PCD Change: A Complete Guide to PCD Conversion and Wheel Fitment

If you are looking for new rims for your vehicle, one of the first specifications you need to check is the PCD. When the PCD of your vehicle does not match the PCD of your preferred wheels, you may need a PCD change or PCD conversion to achieve the correct wheel fitment.

At Journeyman Fitment Centre, we regularly assist customers with rims, tyres and custom wheel fitment. Understanding PCD before purchasing your wheels can help you avoid buying rims that are not suitable for your vehicle.

In this guide, we explain what PCD means, how PCD conversion works, and what else you need to consider when changing your vehicle’s wheel fitment.

What Is PCD?

PCD stands for Pitch Circle Diameter. It is one of the most important measurements used to determine whether a wheel is compatible with a vehicle.

PCD is normally written using two numbers, such as:

The first number represents the number of wheel bolt holes, while the second number represents the diameter of the pitch circle in millimetres.

For example, a 5×114.3 PCD means the wheel has five mounting holes positioned around a 114.3 mm pitch circle.

Because vehicles use different PCD specifications, not every aftermarket rim will fit every vehicle.

Why Does PCD Matter When Fitting Rims?

PCD is critical because the wheel needs to mount correctly onto the vehicle’s hub.

If the PCD of the wheel does not match the vehicle, the wheel cannot simply be forced into position. Incorrect wheel fitment can cause problems with the way the wheel sits against the hub and can affect the overall safety and performance of the vehicle.

This is particularly important when buying aftermarket rims, custom wheels or second-hand wheels.

A set of rims may look perfect for your vehicle, but if the PCD, offset or centre bore is incorrect, additional fitment work may be required.

What Is a PCD Change?

A PCD change refers to modifying the wheel mounting arrangement so that a wheel with a different bolt pattern can be fitted to a vehicle.

A PCD change may be achieved using a specifically designed PCD adapter or another appropriate wheel conversion solution, depending on the vehicle and wheel specifications.

For example, a vehicle may have a 5×114.3 PCD while the wheels you want may have a 5×120 PCD.

Because these are different bolt patterns, the wheels are not a direct fit. A suitable PCD conversion solution may allow the wheels to be fitted, provided that the complete combination is suitable.

However, not every PCD combination can or should be converted.

How Does PCD Conversion Work?

A PCD adapter is designed to sit between the vehicle’s hub and the wheel.

The adapter provides a different mounting pattern, allowing the original vehicle PCD to connect to the PCD of the replacement wheel.

The exact adapter required depends on several measurements, including:

A professional fitment assessment is therefore important before purchasing a PCD adapter.

PCD Is Not the Only Wheel Measurement

One of the most common mistakes when buying aftermarket wheels is focusing only on PCD.

A proper wheel fitment involves several different measurements.

Wheel Offset

Wheel offset determines how far the wheel sits inward or outward in relation to the vehicle’s hub.

Changing the offset can affect suspension clearance, fender clearance and the overall position of the wheel.

When using a PCD adapter, the thickness of the adapter can also affect the effective position of the wheel.

Centre Bore

The centre bore is the hole in the middle of the wheel.

The centre bore needs to be compatible with the vehicle’s hub. If the wheel’s centre bore is too small, the wheel will not fit over the hub.

A larger centre bore may require the appropriate hub-centric solution depending on the application.

Wheel Width

Wheel width also needs to be considered when choosing aftermarket rims.

A wider wheel can change the position of the tyre and may create clearance issues with the suspension, fenders or other components.

Brake Clearance

Even if the PCD is correct, the wheel still needs to clear the vehicle’s brake components.

Some wheel designs have spokes or internal profiles that can interfere with larger brake calipers.

Tyre Size

The tyre must also be suitable for the selected wheel and vehicle.

The correct rims and tyres combination should take into consideration tyre size, load rating, vehicle application and the intended use of the vehicle.

Can Any PCD Be Changed?

No.

PCD conversion is not a universal solution for every vehicle and wheel combination.

The correct solution depends on the vehicle, wheel design, available clearance and required specifications.

In some situations, fitting a wheel manufactured in the correct PCD may be a better option than using an adapter.

This is why you should have your vehicle and wheels checked before purchasing components for a PCD conversion.

