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Are steelies okay on a Prius?

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Accessories and Modifications' started by mr_yellow, Oct 25, 2013.

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  1. Sfcyclist

    Sfcyclist Senior Member

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    That's used to center the wheel.. so since the hub has a tighter tolerance than the lugs, it's better to center the wheel on. I used both in terms of wheels and wheel spacers. Hub is always preferred but if you torque lug centric down in the right sequence it should be ok.
     
    #21 Sfcyclist, Oct 26, 2013
  2. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    With steel rims, at least the Corolla rims I use, and I think they're fairly typical, the hub is a snug fit In the the centre opening. Seems like both the lugs and hub are instrumental in centring.
     
    #22 Mendel Leisk, Oct 26, 2013
  3. Sfcyclist

    Sfcyclist Senior Member

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    When you first install the rim, it's resting on the hub until you tighten the lugs.. so hub centric.
     
    #23 Sfcyclist, Oct 26, 2013
  4. our1vue

    our1vue Member

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    I got closed end lug nuts at my local advanced auto store. I liked the closed end ones because they protect the threads. They were 5 to a package and I don't think they were that expensive (compared to the wheels and tires :) I run those on my winter rim/tires
     
    #24 our1vue, Oct 26, 2013
  5. mr_yellow

    mr_yellow Junior Member

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    Thanks guys for all the info.... this definitely snowballed bigger than I expected...

    So the final advice is:

    Steelies are fine as long as:
    1) they're hubcentric (centered on the hub and not the lugs)
    2) you're okay with reduced gas mileage (less aerodynamic and heavier)
    3) you use regular "short" lugnuts with a conical seat

    That sound about right?

    One quick question: what do you guys with steelies use to cover up the center hole on the rims?
     
    #25 mr_yellow, Oct 28, 2013
  6. dhanson865

    dhanson865 Expert and Devil's advocate

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    I've never done it but this thread has been around for a while and seems like the answer you need.

    3 buck alloy wheel center caps! | PriusChat

    hope that helps
     
    #26 dhanson865, Oct 28, 2013
    mr_yellow likes this.
  7. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    So far nothing. I wish there was something but so far haven't found it. Regular caps are problematic, especially on the front hub, which has a locking nut that protrudes.
     
    #27 Mendel Leisk, Oct 28, 2013
  8. mr_yellow

    mr_yellow Junior Member

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    That's actually amazing! Okay.. now all my fears of using steelies are satisfied!
     
    #28 mr_yellow, Oct 28, 2013
  9. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    Don't think they'll work. Steel rim centre openings are much closer to the hub. Front in particular has a nut that puts kibosh on centre cap. Just resign yourself to utilitarian look?

    I have centre caps for our OEM 17" rims. Know they don't work.
     
    #29 Mendel Leisk, Oct 28, 2013
  10. Sfcyclist

    Sfcyclist Senior Member

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    Summary sounds right. Don't get the closed ended lug since the washer will rattle around and make a lot of noise like Spidey noted.
     
    #30 Sfcyclist, Oct 29, 2013
  11. mr_yellow

    mr_yellow Junior Member

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    I'm confused...

    How is it even possible to screw in closed ended lugnuts with the washer so that it's loose enough that the washers rattle? wouldn't that mean the rim itself is loose?
     
    #31 mr_yellow, Oct 29, 2013
  12. zhenya

    zhenya Active Member

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    Look at the picture on the previous page of this thread. The factory lug nut has two seats. One is the washer that engages on the factory wheels. One is the tapered seat at the end of the nut that engages on the steel rims. That would leave the washer free to rattle.
     
    #32 zhenya, Oct 29, 2013
  13. Sfcyclist

    Sfcyclist Senior Member

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    You're assuming the 2 wheels types of wheels uses the same part of the lug.

    Not sure if you can see in this photo, but the washers are not touching the steel wheel.

    http://i700.photobucket.com/albums/ww4/Timber5086/IMG00057-20091201-1027.jpg
     

    Attached Files:

    #33 Sfcyclist, Oct 29, 2013
  14. mr_yellow

    mr_yellow Junior Member

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    Ah.. gotcha... thanks for the explanation... luckily I have a set of regular closed style lugs from my wrx that I'll probably use for the steelies.
     
    #34 mr_yellow, Oct 29, 2013
  15. Sfcyclist

    Sfcyclist Senior Member

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    Open ended lugs has no washer. Closed have washer.
     
    #35 Sfcyclist, Oct 29, 2013
  16. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    There are closed end nuts without washers, generic ones. Quite common. You've got to be careful to get the compatible taper though.

    (just stirring the pot)
     
    #36 Mendel Leisk, Oct 29, 2013
  17. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    Summary sounds about right.

    I didn't get wheel covers because I forgot to tell the technicians to put the wheel balance on the inside of the rim. Some of the them are sitting on the outside so they'll prohibit proper installation of the wheel cover.

    I'm just using plain old steelies (mine is actually off a friend's Cavalier lol. Our wheel size is a popular size). I try to keep the rim clean (shiny black rather than caked in slush and mud). The steering feels a bit different at first but you won't notice it after a week or two. At least it was for me coming from the 15" lightweight alloys. If you have the Touring Package, they may not be as noticeable as the 17s are heavier.
     
    #37 Tideland Prius, Oct 31, 2013
  18. Sfcyclist

    Sfcyclist Senior Member

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    Key thing is just look for the washer in either case.
     
    #38 Sfcyclist, Oct 31, 2013
  19. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    prius steel rim 01.JPG
    prius steel rim 02.jpg

    Just a couple of images to show the issue with centre caps on steel rims
     
    #39 Mendel Leisk, Nov 1, 2013
  20. mr_yellow

    mr_yellow Junior Member

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    Yikes. That rust is scary. Now I'm contemplating running my stock alloys as winter rims and buying new larger alloys for summer.

    Does anyone know how the TPMS works? Where are the sensors located and can they be moved from one set of rims to another?
     
    #40 mr_yellow, Nov 1, 2013
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