Bolt Pattern For 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee

Alright, let's talk about the bolt pattern for your 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee. Understanding this is crucial if you're planning on swapping wheels, upgrading your brakes, or even just replacing a damaged hub. Getting it wrong can lead to serious safety issues, so pay close attention to the details.

Understanding Bolt Patterns: The Basics

First, let's define what we're talking about. The bolt pattern (also sometimes referred to as the PCD, or Pitch Circle Diameter) specifies the arrangement of the lug holes on your wheel hub and wheel. It's described by two numbers: the number of lug holes and the diameter of the circle on which those holes are centered.

For example, a "5x127" bolt pattern indicates a wheel with five lug holes arranged on a circle with a diameter of 127 millimeters. Think of it like drawing a circle through the center of each lug hole – the diameter of that circle is what we're measuring.

Why is this important? Because wheels are designed to fit specific bolt patterns. If you try to mount a wheel with the wrong bolt pattern, the lug nuts won't align properly, and you won't be able to tighten them securely. This can lead to wheel wobble, damage to the hub and wheel, and potentially catastrophic failure.

The 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee Bolt Pattern: It's Consistent (Mostly)

The vast majority of 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokees use a 5x127mm (5x5") bolt pattern. This applies to most trim levels, including Laredo, Limited, Overland, and Summit. This is a fairly common bolt pattern across various Jeep models and some other SUVs, making wheel options relatively plentiful. The 5x127mm converts to approximately 5x5 inches. While professionals use millimeters, sometimes the inch equivalent is used when looking for wheels. Therefore it's good to know both numbers.

Important Considerations: SRT and High Performance Models

However, there's an important exception: the SRT and likely any heavily modified performance variants (if you are not the first owner, *always* check). These models sometimes feature a different bolt pattern or hub bore. While 5x127mm is common even on some SRT models, *verify the bolt pattern before purchasing any new wheels*.

Because of the performance oriented engineering of the SRT, some owners may upgrade and change the wheel hubs. Always be safe and double check the current bolt pattern.

Measuring Your Bolt Pattern: Practical Steps

If you're unsure of your Grand Cherokee's bolt pattern, the best way to confirm it is to measure it. Here's how:

1. Tools You'll Need: A ruler or measuring tape (preferably metric for accuracy), a piece of paper, and a pen or pencil.
2. Safety First: Ensure your vehicle is parked on a level surface, the parking brake is engaged, and the wheels are chocked for added safety.
3. Remove the Wheel: Loosen the lug nuts on one wheel, jack up the vehicle, and support it with jack stands. Remove the wheel completely.
4. Measuring a 5-Lug Pattern: This is where it gets a little tricky. Since there's no lug nut directly across from another, you can't simply measure center-to-center. Instead, measure from the center of one lug hole to the outside edge of the furthest lug hole. Then, use a bolt pattern calculator (easily found online) to convert this measurement into the PCD.

   For example, let's say the distance from the center of one lug to the outer edge of the furthest lug is about 4.72 inches. A bolt pattern calculator, with 5 lugs entered, will give you a PCD of approximately 5 inches, or 127mm.

5. Double-Check: Repeat the measurement a couple of times to ensure accuracy.
6. Record Your Findings: Write down your measurement in both millimeters and inches.

Pro Tip: Many online retailers that sell wheels and tires have vehicle lookup tools. Enter your year, make, and model, and they will often display the correct bolt pattern for your vehicle. However, it's always a good idea to double-check manually, especially if your vehicle has been modified.

Additional Considerations: Center Bore and Offset

While the bolt pattern is the most critical aspect, you also need to consider the center bore and offset of the wheels. The center bore is the diameter of the hole in the center of the wheel that fits over the hub. The wheel should ideally be hub-centric, meaning the center bore matches the hub diameter for a snug fit. If the center bore is too small, the wheel won't fit. If it's too large, you can use hub-centric rings to fill the gap and ensure proper centering.

Offset refers to the distance between the wheel's mounting surface and its centerline. A positive offset means the mounting surface is closer to the outside of the wheel, while a negative offset means it's closer to the inside. Offset affects how the wheel sits within the wheel well and can impact steering, suspension, and brake clearance. Using the wrong offset can cause rubbing, handling problems, or even damage to your suspension components. Consult a professional if you have questions about offset. For a 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee, the offset typically ranges from +45mm to +56mm depending on the wheel width and trim level.

Where to Find Reliable Bolt Pattern Information

Besides measuring yourself, you can often find the bolt pattern information in the following places:

• Owner's Manual: Sometimes the owner's manual will list the wheel specifications, including the bolt pattern.
• Online Wheel Retailers: As mentioned earlier, reputable online retailers often have vehicle lookup tools.
• Online Forums: Jeep-specific forums can be a valuable resource, but always verify information with other sources.
• Your Local Tire Shop: A tire professional can quickly identify the bolt pattern and other relevant wheel specifications.

In Conclusion

Determining the correct bolt pattern for your 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee is a vital step in any wheel-related modification or repair. While the 5x127mm bolt pattern is the most common, remember to always double-check, especially if you have an SRT model or suspect any modifications. By understanding the basics of bolt patterns, measuring accurately, and considering factors like center bore and offset, you can ensure a safe and successful wheel installation.

Disclaimer: This information is intended for general guidance only. Always consult a qualified mechanic or tire professional for specific advice related to your vehicle. Incorrect wheel installation can be dangerous and may void your vehicle's warranty.