurately.
Please define hub-centric versus lug-centric. Isn't it enough that the wheel offset and the lug pattern matches?
I just fitted a set of 16" steel wheels with snows from Tire Rack on my new 06. It was plain to see that the stock 17" wheels mount to the hub flat surfaces to flat surface. I can see why some people have trouble getting the wheels off after they've been on for a time. I'll be sure to use a generous amount of anti-sieze when I put the stocks back on.
The steel wheels are not flat on the mounting side - they're a general purpose wheel. The areas surrounding the holes on the wheel are raised a bit and only make contact with the hub around the bolt areas. Another difference is that they weigh more.
smmra
10-23-2006, 11:41 AM
From what I understand, non-hub centric wheels (multifit) allow the weight of the vehicle to be supported by the bolts alone, instead of the hub......
HotDog88GT
10-24-2006, 03:30 PM
From what I understand, non-hub centric wheels (multifit) allow the weight of the vehicle to be supported by the bolts alone, instead of the hub......
Found article. Hub-centric wheels have a machined area on the inside that fits the hub, centering the wheel, rather than relying on the lugs to center the wheel on the hub. The word for lug-centric wheels is to tighten the wheel lugs well enough with weight off wheels so the wheel doesn't shift up when the car comes off the jack.
For non-OEM wheels that don't match up to the hub there are hub adapter rings. You just have to know which size to get, if any. See the bottom of this page...http://www.leadfreewheels.org/101.shtml
86439
10-30-2006, 05:46 PM
In the search of proper 16" steel wheels for Mazda 5, my local Costco quoted me an OE-fit product (part# x44655).
I don't know what source it was, but it was not a multi-fit steel rim. I'm also not sure if it was hub centric, but it appeared to be specifically for Mazda.
Can anyone verify if this is the proper hub-centric steels for Mazda 5, to be used with 205-55R16?
In the search of proper 16" steel wheels for Mazda 5, my local Costco quoted me an OE-fit product (part# x44655).
I don't know what source it was, but it was not a multi-fit steel rim. I'm also not sure if it was hub centric, but it appeared to be specifically for Mazda.
Can anyone verify if this is the proper hub-centric steels for Mazda 5, to be used with 205-55R16?
Anyone have an answer to this question? With December around the corner, the time to order the correct wheel whether steel, alloy, hub-centric or not is getting short.
I think I'll get a "cheap" alloy wheels from TireRack. The steel wheels are not much cheaper and personally I don't like look without hubcaps. The cheapest alloy wheel will run around $90 per wheel vs steel around 50$ + hubcaps.
How do you like the alloys from TR? I am considering the same since I am not sure I will like the steel wheel look? Any pictures of them on your 5 you wish to share?
86439
11-07-2006, 09:28 AM
Thanks to HotDog88GT for posting information defining what is hub centric. However, how does one tell whether a steel wheel is hub centric or not?
When you go to a tire store to buy a new set of snow tires, the guy looks up a book and tells you this is the steel wheel for Mazda 5. So far all 3 places that I went to offered me multi-fit wheels. One guy was honest enough to tell me that his are not hub centric. Does multi-fit automatic mean it is not hub centric, or how do you tell whether it is or not?
There are also OE-fit steel wheels for some models for cars. For example, Canadian Tire has the one for Mazda 6 (even though the word "6" was left out from their online catalogue). I went down there and saw one of these, it has Mazda 6 printed on the sticker. How does OE-fit relate to hub vs lug centric?
I am very confused. Help please!
jlk_250
11-09-2006, 04:37 PM
Anyone have an answer to this question? With December around the corner, the time to order the correct wheel whether steel, alloy, hub-centric or not is getting short.
I ordered winter tires and steel wheels from Tire Rack. They shipped the same day I ordered and the tires and wheels showed up in only two days. However, I have not installed them yet. (For reference, I got Pirelli Winter Carving tires on 16" steel wheels with hub caps for a total of $699 USD including $91 shipping, mount/balance included.)
I asked the Tire Rack rep how the wheel centering on these steel wheels compares to the OEM method. He said their steel wheels have the exact same 67mm hub-centric mounting method as the stock wheels. The standard lug nuts are used with the steel wheels and there are no adapters/spacers/etc. It's a proven bolt-on just as good as OEM, according to them.
I'll install the winter tires by the end of this weekend and will report back if I learn something that doesn't match what I was told. Scratch that, I'll take pics and will write an update no matter what I find out.
