2000 Nissan Maxima With Rims

Let's talk about upgrading the rims on a 2000 Nissan Maxima. The Maxima, especially the 5th generation (A33 chassis, 2000-2003), is a solid platform for modifications. Swapping out the stock wheels is often one of the first mods people consider, and for good reason. It can drastically change the car's appearance and, if done right, even improve its handling. But it's crucial to understand the technical considerations to avoid problems.

Understanding Wheel Specifications

Before you even start browsing rims online or at your local tire shop, you need to know the key specs for your 2000 Maxima. Ignoring these can lead to fitment issues, rubbing, and even damage to your suspension.

Bolt Pattern

The bolt pattern refers to the number of lug nuts and the diameter of the circle they form. For a 2000 Nissan Maxima, the bolt pattern is 5x114.3mm (also sometimes written as 5x4.5 inches). This means there are five lug nuts, and the diameter of the circle passing through the center of each lug hole is 114.3 millimeters (or 4.5 inches). Using the wrong bolt pattern is a non-starter. The wheel simply won't bolt up correctly. Trying to force it is dangerous and can damage the wheel studs.

Center Bore

The center bore is the diameter of the hole in the center of the wheel that centers it on the hub of the car. The 2000 Maxima has a center bore of 66.1mm. There are two main types of wheels in relation to center bore: hub-centric and lug-centric.

Hub-centric wheels are designed to fit exactly onto the hub. This is the ideal setup, as the hub bears the weight of the car, not the lug nuts. If you're buying aftermarket wheels, try to find wheels with a 66.1mm center bore. If you can't, you can use hub-centric rings. These are inexpensive plastic or aluminum rings that fill the gap between the wheel's larger center bore and the hub, making it effectively hub-centric.

Lug-centric wheels rely solely on the lug nuts to center the wheel. While they can work, they're not ideal, especially for performance applications. They can be more prone to vibration at higher speeds. If you must use lug-centric wheels, ensure the lug nuts are properly torqued.

Offset

Offset is the distance, in millimeters, from the wheel's mounting surface to its centerline. It dictates how far the wheel will sit inwards or outwards in the wheel well. A positive offset means the mounting surface is closer to the outside of the wheel (wheel sits further inwards), while a negative offset means it's closer to the inside (wheel sits further outwards). A zero offset means the mounting surface is exactly in the middle.

The stock offset for the 2000 Maxima is typically around +45mm. You can deviate from this, but you need to be mindful of potential issues. Going with a lower offset will push the wheels further out, which can improve the car's stance. However, if you go too low, you risk:

Rubbing on the fenders: Especially with wider tires. Rolling or pulling the fenders may be required to provide more clearance.
Rubbing on the suspension components: Struts, control arms, etc.
Altering the scrub radius: This can affect steering feel and handling.

Conversely, a higher offset will pull the wheels further inwards, which can cause them to:

Rub on the suspension components: Especially the struts.
Look tucked in and aesthetically unappealing.

A good range to stay within for aftermarket wheels on a 2000 Maxima is generally +35mm to +50mm, depending on the width of the wheel and tire size.

Wheel Width

Wheel width is measured in inches and refers to the distance between the inner and outer flanges of the wheel. The stock wheel width for the 2000 Maxima is often 6.5 inches. You can go wider, but again, you need to consider offset and tire size.

A wider wheel allows for a wider tire, which can improve grip and handling. However, wider wheels and tires can also lead to rubbing issues and can affect fuel economy due to increased rolling resistance.

Wheel Diameter

Wheel diameter is also measured in inches and refers to the overall diameter of the wheel. The stock wheel diameter for the 2000 Maxima is typically 16 inches. Increasing the wheel diameter is a popular modification for aesthetic reasons, but it's important to maintain a similar overall tire diameter to avoid affecting your speedometer reading and gearing.

This is achieved by using a lower profile tire as the wheel diameter increases. For example, if you were to go from a 16-inch wheel to an 18-inch wheel, you would need to use a tire with a lower aspect ratio (the percentage representing the sidewall height) to keep the overall diameter similar.

Tire Considerations

Your tire choice is directly related to your wheel choice. You need to select a tire size that is compatible with the wheel width and diameter and that also provides adequate clearance in the wheel wells.

Refer to a tire size calculator (easily found online) to determine the correct tire size for your desired wheel size. This calculator will show you the overall diameter of the tire, which you can then compare to the stock tire diameter to ensure you're staying within a reasonable range. A difference of 3% or less is generally considered acceptable.

Consider these factors when choosing tires:

Tire Width: Too wide, and you risk rubbing. Too narrow, and you might not get the performance you want.
Aspect Ratio: Lower aspect ratio means less sidewall, which can improve handling but also make the ride harsher.
Load Rating: Ensure the tires can handle the weight of your car.
Speed Rating: Choose a tire with a speed rating appropriate for your driving style.

Installation and Torque Specifications

Installing wheels is relatively straightforward, but it's crucial to follow proper procedures to ensure safety.

Loosen the lug nuts: Before lifting the car, loosen the lug nuts on the wheel you're removing. Don't remove them completely, just break them free.
Lift the car: Use a jack to lift the car. Make sure to use the designated jacking points to avoid damaging the undercarriage.
Secure the car: Always use jack stands for safety. Never work under a car supported only by a jack.
Remove the wheel: Remove the lug nuts completely and take off the old wheel.
Install the new wheel: Carefully mount the new wheel onto the hub.
Install the lug nuts: Hand-tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern. This ensures even pressure on the wheel.
Lower the car: Carefully lower the car back to the ground.
Torque the lug nuts: Use a torque wrench to tighten the lug nuts to the correct torque specification. For a 2000 Nissan Maxima, the lug nut torque specification is typically around 80 ft-lbs (108 Nm). This is crucial. Over-torquing can damage the wheel studs, while under-torquing can cause the wheel to come loose.
Re-torque after driving: After driving for about 50-100 miles, re-torque the lug nuts to ensure they haven't loosened.

Potential Issues and Troubleshooting

Even with careful planning, you might encounter some issues after installing new rims.

Vibration: This can be caused by several factors, including:
- Improperly balanced wheels: Have the wheels balanced at a tire shop.
- Damaged tires: Inspect the tires for bulges or uneven wear.
- Loose lug nuts: Re-torque the lug nuts.
- Bent wheel: Inspect the wheels for damage.
- Hub-centric ring issues: Ensure the hub-centric rings are properly installed and the correct size.
Rubbing: This is usually caused by incorrect offset or tire size.
- Check clearances: Carefully inspect the wheel wells for any signs of rubbing.
- Roll the fenders: This can provide more clearance.
- Use smaller tires: As a last resort, you may need to use a smaller tire size.
TPMS Issues: The 2000 Maxima doesn't have TPMS sensors in the wheels. This is not a concern for this model year.

Conclusion

Upgrading the rims on your 2000 Nissan Maxima can significantly improve its appearance and even its performance. However, it's essential to do your research and understand the technical specifications involved. By paying attention to bolt pattern, center bore, offset, wheel width, tire size, and proper installation procedures, you can ensure a safe and successful upgrade. Don't hesitate to consult with a professional if you're unsure about any aspect of the process. Good luck!