PCD Change for Bakkies and 4×4 Vehicles

PCD and wheel fitment are particularly important when upgrading bakkies, SUVs and 4×4 vehicles.

Vehicles such as the Ford Ranger, Toyota Hilux, Nissan Navara and Isuzu D-Max can have different wheel specifications depending on the model and generation.

When upgrading a 4×4, it is important to consider more than appearance.

The wheel and tyre combination should be checked for:

This becomes especially important for vehicles used for towing, carrying loads or travelling off-road.

Buying Second-Hand Rims? Check the PCD First

Second-hand rims can be an excellent way to upgrade your vehicle, but always check the specifications before buying.

Do not rely only on the seller saying that the wheels “should fit”.

Ask for the wheel’s:

PCD + offset + width + centre bore

You should also confirm the wheel diameter and make sure the wheel is suitable for your vehicle.

If you are unsure, have the wheels inspected by a professional wheel and tyre fitment centre before purchasing them.

This can save you from buying an expensive set of rims that cannot be safely fitted to your vehicle.

Common PCD Sizes

There are many different PCD specifications used across passenger cars, SUVs and bakkies.

Some commonly encountered examples include:

PCD Bolt holes Pitch circle
4×100 4 100 mm
4×108 4 108 mm
5×100 5 100 mm
5×108 5 108 mm
5×112 5 112 mm
5×114.3 5 114.3 mm
5×120 5 120 mm
6×114.3 6 114.3 mm
6×135 6 135 mm
6×139.7 6 139.7 mm

These are examples only. Always confirm the exact wheel specifications for your particular vehicle.

How Do I Find My Vehicle’s PCD?

There are several ways to establish the PCD of a vehicle.

You can check the manufacturer’s specifications, wheel specifications or have the vehicle physically measured.

If you are purchasing aftermarket rims, it is best to provide the make, model, year and variant of your vehicle to a professional fitment centre.

This allows the wheel specifications to be checked before you spend money on rims that may not be suitable.

PCD Change in Johannesburg

If you are searching for PCD change in Johannesburg, PCD conversion in Johannesburg, wheel fitment in Johannesburg or rim fitment in Edenvale, Journeyman Fitment Centre can assist with your wheel and tyre requirements.

Our team works with a wide range of vehicle applications and aftermarket wheel and tyre combinations.

Whether you are upgrading your daily vehicle, fitting new rims to your bakkie or looking for a custom wheel fitment, the correct measurements need to be considered before installation.

Visit Journeyman Fitment Centre in Edenvale or Isando for professional advice on your rims, tyres and vehicle fitment requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions About PCD Change

What does PCD mean on a wheel?

PCD means Pitch Circle Diameter. It describes the number of mounting holes and the diameter of the circle on which those holes are positioned.

Can I fit rims with a different PCD?

A different PCD may be possible using a suitable PCD conversion solution. However, the vehicle, wheels and complete fitment need to be assessed first.

What is a PCD adapter?

A PCD adapter is designed to allow a wheel with a different bolt pattern to be mounted to a vehicle, subject to correct specifications and suitability.

Is PCD the same as offset?

No. PCD describes the wheel’s bolt pattern, while offset describes the position of the wheel’s mounting face relative to the wheel’s centreline.

What else should I check besides PCD?

You should also check the wheel’s offset, centre bore, width, diameter, brake clearance and tyre specifications.

Can I change the PCD on a Ford Ranger or Toyota Hilux?

It may be possible depending on the specific model, wheel and required PCD. The complete application should be assessed before a conversion is considered.

Is a PCD change safe?

A PCD conversion needs to use an appropriate, correctly specified solution and should be professionally assessed and fitted. The suitability depends on the specific vehicle and wheel combination.

Need Help With PCD or Wheel Fitment?

Choosing new rims involves more than finding a design you like.

PCD, offset, centre bore, wheel width, tyre size and clearance all need to work together.

If you are considering a PCD change, PCD conversion, aftermarket rims or a new rims and tyres package, speak to Journeyman Fitment Centre before purchasing your wheels.

Visit Journeyman Fitment Centre in Johannesburg, Edenvale or Isando for professional wheel and tyre fitment.

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