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The Exact Bolt Pattern Of A Nissan Pathfinder

The Exact Bolt Pattern Of A Nissan Pathfinder

We’ve written extensively about the Nissan Pathfinder 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 Nissan. Specifically, we’ll take a look at the bolt pattern for each generation. Let’s start with a quick answer:

Nissan Pathfinder manufactured from 2013 onwards have a bolt pattern of 5×4.5 (5×114.3mm), a center bore of 2.6 inches (66.1mm), and five lug nuts with a thread size of M12 x 1.25 that need to be tightened with 83 lb-ft (113Nm) of force.

Nissan Pathfinder manufactured between 2005 – 2012 have a bolt pattern of 6×4.5 (6×114.3mm), a center bore of 2.6 inches (66.1mm), and six lug nuts with a thread size of M12 x 1.25 that need to be tightened with 105 lb-ft (142Nm) of force.

Nissan Pathfinder manufactured between 1996 – 2004 have a bolt pattern of 6×5.5 (6×139.7mm), a center bore of 3.95 inches (100.3mm), and six lug nuts with a thread size of M12 x 1.25 that need to be tightened with 105 lb-ft (142Nm) of force.

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. You should know precisely what you can and cannot buy this way. Read on!

Wheel Fitment Specifications Per Generation

To fit a wheel properly on your Nissan Pathfinder, 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 Pathfinder. 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 Pathfinder, 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.

2021-2022

  • Nissan Pathfinder 3.5i (284 hp) has a standard tire size of 255/60R18 or 255/50R20 and a standard rim size of 8Jx18 ET50 or 8Jx20 ET50.

2017-2021

  • Nissan Pathfinder 3.5i (284 hp) has a standard tire size of 235/65R18 or 235/55R20 and a standard rim size of 7.5Jx18 ET50 or 7.5Jx20 ET50.

2013-2017

  • Nissan Pathfinder 3.5i (260 hp) has a standard tire size of 235/65R18 or 235/55R20 and a standard rim size of 7.5Jx18 ET50 or 7.5Jx20 ET50.
  • Nissan Pathfinder 2.5 (250 hp) has a standard tire size of 235/65R18 and a standard rim size of 7.5Jx18 ET50.

2007-2012

  • Nissan Pathfinder 4.0 (266 hp) has a standard tire size of 245/75R16, 265/70R16 or 265/65R17 and a standard rim size of 7Jx16 ET30, 7Jx16 ET30, or 7.5Jx17 ET30.
  • Nissan Pathfinder 5.6 (310 hp) has a standard tire size of 265/60R18 and a standard rim size of 7.5Jx18 ET30.

2005-2006

  • Nissan Pathfinder 4.0 (270 hp) has a standard tire size of 245/75R16, 265/70R16, or 265/65R17 and a standard rim size of 7Jx16 ET30, 7Jx16 ET30, or 7.5Jx17 ET30.

2002-2004

  • Nissan Pathfinder LE 3.5i (240 hp) has a standard tire size of 245/65R17 and a standard rim size of 8Jx17 ET20.
  • Nissan Pathfinder SE 3.5i (240 hp) has a standard tire size of 255/65R16 and a standard rim size of 7Jx16 ET20.

2001

  • Nissan Pathfinder LE 3.5i (240 hp) and Nissan Pathfinder SE 3.5i (250 hp) have standard tire sizes of 255/65R16 and standard rim sizes of 7Jx16 ET20.
  • Nissan Pathfinder XE 3.5i (240 hp) has a standard tire size of 245/70R16 and a standard rim size of 7Jx16 ET20.

1999-2000

  • Nissan Pathfinder 3.3 (170 hp) has a standard tire size of 245/70R16 or 255/65R16 and a standard rim size of 7Jx16 ET20 or 7JJx16 ET20.

1996-1999

  • Nissan Pathfinder 3.3 (168 hp) has a standard tire size of 235/70R15 or 265/70R15 and a standard rim size of 6.5Jx15 ET30 or 7Jx15 ET25.

Also read: Types Of Gas A Nissan Pathfinder Uses (All Generations)

Retightening The Bolts

As said before, most generations of the Nissan that we discussed have five or six lug nuts. These need to be secured in a specific way when you mount the wheel to the car again. This information is stated in the owner’s manual, but we’ve gone through the effort of instructing you here. Nissan advises you to bolt these nuts in the way that’s shown below. You have to follow a crisscross pattern.

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five-bolt pattern
six-bolt pattern

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.

In the second round, you tighten them with the wheel wrench to the appropriate lbs-ft or Nm that we’ve stated earlier. Please note that the newest generation of the Nissan Pathfinder needs to have the bolts tightened to 83 lb-ft.

It’s expected that your wheel also have a center cap or cover. These need to be secured in the same pattern. Please tighten them first-hand snug with your hands. Then, use the wheel wrench to tighten them another one-quarter turn.

It’s also important to check if the lug nuts are still secured after 30 miles (48 kilometers). Please 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.

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Another occasion when you’ll need to take off your tires is when you’re rotating them. In the owner’s manual of the Pathfinder, 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.

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Sources

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