Jon
I ordered winter tires and steel wheels from Tire Rack. They shipped the same day I ordered and the tires and wheels showed up in only two days. However, I have not installed them yet. (For reference, I got Pirelli Winter Carving tires on 16" steel wheels with hub caps for a total of $699 USD including $91 shipping, mount/balance included.)
I asked the Tire Rack rep how the wheel centering on these steel wheels compares to the OEM method. He said their steel wheels have the exact same 67mm hub-centric mounting method as the stock wheels. The standard lug nuts are used with the steel wheels and there are no adapters/spacers/etc. It's a proven bolt-on just as good as OEM, according to them.
I'll install the winter tires by the end of this weekend and will report back if I learn something that doesn't match what I was told. Scratch that, I'll take pics and will write an update no matter what I find out.
Jon
I ordered steel wheels from Tirerack as well. Thought that I would ruin the alloys during the winter here.I decided on the Goodyear Eagle GW3's after reading the CR report for snows this year. They were rated on top. Funny thing was when I originally called TR they said they were out of them and wanted to sell me Michelin X-Ice tires. I went on their website and found them there so I took a chance and placed an order. They are on their way. I will follow-up with a post when they arrive. Total on the package for the 16" wheels, caps and 205/55/16's was about $687 delivered. Anyone else order these?
boytoys
11-10-2006, 08:28 AM
Thanks to HotDog88GT for posting information defining what is hub centric. However, how does one tell whether a steel wheel is hub centric or not?
When you go to a tire store to buy a new set of snow tires, the guy looks up a book and tells you this is the steel wheel for Mazda 5. So far all 3 places that I went to offered me multi-fit wheels. One guy was honest enough to tell me that his are not hub centric. Does multi-fit automatic mean it is not hub centric, or how do you tell whether it is or not?
There are also OE-fit steel wheels for some models for cars. For example, Canadian Tire has the one for Mazda 6 (even though the word "6" was left out from their online catalogue). I went down there and saw one of these, it has Mazda 6 printed on the sticker. How does OE-fit relate to hub vs lug centric?
I am very confused. Help please!
Just wondering whether you have find the right set of wheels and tires. I am from Mississauga and looking to do the same for my wife's 5.
Are you buying tires/wheels combo from Costco or Canadian Tire ? If so, what part# would you be using.
Thx for any help..
86439
11-10-2006, 02:55 PM
That part # I had above was wrong, it was an OE-fit wheel for Mazda 6. There is another #, X42655, which is the multi-fit wheels for Mazda. The issue with multi-fit wheels is the higher CHANCES of mis-alignment and damage to the rotor. But these universal fit wheels ARE being used by many. After all, the rotors on my Honda CR-V are warped even with the OE alloys…
After many days and nights of surfing, the above post by jlk_250 was the most promising when it comes to finding hub-centric’s. Unfortunately, in Canada, the high shipping (and possibly custom) charges make it insensible to purchase from TireRack.com
With the help of Medicman, I looked into the option of Mazda dealerships. Apparently, there is a Mazda OE 16” steel wheel designed for Mazda 3 and 5. Not everyone stocks these, but some do. You are in luck being in the Toronto area. I called a couple dealerships and they both have them, and for a reasonable price compare to the generic multi-fit steels. Some even offer packages with tires. But remember that dealerships don’t usually offer free tire swapping every winter and spring, nor free tire repair, like some specialty tire stores do.
jlk_250
11-20-2006, 09:53 PM
I'll install the winter tires by the end of this weekend and will report back if I learn something that doesn't match what I was told. Scratch that, I'll take pics and will write an update no matter what I find out.
Jon
All went well with the install and here are the pictures. The Tire Rack steel wheels are indeed hub-centric. The pics speak for themselves. No snow yet since I put them on so no report on how they perform (Pirelli Winter Carving). There might be more highway road noise but not enough that I can say for sure. No complaints so far and I was very impressed with Tire Rack. :)
was98strat
11-21-2006, 08:39 AM
All went well with the install and here are the pictures. The Tire Rack steel wheels are indeed hub-centric. The pics speak for themselves. No snow yet since I put them on so no report on how they perform (Pirelli Winter Carving). There might be more highway road noise but not enough that I can say for sure. No complaints so far and I was very impressed with Tire Rack. :)
Oh you'll notice the difference, Even off the highway they are significantly louder than the OEM Toyo's... But hey you've put on a tire designed for Extreme winter driving. If you look at the literature, Pirelli says the Winter carving were designed for use above the Arctic Circle! Marketing Hype I know but If you look at the tire, you'll see it in the design.
Oh and on the Highway in dry conditions they are even louder!!
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