If you’re looking to upgrade your Chevy Malibu’s wheels or tires, you need to know the bolt pattern. The bolt pattern is the number of bolts on the wheel and the distance between them. In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about Chevy Malibu bolt patterns.
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What is a bolt pattern?
A bolt pattern, also known as a lug pattern, is the arrangement of bolts on a wheel. Bolt patterns are measured in millimeters and consist of two numbers: the first number indicates the number of bolts on the wheel, while the second number represents the distance between the bolts.
Chevy Malibu bolt pattern
The Chevy Malibu bolt pattern is 5×115. This means that there are five bolts on the wheel, and the distance between each bolt is 115 millimeters. It’s important to note that the bolt pattern can vary depending on the year and model of your Chevy Malibu.
Bolt pattern by year
The detailed table that outlines the Chevy Malibu bolt pattern by year:
| Year | Bolt Pattern |
|---|---|
| 1973 – 1976 | 5×4.75 |
| 1977 – 1983 | 5×4.75 |
| 1997 – 2003 | 5×115 |
| 2004 – 2007 | 5×110 |
| 2008 | 5×110 |
| 2009 | 5×110 |
| 2010 | 5×110 |
| 2011 | 5×110 |
| 2012 | 5×110 |
| 2013 | 5×120 |
| 2014 | 5×120 |
| 2015 | 5×120 |
| 2016 (2013 – 2016) | 5×120 |
| 2016 (2016 – 2019) | 5×114.3 |
| 2017 | 5×114.3 |
| 2018 | 5×114.3 |
| 2019 | 5×114.3 |
| 2020 | 5×115 |
| 2021 | 5×115 |
| 2022 | 5×115 |
| 2023 | 5×115 |
It’s important to note that bolt patterns can vary depending on the specific model and trim level of the Chevy Malibu, so it’s always best to double-check the bolt pattern for your specific vehicle. Additionally, it’s important to find wheels with the correct offset and backspacing to ensure proper fitment and optimal performance.
Bolt pattern for different trim levels
The detailed table of the Chevrolet Malibu IX Facelift (2019-2023) bolt pattern for different trim levels:
| Trim Level | Bolt Pattern | Stud Size | Center Bore |
|---|---|---|---|
| L | 5×105 | 12×1.5mm | 66.9mm |
| LS | 5×105 | 12×1.5mm | 66.9mm |
| RS | 5×105 | 12×1.5mm | 66.9mm |
| LT | 5×105 | 12×1.5mm | 66.9mm |
| Premier | 5×115 | 12×1.5mm | 70.3mm |
| Hybrid | 5×105 | 12×1.5mm | 66.9mm |
Note: The bolt pattern is the number of lug studs and the diameter of the bolt circle measured in millimeters. The stud size is the diameter and thread pitch of the lug nuts, also measured in millimeters. The center bore is the diameter of the hole in the center of the wheel where it fits onto the hub.
How to measure your bolt pattern
If you’re not sure about your Chevy Malibu’s bolt pattern, you can easily measure it. Follow these steps:
- Place a straightedge across the center of the wheel.
- Measure the distance between the centers of two adjacent bolts.
- Count the number of bolts on the wheel.
Once you have these measurements, you can determine the bolt pattern of your Chevy Malibu.
Bolt pattern conversion
If you’re looking for new wheels or tires for your Chevy Malibu, you may come across bolt patterns in different formats. Here’s a conversion chart to help you out:
- 5×115 = 5×4.53
- 5×120.65 = 5×4.75
- 5×114.3 = 5×4.5
Wheels that fit the Chevy Malibu
Now that you know your Chevy Malibu’s bolt pattern, you can find wheels that fit perfectly. Here are some popular wheel sizes for the Chevy Malibu:
- 16-inch wheels: 16×7, 16×8
- 17-inch wheels: 17×7, 17×8
- 18-inch wheels: 18×7.5, 18×8
- 19-inch wheels: 19×8.5, 19×9.5
When selecting wheels, make sure they have the correct offset and backspacing to fit your Chevy Malibu.
How to install new wheels
If you’re installing new wheels on your Chevy Malibu, follow these steps:
- Jack up the car and remove the old wheel.
- Clean the hub and rotor to remove any dirt or rust.
- Install the new wheel and hand-tighten the lug nuts.
- Lower the car and tighten the lug nuts with a torque wrench to the manufacturer’s specifications.
Bolt pattern FAQs
- Can I use wheels with a different bolt pattern on my Chevy Malibu? No, using wheels with a different bolt pattern can be dangerous and cause serious damage to your car.
- How do I know if a wheel will fit my Chevy Malibu? You need to make sure the wheel has the correct bolt pattern, offset, and backspacing for your Chevy Malibu.
- Can I change my Chevy Malibu’s bolt pattern? No, the bolt pattern is determined by the manufacturer and cannot be changed.
- Can I use spacers to change my Chevy Malibu’s bolt pattern? No, using spacers can cause the wheel to be off-center and can be dangerous.
- What is the recommended torque for lug nuts on a Chevy Malibu? The recommended torque for lug nuts on a Chevy Malibu is 100 lb-ft.