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Gen 2 snows/rims to Gen 4 Two?

Discussion in 'Gen 4 Prius Technical Discussion' started by nednvermont, Oct 27, 2017.

  1. nednvermont

    nednvermont Member

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    I've recently traded in my '07 Gen 2 Touring for a new Gen 4 Two. Can anyone can tell me whether I can use the same rims/snow tires that I had on the Gen 2 for the new rig? Rim size is the same: 15". Tire size is close, I believe it's 155 vs 165 15"...I'm at work so can't get the actual numbers right now. 'Old' snows are in good shape and would like to use them. If not, I'll sell and get a new set for the new car.
     
  2. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    The Outside Diameter of second gen 185/65R15 is somewhat less, compared to 3rd/4th gen 195/65R15, say 2% difference in rev's per mile.

    Also, how old are those tires? There's a date code on the sidewall, will show week and year. Google for more detail. If they're approaching 10 years it's probably time to replace.

    Good shape? How much tread depth? You can get a tire depth gauge for $2~4, check it. With snow tires, 6/32" is pretty much the cut-off.

    As far as rim compatibility, try mounting them, give them a spin. I'd suspect they're ok. FWIW I'm using Corolla rims on our 3rd gen, completely compatible:

    Corolla 15" black steel rims p/n: 42611-02471
    With lug nuts p/n: 90942-01007 (utilitarian, open-ended, galvanized)
     
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  3. nednvermont

    nednvermont Member

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    Thanks! Snows have only one winter's wear on them. Got to keep on top of that here in VT!
     
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  4. borrowedcarbon

    borrowedcarbon Junior Member

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    I’m looking at the same thing.

    Stock 15” rims on gen2 are 6j x 15 ET45.
    On gen4 the 15” rims are 6.5j x 15 ET40.

    With 195/65r15 tires on both rims, the diameter matches, the inset is very close (gen2 wheels are 1 mm further from gen4 suspension). The outset is less (11.4mm further inside).

    If your winter tires are 185/65r15 on rims matching the stock gen2 Prius, you’ll have the -2% circumference error as Mendel said.

    I’m more wondering about the effect of moving the center of the tire 6mm inwards.

    Cheers
     
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  5. xliderider

    xliderider Senior Member

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    I wouldn't worry about the 6mm difference in offset, as long as the rims clear the brake calipers/holders you're good to go.
     
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  6. Lucifer

    Lucifer Senior Member

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    Same bolt pattern, on my 17 prime the snows are wheels from my 06’, any why not 195/65 15 tires, your speedometer will be spot on.
     
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  7. borrowedcarbon

    borrowedcarbon Junior Member

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    Gen2 rims fit on Gen4, and they look good.
     

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  8. nednvermont

    nednvermont Member

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    Yes they do! I'd prefer those over my after market 'plain jane black' rims. Only one problem... no tire pressure monitor, so I'll have to stare at the low tire pressure icon for the winter (just like I did on my Gen 2).
     
  9. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    You'll forget it's even there, soon enough. Keep an eye on tire pressures.
     
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  10. nednvermont

    nednvermont Member

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    Snow tires successfully on the car (with old Gen 2 after market (boring) black rims). Works fine! Not fond of the noise snow tires make, but would rather have noise than end up in a ditch on a snowy day... The shop didn't install plastic rim covers from the Gen 4, but I'm assuming I can do that fairly painlessly. That'll "dress up" the rims some and get me through the winter.
     
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  11. nednvermont

    nednvermont Member

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    Discovered that the OEM plastic rim covers do not fit the old (boring) black rims... so I'll have to look for something after-market. Oh, well...
     
  12. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    Are these steel rims? Aftermarket (with larger centre hub openings, one-size-fits-all) or Toyota, say Corolla? I've used a 2" ABS cap on the latter.

    IMG_7877.JPG
     
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  13. nednvermont

    nednvermont Member

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    Yes... those look like what I have. What do you mean by 2" ABS cap?
     
  14. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    It's an end cap for 2" ABS plumbing pipe line. Inside diameter of the pipe is 2", it has 3/16" walls so outside diameter is 2 3/8", and accordingly that's the inside diameter of the end cap (converts to 60.325 mm). This is slightly larger than the OD of the lip around the hub opening on a Corolla steel rim.

    2 in. ABS DWV Cap-C5817HD2 - The Home Depot

    I've found by snipping a "rubber band" of a bicycle inner tube, pushing that onto the hub lip, and then pushing the ABS end cap onto that combo, it virtually seats (the front axle nut/bolt slightly bumps it), and stays on securely.

    Without something on there, I found after a few winters the exposed hub was terribly rusted up looking.

    My other ploy is put a drop of oil, as little as possible on each of the galvanized, open-end nuts I have, brush it around. Otherwise the stud tips rust up quickly. Chromed acorn nuts would be preferable, but I don't have those. Also, all the aftermarket acorn nuts seem way too tall, again, one-size-fits-all I guess.
     
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  15. nednvermont

    nednvermont Member

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    Ah, ok... I looked closer at your photo and see what you've done. A clever fix. Thanks!
     
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