As an auto enthusiast, I’m always intrigued by the engineering marvels that go into designing and manufacturing our favorite vehicles. Being a long-time Honda Accord owner myself, I wanted to dig deeper into one key component that makes these sedans run – the lug bolt pattern.
In this blog post, I’ll walk you through the evolution of the Honda Accord lug patterns from 1976 to 2023.
The lug pattern refers to the number and arrangement of bolts that attach the wheel to the vehicle’s hub. It is one of the most crucial specifications to get right when replacing factory wheels or upgrading to aftermarket rims. An incompatible lug pattern between the wheel and car hub can lead to severe safety issues on the road.
Over its 11 generations spanning nearly 50 years, Honda has used different lug patterns for the Accord to accommodate changes in design and engineering.
Let’s explore how the bolt pattern has transformed across time.
Related Topics:
First Generation (1976-1981): 4×4.7”
Table of Content
- 1 First Generation (1976-1981): 4×4.7”
- 2 Second Generation (1982-1985): 4×3.94”
- 3 Third Generation (1986-1989): 4×3.94”
- 4 Fourth Generation (1990-1993): 4×4.5”
- 5 Sixth Generation (1998-2002): 4×4.5”
- 6 Seventh Generation (2003-2007): 5×4.5”
- 7 Eighth Generation (2008-2012): 5×4.5”
- 8 Ninth Generation (2013-2017): 5×4.5”
- 9 Tenth Generation (2018-2021): 5×4.5”
- 10 Eleventh Generation (2022-Present): 5×4.5″
- 11 Hub Bore
- 12 Wheel Offset
- 13 Wheel Width
- 14 Bolt Type
- 15 Tire Size
The first-generation Honda Accord set the stage for its legacy as a top family sedan when it debuted in 1976. The earliest Accords ushered in a 120mm or 4×4.7” lug pattern – an uncommon size today but innovative at the time. With four lugs evenly spaced on a 120mm diameter circle, these compact cars could handle the 165SR13 or 185/70SR13 tires that were standard for fuel efficiency in the late 1970s.
Second Generation (1982-1985): 4×3.94”
With the second-gen Honda Accord came an overhaul of the drivetrain and suspension to boost performance. Honda switched the lug pattern to match, reducing it to a 4x100mm or 4×3.94” configuration. This allowed for more precise wheel control with the new double wishbone front and coil spring rear suspensions. The 4-lug 100mm pattern carried over through the end of the third generation in 1989.
Third Generation (1986-1989): 4×3.94”
Honda stuck with the 4x100mm bolt pattern introduced in the previous generation Accords. The third-gen models saw upgraded 2.0L engines, but kept the same basic 4-lug wheel system. These 80s Accords accommodated either 165SR13, 185/70SR13 or 195/60R14 tires on 5-lug alloy rims ranging from 13 to 14 inches in diameter.
Fourth Generation (1990-1993): 4×4.5”
The Accord took a technological leap forward in 1990 with the fourth generation. Honda opted for a new 4×114.3mm or 4×4.5” lug pattern to complement the more powerful engines and double wishbone suspension. This pattern increased stud strength while allowing for larger 15” wheel sizes and wider 205/60R15 tires. The 4-bolt, 114.3mm circle became standard through the end of the fifth generation Accords.
Sixth Generation (1998-2002): 4×4.5”
Honda kept the proven 4×114.3mm lug pattern for the sixth generation Accords released in the late 90s. These models came equipped with either 195/65R15 all-season tires or sportier 205/55R16 high-performance tires. With 6-lug aluminium wheels, the larger contact patch provided better grip and stability at higher speeds than previous generations.
Seventh Generation (2003-2007): 5×4.5”
In 2003, Honda introduced a major change to the Accord’s lug pattern, switching from 4 to 5 lugs. The fifth stud was added to accommodate increasing engine power and allow for a wider selection of aftermarket wheels. Two-door coupes and 4-door sedans both used the new 5×114.3mm configuration through the seventh generation.
Eighth Generation (2008-2012): 5×4.5”
Honda stuck with the 5-lug pattern it rolled out in the previous generation of Accords. Buyers could now opt for 17” or even 18” alloy wheels from the factory or aftermarket suppliers thanks to the added versatility of 5 lugs. The standard tires grew proportionally, up to 235/45R18 all-seasons on V6 models.
