We’ve written extensively about the Chevy Impala and numerous questions you can have about this car. Today, we’re going to talk about the information you need to have to select the correct new tires or rims for your Impala. Specifically, we’ll take a look at the bolt pattern for each generation. Let’s start with a quick answer:
All Chevy Impala manufactured between 2000 – 2013 have a bolt pattern of 5 x 4.53″ (5x115mm), whereas Impala manufactured between 2014 – present have a bolt pattern of 5 x 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 for all Chevy models.
Wheel Fitment Specifications Per Generation
To fit a wheel properly on your Impala, 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 Impala. 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 Impala, 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 – Present-day
Chevy Impala, manufactured from 2014 onwards, have a bolt pattern of 5 x 4.72″ (5x120mm). The center bore hub has a diameter of 66.9mm, and five lugs are used with a thread size of M14 x 1.5. These lugs should be tightened with a force of 150 Nm.
- 2.4 L engine have a standard tire size of 235/50R18 and a rim size of 8Jx18 ET42.
- 2.5 L engine have a standard tire size of 235/50R18 or 245/45R19 and a rim size of 8Jx18 ET42 or 8.5Jx19 ET42.
- 3.6 L engine have a standard tire size of 245/45R19 or 245/40R20 and a rim size of 8.5Jx19 ET42 or 8.5Jx20 ET45.
2006 – 2013
Chevy Impala, manufactured between 2006 – 2013, have a bolt pattern of 5 x 4.53″ (5x115mm). The center bore hub has a diameter of 70.3mm, and five lugs are used with a thread size of M12 x 1.5. The lugs should be tightened with a force of 140 Nm.
- 3.5 L engine have a standard tire size of 225/60R16 and a rim size of 6.5Jx16 ET47.
- 3.6 L engine have a standard tire size of 225/60R16 and a rim size of 6.5Jx16 ET46.
- 3.9 L engine have a standard tire size of 235/50ZR18 and a rim size of 7Jx18 ET52.
- Impala SS with a 5.3 L engine have a standard tire size of 235/50ZR18 and a rim size of 7Jx18 ET52.
2000 – 2005
Chevy Impala, manufactured between 2000 – 2005, have a bolt pattern of 5 x 4.53″ (5x115mm). The center bore hub has a diameter of 70.3mm, and five lugs are used with a thread size of M12 x 1.5. The lugs should be tightened with a force of 140 Nm.
- 3.4 L engine have a standard tire size of 225/60R16 and a rim size of 6.5Jx16 ET52.
- 3.8 L engine have a standard tire size of 225/60R16 and a rim size of 6.5Jx16 ET52.
- 3.8 L Impala SS have a standard tire size of 235/55ZR17 and a rim size of 6.5Jx17 ET52
Retightening The Bolts
As stated earlier, all generations of the Impala use wheels that have a total of 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, Chevrolet advises you to 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 you 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 thread wear indicators. These are shown in the image below. These indicators show up 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 Impala, 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/chevrolet/impala/
- https://my.chevrolet.com/content/dam/gmownercenter/gmna/dynamic/manuals/2020/chevrolet/impala/2020-chevrolet-impala-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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