Dealer says steel rims not strong enough?

Other than what you already mentioned, I am not familiar with any other adverse effects.

 

Is there anything to the "hub centric" vs "lug centric" rims and possible premature wear of the wheel bearings?

 

If the wheels aren't centered on the hub, you'll know it right away when you start driving. It'll drive poorly enough you probably won't get to the point where you'll do any damage.

 

Some other Toyota model wheels as well as Scion wheels will fit. They could be stamped as Toyota Rims while not necessarly meant for the Prius. I would think unless you find a discount place, the Toyota steel rim from a dealer would cost almost as much as an alloy rim from the Tire rack. Then, unless you brought trim rings, chrome lug nuts and a hubcap or wheel cover the wheels would look no where as nice as alloys. As I mentioned I have a set of Scion alloys and they are often available on ebay. I paid $200 plus shipping for a set of 4. I doubt that you can find a set of steel wheels any cheaper (and no, I know these Scion alloys are not "light weight"). Occasionally you'll find a set of Prius alloys for sale as well.

 

I was also looking for wheels for my snow tires. I found a set of OEM alloy wheels for my 2010 on ebay for $339 plus shipping. (waiting for them to come in!) I see that the seller has another set listed if you are interested.

 

Not exactly what I meant Chris... The center hole of an OEM rim rests on a lip on the rotor/drum. That is where all the weight is distributed at, not at the lugs. The lugs merely hang on to the tire. And a good thing too. The other day when I took off my alloys I forgot to completely lift the car up on one wheel. I had all the lugs loose before I noticed.

Where as with many if not all multi-fit (non-OEM) rims, the hole tends to be larger and does not fit to that lip. Thus all the weight is on the lugs. Someone mentioned that this might cause problems with the bearings. I just wanted to verify that. Could be total hog-wash but I don't know.

Peter

 

This can't possibly make any difference to the bearings. If the hub and lugs are rigidly connected, the force on the bearings is identical regardless of the center hole fit. On the other hand, if the wheel is allowed to slide out of center, then that would be bad for bearings.

Tom

 

I also bought $339 OE wheels off ebay (Victoria Tire). They came last week.

I've always used steel wheels for snow tires in the past, but since they are hard to find I thought I would try using alloy wheels this time. I decided on the OE wheels because I expect them to be better quality and better able to handle potholes than the inexpensive Chinese wheels that Tire Rack was offering.

 

Fitting replacement wheels that have a different offset than the original wheels could have an effect on the bearing life, but I agree that hub centered vs. lug centered should have no effect.

 

Another alternative is getting a set of used Gen II OEM 15" alloys (if they fit ... I think they do but you'll have to confirm).

The used Gen II OEM alloys should be cheaper than used Gen III OEM alloys and, IMO, they look better too. One PriusChatter recently advertised and sold a full set for $250. And another PriusChatter recently advertised and sold a full set -- with Goodyear Assurance Fuel Max tires with 5000 miles mounted and balanced on them -- for $350.

 

Mine came from Victoria Tire, too...