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The Exact Bolt Pattern Of A Nissan Sentra

The Exact Bolt Pattern Of A Nissan Sentra

We’ve written extensively about the Nissan Sentra and numerous questions you can have about this car, whether it’s about the Nissan Sentra fuel type or certain battery-related issues you might face as an owner.

Today, we will talk about the information you need to have to select the correct new tires or rims for your Nissan Sentra. Specifically, we’ll take a look at the bolt pattern for each generation. Let’s start with a quick answer:

Generations of the Nissan Sentra made from 2013 onwards have a bolt pattern of 5×4.5 inches (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 83.3 ft-lbs (113nm) of force.

Generations of the Nissan Sentra made between 2003 – 2012 onwards have a bolt pattern of 4×4.5 inches (4×114.3mm), a center bore of 2.6 inches (66.1mm), and four lug nuts with a thread size of M12 x 1.25 that need to be tightened with 83.3 ft-lbs (113nm) 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 Sentra, 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 Nissan Sentra. 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 Nissan Sentra, 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 incase you purchase outside of the Nissan dealer’s shop.

2020 – 2022

Nissan Sentra with a 2.0 engine has the following specifications:

  • Tire size: 205/60HR16, 215/50VR17, or 215/45R18
  • Rim size: 6.5Jx16 ET40, 7Jx17 ET48, or 7.5Jx18 ET43

2017 – 2020

Nissan Sentra with a 1.6i Nismo engine has the following specifications:

  • Tire size: 215/45ZR18
  • Rim size: 7Jx18 ET45

Nissan Sentra with a 1.6i Turbo engine has the following specifications:

  • Tire size: 205/50R17
  • Rim size: 6.5Jx17 ET45

Nissan Sentra with a 1.8i engine has the following specifications:

  • Tire size: 205/55R16 or 205/50R17
  • Rim size: 6Jx16 ET45 or 6.5Jx17 ET45

2016

Nissan Sentra with a 1.8i engine has the following specifications:

  • Tire size: 205/55R16 or 205/50R17
  • Rim size: 6Jx16 ET45 or 6.5Jx17 ET45

2013 – 2015

Nissan Sentra with a 1.8i engine has the following specifications:

  • Tire size: 205/55R16 or 205/50R17
  • Rim size: 6.5Jx16 ET40 or 6.5Jx17 ET45

2006 – 2012

Nissan Sentra with a 2.0i engine has the following specifications:

  • Tire size: 205/60R15 or 205/55R16
  • Rim size: 6Jx15 ET45 or 6.5Jx16 ET45

Nissan Sentra with a 2.5i engine has the following specifications:

  • Tire size: 225/45R17
  • Rim size: 7Jx17 ET50

2003 – 2006

Nissan Sentra with a 1.8i engine has the following specifications:

  • Tire size: 195/60R15
  • Rim size: 6Jx15 ET45

Nissan Sentra with a SE-R 2.5i engine has the following specifications:

  • Tire size: 195/55R16
  • Rim size: 6Jx16 ET42

Nissan Sentra with a SE-R Spec V 2.5i engine has the following specifications:

  • Tire size: 215/45ZR17
  • Rim size: 7Jx17 ET47

Nissan Sentra with a 2.0i engine has the following specifications:

  • Tire size: 205/60R15 or 205/55R16
  • Rim size: 6.5Jx15 ET45 or 6.5Jx16 ET45

Nissan Sentra with a 2.5i engine has the following specifications:

  • Tire size: 225/45R17
  • Rim size: 7Jx17 ET50

Retightening The Bolts

As said before, the latest Nissan Sentra generation that we discussed has five 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.

5 lug bolt pattern
Five-bolt pattern

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 Sentra needs to have the bolts tightened to 83.3 ft-lbs (113nm).

It’s expected that your wheel also has 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.

image explaining thread indicators on a tire

Another occasion when you’ll need to take off your tires is when you’re rotating them. In the owner’s manual of the Nissan Sentra, it’s said that this needs to happen every 5,000 – 7,500 miles (8,000 – 12,000 kilometers) for FWD or RWD vehicles. For AWD vehicles, it’s recommended to do this every 3,000 – 5,000 miles (5,000 – 8,000 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.

image explaining how to rotate tires

Sources

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