Does the Pilot Diameter of Replacement Wheel Need to Match Existing Wheel

Updated 05/23/2020 | Published 05/20/2020

Products Featured in This Question

Kenda Karrier S-Trail ST145/R12 Radial Tire w/ 12" Galvanized Spoke Wheel - 5 on 4-1/2 - LR D

(376)

$132.94

Taskmaster Steel Modular Trailer Wheel - 12" x 4" Rim - 5 on 4-1/2 - White

(584)

$57.82

Question:

Hello- I’m looking for an aluminum wheel with a 5 on 4 1/2 bolt pattern. I need load range D. I found one on your site, but the pilot diameter is too big. Mine measures around 2 3/4”, where the one I found was 3.19 if I recall. Do you have any other options? How critical is it for the pilot diameter to fit snug? Thank you

asked by: Charles W

Expert Reply:

There are two types of ways a wheel interfaces with the hub. This junction can be considered hub centric or lug centric. If your current wheels attach to the hubs using lug nuts where the wheel slips over the wheel studs, they're considered lug centric. In that case the pilot diameter size of the wheel doesn't matter, as the wheel studs themselves support the wheel. As long as the pilot diameter is large enough that the dust cover that covers the bearings can pass through the pilot opening, you'll be just fine.

A hub centric wheel, however is a different animal. Hub centric wheels use lug bolts to attach them to the hub. The pilot opening of the wheel is important for hub centric wheels because a portion of the hub passes through the pilot opening, and the pilot opening provides support from resting on that portion of the hub. On a hub centric wheel, it's important that the pilot opening is the same diameter as the portion of the hub that passes through it.

Most of our 12x4 wheels with a 5 on 4-1/2 inch bolt pattern will have a 3.19 inch diameter pilot opening with # TA69RR being the exception with a 2.95 inch pilot opening.

expert reply by: Mike L