I have recently purchased a 2023 Lexus RX350. It has 21-inch wheels and the tires on it are 235/50 R21.
I just traded my 2020 Lexus RX350. I have a set of snow tires (235/55 R20) on wheels that I would like to put on my new car. The hubs and bolt patterns are the same. Everyone I consult says I can’t put my old tires on my new car. Why? Malcolm Y.
You had me for a bit on this question as I was having a hard time figuring out why you were being told they weren’t going to work. As you mentioned the total circumference is within the legal 3 per cent and all other specs were the same. Then I stumbled onto the wheel stud sizing. It switched from a 12-millimetre wheel stud on your 2020 model to a 14-millimetre wheel bolt starting on the 2023 model year. So, from a dealer perspective they will absolutely not work.
That being said there may be an option which might take a bit of effort but may deem them saveable. It’s a touch confusing but let me do my best to simplify.
The 60-degree conical bolt seat (the platform that helps centre the wheel) is the industry standard on most modern vehicles and describes the mounting angle where the wheel nut meets the wheel. Your older RX350 was one of the Toyota/Lexus vehicles on the road that did not use this system but employed a wheel nut with a washer instead. Your newer RX350 however moved away from the nut and washer system.
I am going to assume that the winter wheels from you older Lexus were sourced from an aftermarket supplier. Most aftermarket wheels were produced with both style seats manufactured into the wheel to make them compatible with more vehicles. Therefore, the wheel you already own may already have the 60-degree seat present but you weren’t using it on the older RX.
I spoke with Jason Bos of JB MAF Inc. in Waterloo, Ont. His number is (226) 808-8651. He is a wheel professional that offers wheel machining as one of his services. He can easily bore out the hole from 12-millimetres to 14 assuming that I am correct and that your wheels have the dual seats.
If you are in the Southern Ontario area, I would suggest you get in contact with him and correspond with some pictures. He can ultimately verify whether or not this can be safely accomplished. If you are not local to him then perform an internet search looking for anyone who offers wheel machining services and explain your situation.
Lou Trottier is owner-operator of All About Imports in Mississauga. Have a question about maintenance and repair? E-mail globedrive@globeandmail.com, placing “Lou’s Garage” in the subject line.
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