2007 Hyundai Sonata Replacing 16" rims

Tiny
DANLSMITH
  • MEMBER
  • 2007 HYUNDAI SONATA
  • 1.8L
  • 4 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 145,000 MILES
Test drove a V6 Sonata with 17" rims, ride was very harsh. Dealer suggested the 4 cyl model because it came with smaller, 16" rims. It had a smoother ride and I bought it. It's almost time to put new tires on it, it has two somewhat warped rims which will be replaced at that time. Instead of just getting a couple of new 16" steel OEM rims, I'd like to further improve the ride smoothness by putting 14" steel OEM style rims on the car. Can you suggest 14" steel rims from other cars that will fit the 2007 Sonata? It has 5 bolt, 4.5" pattern. (5X114.3mm)

Thank you
Saturday, December 21st, 2013 AT 4:16 PM

3 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,885 POSTS
I don't recommend doing that. It will cause problems for the computer, speedo. We only recommend direct fit parts.
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Saturday, December 21st, 2013 AT 4:58 PM
Tiny
DANLSMITH
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
I appreciate your answer. However, like many posts on the web about changing rim sizes that other people are doing, most everyone replies with the same assumption that smaller rims means smaller tires, which if the case would be correct when you say the speedo, ect, would be off. However, most of us are smart enough to know that we need to put a new tire on that has the same diameter/specs as the original, so that the speedo, etc, will be happy. Anyway, I found where I could get the 14" rims in OEM steel, but 2nd thoughts told me that I'd also have to buy new wheel covers to match the smaller rims, so cost wise I just went with a set of 14" alloy rims. Looks great, and computer and speedo are happy. Only hard part was finding the wheels with the same offset as the factory rims, a plus 40mm, so that there would not be fit and steering problems. The factory rims had a center bore of 67.1mm and that plus the 40 offset made for a rather limited choice of rims. Bolted up just great. Yes, doing this type of thing isn't for everybody, and if you are giving advice I understand that you have to be overly cautious for liability reasons. I don't expect that you can pass this on to anybody else, so, just between you, I, and the fence post, I found the 14" wheels I wanted, it rides MUCH smoother now, which is what I wanted because of my lower back injury, and all the little details worked out just fine. Thanks again. I love listening to your radio show and will continue to be an avid listener.
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Sunday, December 29th, 2013 AT 4:11 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,885 POSTS
I'm glad you got it taken care of. And, yes, you are right. We have to be careful what we recommend. Yes, the smaller rim allows for a higher profile tire which will provide a smoother ride. However, going through the bolt pattern, offset, sizing the tire to the same outside diameter. Is a job that not every person can accomplish. Therefore, we recommend staying with what the manufacturer recommends to avoid possible liability issues. I hope you understand. Regardless, glad you got it taken care of and I wish you and yours a happy new year.

Stop back if you have other questions in the future.
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Sunday, December 29th, 2013 AT 5:23 PM

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