2009 Nissan Maxima With Rims

Let's talk about the 2009 Nissan Maxima and the often-overlooked but visually striking upgrade: aftermarket rims. This isn't just about aesthetics; the right rims can impact your Maxima's handling, performance, and even fuel efficiency. We’ll break down the key considerations, technical specifications, and potential pitfalls when selecting and installing rims on your 2009 Maxima.

Understanding Your 2009 Maxima's Wheel Specifications

Before you even start browsing rims, you need to know your Maxima's stock wheel specifications. Getting this wrong can lead to rubbing, clearance issues, or even unsafe driving conditions. Here's a breakdown of the critical measurements:

Bolt Pattern

The bolt pattern refers to the number of bolts and the diameter of the circle they form. The 2009 Nissan Maxima uses a 5x114.3mm (or 5x4.5") bolt pattern. This means it has 5 lug nuts spaced around a circle with a 114.3mm diameter. Using the wrong bolt pattern is a non-starter. The wheel simply won't mount correctly, and forcing it will damage the wheel studs.

Center Bore

The center bore is the diameter of the hole in the center of the wheel that fits over the hub of the car. The 2009 Maxima has a center bore of 66.1mm. This is crucial for proper wheel centering and vibration-free driving. If the center bore of the rim is larger than the hub (hub-centric), you'll need hub-centric rings to ensure a snug, vibration-free fit. Without these rings, the lug nuts will be forced to bear the entire weight of the car, which can lead to stress and even lug nut failure over time. If the rim is lug-centric the design of the rim means the weight is placed on the lug nuts. It's always better and safer to be hub-centric.

Wheel Offset

Wheel offset is the distance, in millimeters, from the wheel's mounting surface to its centerline. It dictates how far the wheel sits inwards or outwards in the wheel well. The 2009 Maxima typically has an offset range of around +40mm to +50mm. A lower offset will push the wheel further outwards, while a higher offset will pull it further inwards. Changing the offset too drastically can affect steering geometry, increase stress on the wheel bearings, and cause rubbing against the fender or suspension components.

Understanding offset is key to achieving the desired look and fit. Going too aggressive (lower offset) might look cool but can drastically reduce the life of your wheel bearings and cause other issues.

Wheel Width and Diameter

The stock wheel width and diameter for the 2009 Maxima can vary depending on the trim level. Typically, you'll find diameters ranging from 17" to 19" and widths from 7" to 8". Sticking close to these dimensions is generally recommended to avoid significant changes to ride quality and speedometer accuracy. Going wider can improve grip, but it can also increase rolling resistance and potentially affect fuel economy. Increasing the diameter, but keeping the overall tire diameter the same, can improve handling but also make for a harsher ride.

Choosing the Right Rims

Once you understand the basic specifications, the fun begins – choosing your rims! But don't get caught up in just aesthetics; consider these factors:

Material

Rims are typically made of steel, alloy (aluminum), or forged aluminum. Steel rims are the most affordable and durable, but they're also the heaviest and least visually appealing. Alloy rims offer a good balance of weight, strength, and aesthetics. They are more expensive than steel but significantly lighter. Forged aluminum rims are the strongest and lightest, but they're also the most expensive. Forged rims are made using extreme pressure, which results in a denser and stronger material compared to cast alloy wheels.

Design

The design of the rim is purely a matter of personal preference, but consider how it complements the overall look of your Maxima. Are you going for a sporty, aggressive look, or a more luxurious, understated appearance? Consider the finish as well. Common finishes include: painted, polished, chrome, and powder-coated. Each will offer a different look for your Maxima.

Weight

Wheel weight is a critical factor that directly impacts performance. Lighter wheels reduce unsprung weight, which improves acceleration, braking, and handling. Unsprung weight refers to the weight of components that are not supported by the vehicle's springs, such as wheels, tires, brakes, and suspension components. Reducing unsprung weight allows the suspension to react more quickly to road imperfections, resulting in better ride quality and handling. Whenever possible, opt for lighter rims.

Tire Selection and Sizing

Choosing the right tires to pair with your new rims is just as important as selecting the rims themselves. You need to ensure that the tire size is compatible with both the rim width and the overall diameter you're aiming for. Using a tire size calculator is highly recommended. Websites like TireRack.com have these calculators, which allow you to input your original tire size and then explore alternative sizes while maintaining the same overall diameter.

Maintaining the overall tire diameter is important to ensure your speedometer reads correctly and to avoid issues with the ABS and traction control systems.

Consider these tire aspects:

Tire Width: Match the tire width to the rim width. Too wide or too narrow of a tire on a rim can cause handling problems and uneven tire wear.

Aspect Ratio: This is the height of the tire sidewall as a percentage of the tire width. A lower aspect ratio will result in a shorter sidewall and a firmer ride.

Load Index and Speed Rating: Make sure the tires you choose have a load index and speed rating that meets or exceeds the requirements for your 2009 Maxima. This information can be found in your owner's manual or on the tire placard located on the driver's side doorjamb.

Tire Compound and Tread Pattern: These will affect grip, handling, and noise. Consider your driving style and the typical weather conditions in your area when choosing a tire compound and tread pattern.

Installation: DIY or Professional?

Mounting the rims and tires yourself can save you money, but it requires the right tools and knowledge. If you're not comfortable with the process, it's best to leave it to a professional.

DIY Installation

If you choose to DIY, you'll need:

A jack and jack stands

A lug wrench (ideally a torque wrench)

Wheel chocks

Hub-centric rings (if needed)

A tire mounting machine is a must for tire removal/installing to the rim.

Wheel balancing machine for balancing the wheel and tire.

Important Steps:

Safety First: Park on a level surface, engage the parking brake, and use wheel chocks.

Loosen Lug Nuts: Before jacking up the car, loosen the lug nuts slightly.

Jack Up the Car: Use the jack to lift the car and secure it with jack stands.

Remove the Old Wheel: Fully unscrew the lug nuts and remove the old wheel.

Install Hub-Centric Rings (if needed): Ensure the rings are properly seated on the hub.

Mount the New Wheel: Align the new wheel with the wheel studs and carefully slide it onto the hub.

Hand-Tighten Lug Nuts: Hand-tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern.

Lower the Car: Carefully lower the car back to the ground.

Torque Lug Nuts: Use a torque wrench to tighten the lug nuts to the manufacturer's specified torque (typically around 80-100 ft-lbs for the Maxima). This is critical! Over-tightening can damage the wheel studs, while under-tightening can cause the wheel to come loose.

Re-Check Torque: After driving a short distance (50-100 miles), re-check the lug nut torque.

Professional Installation

A professional tire shop will have the necessary equipment and expertise to properly mount, balance, and install your new rims and tires. They can also advise you on the correct tire size and offset for your Maxima.

Potential Issues and Troubleshooting

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

Rubbing: If you experience rubbing, especially during turns, you may need to roll your fenders or adjust the offset of your wheels.

Vibrations: Vibrations can be caused by improper balancing, a bent rim, or the absence of hub-centric rings.

TPMS Issues: If your Maxima has a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), you may need to have the sensors reprogrammed to work with the new wheels.

Clearance problems: If your calipers are hitting the inside of the rims, you may need to install wheel spacers to give a little extra space.

By understanding the specifications of your 2009 Nissan Maxima and carefully considering your options, you can choose the perfect rims to enhance its appearance and performance. Remember to prioritize safety and consult with a professional if you're unsure about any aspect of the installation process. Good luck and happy modding!