We’ve written extensively about the Cadillac CTS and numerous questions you can have about this car. Today, we will talk about the information you need to have to select the correct new tires or rims for your CTS. Specifically, we’ll take a look at the bolt pattern for each generation. Let’s start with a quick answer:
Cadillac CTS manufactured between 2003 – 2007 have a bolt pattern of 5×4.53″ (5x115mm), whereas CTS manufactured between 2008 – 2019 have a bolt pattern of 5×4.72″ (5x120mm).
However, that certainly doesn’t tell the whole story. Below we’ve outlined the bolt pattern in more detail for each generation. We also discuss what lugs/bolts are used precisely, the exact diameter of the center bore hub, and the torque specifications of the bolts. Finally, we also have information about each engine type’s exact tire size and rim size. This way, you should know precisely what you can and cannot buy. Read on!
Also, read our main article in which we outline the bolt pattern of all Cadillac models.
Wheel Fitment Specifications Per Generation
To fit a wheel properly on your CTS, you’ll need to know more aspects than just the bolt pattern. Below we’ve outlined all the factors you should be aware of for each generation of the CTS. These include: center bore diameter, wheel tightening torque, whether lug nuts or bolts are used, and the thread size of the bolts.
We also want to clarify that the below-listed specifications are the same for all models within that generation. The CTS, of course, comes in different trim levels and engine options. However, these bolt patterns, lugs used, and torque specifications do not change for other models within a generation.
Furthermore, we also listed the exact tire and rim size used with each engine option to give you a precise idea of what tires you can and cannot buy.
2014 – 2019
Cadillac CTS manufactured between 2014 – 2019 have a center bore of 66.9mm and five lug nuts with a thread size of M14 x 1.5 that need to be tightened with 110 lb-ft (150 Nm) of force.
- CTS with a 2.0T engine have a standard tire size of 245/45R17, or 245/40R18 and a rim size of 8.5Jx17 ET32, or 8.5Jx18 ET32.
- CTS with a 3.6i engine have a standard tire size of 245/45R17, 245/40R18, or 255/35R19 and rim size of 8.5Jx17 ET32, 8.5Jx18 ET32, or 8.5Jx19 ET34.
- CTS with 3.6TT engine have a standard tire size of 245/40ZR18 and a rim size of 8.5Jx18 ET32.
2008 – 2014
Cadillac CTS manufactured between 2008 – 2014 have a center bore of 66.9mm and five lug nuts with a thread size of M14 x 1.5 that need to be tightened with 110 lb-ft (150 Nm) of force.
- CTS with a 3.0L engine have a standard tire size of 235/55R17 and a rim size of 8Jx17 ET48.
- CTS with a 3.6L engine have a standard tire size of 235/50R18 and a rim size of 8.5Jx18 ET48.
2003 – 2007
Cadillac CTS manufactured between 2003 – 2007 have a center bore of 70.5mm and five lug nuts with a thread size of M12 x 1.5 that need to be tightened with 100 lb-ft (140 Nm) of force.
- CTS with a 2.6L, 2.8L, 3.2, or 3.6L engine have a standard tire size of 225/55R16, or 225/50R17 and a rim size of 7Jx16 ET51, or 7.5Jx17 ET51.
Retightening The Bolts
As stated earlier, all generations of the CTS use wheels with five lug nuts. These need to be appropriately secured when you reinstall the wheel again. You can find how to do this in the owner’s manual, but in this case, we’ve decided to paste it in this article. As you can see in the image below, Cadillac advises you tighten the bolts in a crisscross sequence.
You do this by tightening all the nuts with a wheel wrench first. Please make sure only to tighten them halfway; otherwise, you’ll run into problems.
Then, you do a second round where you tighten them all the way, and you make sure it meets the Nm specifications mentioned earlier. It’s also likely that your wheel has a center cap or cover. These you be tightened as well in the same way. First, you make sure they are hand snug, then use the wheel wrench to tighten them one-quarter turn extra.
It’s also important to check if the lug nuts are still secured after 30 miles (48 kilometers). Make sure they are all in place and still tightened with the proper force. If not, tighten them again and recheck. If this keeps happening, you’ll need to replace the wheel.
When Or Why To Rotate/Change Tires
Suppose you’re changing your tire. You also need to know when to change or rotate it precisely. Let’s first talk about changing your tires. Tires usually last around 60,000 – 75,000 miles or 4-5 years. After this period they need to be replaced. Sometimes this happens earlier, and therefore, it’s a good idea to keep an eye on the tread wear indicators. These are shown in the image below. These indicators show when the tires have only 1.6 mm (1/16 in) or less tread remaining.
Another occasion when you’ll need to take off your tires is when you’re rotating them. In the owner’s manual of the CTS, it’s said that this needs to happen every 7,500 miles or 12,000 kilometers. It’s advised you rotate the tires in the exact way that’s shown below. The front tires are moved to the back, and the front tires move crisscross to the front.
Sources
- https://www.wheel-size.com/size/cadillac/cts/
- https://my.cadillac.com/content/dam/gmownercenter/gmna/dynamic/manuals/2018/Cadillac/CTS/2018-cadillac-cts-owners-manual.pdf
Hi! My name is Stefan; I’m the owner and lead writer at TheDriverAdviser.com.
I’m an active writer on this blog myself, as well as a novice car mechanic. For the really technical stuff, I find writers with experience as a mechanic or who have studied mechanical engineering.
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