13 legacy Rim and Tire replacement

[Thatonesubiguy]

Hey guys,

 

I am currently running stock (17x7.5/5x100/48mm offset) rims and I am thinking about getting new rims. I have stock tires and I dont want to replace them. Does it matter if I get a lower or higher offset on my rims? I am currently looking at the Focal x (flat black w/red stripe) rims they are 17x7.5 with 42mm offset.

 

Link to tires:

http://tires.autopartswarehouse.com/wheels/WheelCloseUpServlet?target=runWheelSearch&initialPartNumber=421771842BRS&wheelMake=Focal&wheelModel=X&wheelFinish=Flat+Black+w%2FRed+Stripe&showRear=no&autoMake=Subaru&autoModel=Legacy+Sedan&autoYear=2013&autoModClar=2.5i+Premium&filterFinish=All&filterSize=17&filterBrand=All&filterSpecial=false&filterNew=All&filterWeight=All&sort=Price#

 

What Im wondering is, if I drop the offset 48 to 42 do I need to get new tires, do I need any other equipment to have the tires on, will I need a new rotation/alignment after adding them?

 

I am just starting out and this is my first car that I am modding so any feedback would be appreciated.

 

Thanks!

[Fairtax4me]

Offset doesn't have anything to do with tire size.

If the width is the same the tires will correctly fit the new wheels.

 

Offset affects how far out the wheel sits from the car. The new wheel will stick out 6mm further than the stock wheels.

It will not affect alignment, but if the alignment has not been checked recently you should still have an alignment done so that you get the most life out of your tires.

 

Here's a site I use occasionally for comparing different tire sizes.

The nice thing about this one is it also calculates for different wheel sizes and offsets. Then shows you how the new compares vs the old.

 

Play around with different offsets so you can see the affect it has.

 

http://www.willtheyfit.com

Edited May 21, 2016 by Fairtax4me

[keith3267]

Changing the offset can affect the life of your wheel bearings, but a 6mm change will not be significant.  If you changed it by 20mm or more, then you would seriously shorten the life of the wheel bearings.

 

Of bigger concern is the hub hole diameter.  If this doesn't match the hub size on the vehicle, then it will be difficult to keep the wheel centered on the hub.  This will result in poor ride quality and wheel shake at certain speeds.

 

Edit: a 6mm change in offset will still have the center of balance for the wheel between the inner and outer wheel bearings, but just a little more to the outer bearing.  The bearings are spaced about 30 to 40mm apart so a 15 to 20mm change would put the center of balance over one bearing or outside the width of the bearings where it will really wreck havoc on the bearings.

Edited May 21, 2016 by keith3267