I got an order of 19" rims coming in (8.5f/9.5r, +20 offset) to replace my stock 18" g35 rims. They are already mounted and balanced from the seller. I was thinking about self-installing the rims myself, but I wasn't sure if the process would be any different than replacing a flat. Is it any different? If so, how? Would I be able to do it on my own?

Should I purchase a torque wrench? Do I need jack stands? I know a tire place that'll do it free for me, because I go there all the time to get my flats fixed, but I wouldn't want to trust them with my new rims. I'm a total newb to the DIY group, so laugh and flame away...just be sure to include some nuggets of wisdom in between.

 

yes, you can change them yourself.. just like changing a flat but make sure the wheels go in the right direction (the sidewall will tell you). Buy a torque wrench from Sears.. I torque my Volks at 85lbs

Jack stands are not necessary.. but if you wanted to make your life easier, buy a floor jack..

re-torque the wheels about a hundred miles after you have taken off your wheels to make sure the lugs have not loosened up..

--mike

 

I bought my wheels and tires from Discount Tire and installed them myself. leemik is right, it is easy to do, but a floor jack makes it easier (bought the jack and torque wrench from Sears). Just do one wheel at a time.

 

Could you elaborate on the right direction markers? Could I just match the tread direction of my wheels to the wheels around found on the car? I do have a floor jack, so its good to know that it'll be easier.

As for the torque wrench, does it usually go for around $60? I found one at home depot for that amount, described as "3/8" Torque Wrench 20-100 ft lbs." As to using the torque wrench, I would just have to set it to the correct measurement (in this case 80-85 lbs of torque) and tighten the lugs with it correct?

 

The markings are on the sidewalls of the tires. Will have an arrow ( <---- ) or something like that. Make sure before you mount them that the arrows all point towards the front of the car - the direction of rotation.

Good luck, ciao!

 

Did you save much money by doing this? Does Discount put the tires on the wheels and balance them also? I would think that they would include putting them on the car as well,but if there is a few dollars to save it could be worth it. How much does the floor jack and torque wrench cost?

Also, what about the factory rims? Do you still have them, or sell them? Is there a market for them? What are they worth?

Thanks for any insight!

 

Yes, get a torque wrench! you can get the click-type for about $60-80. You can buy the beam-type which much cheaper ($35 or so) and nearly as accurate to a traied person. Both of which are avaliable from sears.

 

Yeah, i'm guessing you have the bolt on the front wheel like the 350z does to prevent rotating the rear wheels to the front. That bolt will have to be removed to put on aftermarket wheels. It is very easy though. Pretty much, the install process will be to remove the old wheels and lugs, remove the bolt that prevents rotating the rear tire to the front, place the new hub rings on to the wheels or hubs, then slide the new tires on and put on the lug nuts. I need to go get a torque wrench myself.

 

Remember to tighten the lugs in a start pattern.

 

One more things, whenever you put on nuts, make sure you start it by hand.

 

Go to a gas station and let them do it for $20.

 

Yea, no doubt. Have done lots of work on cars back in the day, and this one really is about the easiest thing to do, I just think that you ought to let the store balance them and slap them on while you're buying them, I don't see the savings in doing it yourself, except for the pride or fun. But balancing is so important for wear and alignment purposes, doing it yourself will probably increase the chance of problems without any real benefit.

 

I think someone is more likely to do it themselves as they'll be more careful with their rims rather than trying to save $20.