Ninth Generation (2013-2017): 5×4.5”
The 5×114.3mm lug pattern carried over unchanged through the ninth generation Accord. Honda offered new ‘Earth Dreams’ 4-cylinder and V6 engines paired with 17” standard alloys and optional 18” sport wheels. Moving all models to 5 lugs provided continuity for owners looking to customize with larger aftermarket rims.
Tenth Generation (2018-2021): 5×4.5”
Today’s tenth generation Honda Accord continues using the ubiquitous 5×4.5” pattern established in 2003. With the debut of turbocharged engines in 2018, Honda pushed the performance envelope further while maintaining the same wheel interface. The 5×114.3mm spec grants owners the flexibility to configure 18” or 19” aftermarket wheels for sportier driving dynamics.
Eleventh Generation (2022-Present): 5×4.5″
Honda’s upcoming eleventh generation Accord recently debuted for the 2023 model year with a familiar 5×4.5” lug pattern. Keeping the tried-and-true five lug design reduces compatibility issues for owners looking to customize wheels or upgrade brakes on the new body style. As Honda’s flagship sedan, expect the Accord to continue relying on this versatile bolt pattern for years to come.
So in summary, Honda has utilized four different lug patterns spanning 4, 5, and 6 lugs over the Accord’s five decades of production:
- 1976-1981: 4x120mm or 4×4.7”
- 1982-1989: 4x100mm or 4×3.94”
- 1990-2002: 4×114.3mm or 4×4.5”
- 2003-Present: 5×114.3mm or 5×4.5″
The trend has been towards more lugs and a larger bolt circle diameter to meet demand for bigger brakes and wider wheels. By transitioning to the ubiquitous 5×4.5” pattern in 2003, Honda has provided Accord owners with maximum choice and capability when selecting factory or aftermarket rims.
Understanding the Honda Accord’s bolt pattern evolution provides valuable insight into the engineering decisions that has made it one of the best-selling cars worldwide. For owners, knowing your Accord’s lug pattern specs is crucial for proper wheel fitment and safety.
Other Honda Accord Wheel Specifications
While the lug pattern determines the bolt configuration, there are other key wheel measurements that must be matched as well. Here are some other Honda Accord wheel specs to be aware of when shopping for new shoes:
Hub Bore
The hub or center bore refers to the size of the center hole that fits over the wheel hub. Honda has used either a 64.1mm or 67.1mm hub bore depending on the generation. Matching the Accord’s hub size ensures proper centering and balance of the wheel.
Wheel Offset
The offset (ET) determines how far in or out the wheel sits relative to the fender. Honda Accords typically have offsets ranging from ET 45 to ET 55mm. Lower offsets move the wheels outward for a more aggressive flushed stance.
Wheel Width
This corresponds to the width of the wheel measured in inches or millimeters. Accord wheel widths have grown from 13” in early generations to up to 9” on today’s models. Wider wheels allow for larger brake rotors and lower profile tires.
Bolt Type
All Accords use conical seat lug nuts to secure the wheels to the hubs. Honda specifies a torque of 108 Nm when installing lug nuts.
Tire Size
Honda equips Accords with a range of tire sizes optimized for each generation’s capabilities. Popular sizes include 195/60R15, 205/55R16, 225/50R17 for 4-cylinders and up to 235/40R19 on V6 sports models.
Retorquing Lug Nuts
Once you’ve installed new wheels or swapped tires, it’s essential to check the lug nut torque specifications regularly. Here are some tips for proper lug nut tightening on your Honda Accord:
- Use a calibrated torque wrench to achieve accurate torque readings
- Tighten lug nuts in a star pattern for 5×114.3mm wheels or cross pattern for 4×100/114.3mm wheels
- Tighten nuts in two stages – first to 50% torque spec, then to full spec of 108 Nm
- Allow wheels to settle by test driving 50-100 miles then re-torque lug nuts to spec
- Re-torque wheels again after any impact like potholes or bumps to ensure lug security
By following Honda’s prescribed lug nut tightening procedure, you can guarantee sufficient clamping force for safe operation. Periodically checking torque is cheap insurance against wheel detachment accidents.
FAQs
Can you convert 4×114.3 to 4×100 lug patterns?
Yes, you can convert between these two Honda Accord lug patterns using wheel spacers or adapters. However, it is not recommended as it can negatively impact wheel bolts, suspension geometry, and steering components.
What other vehicles use the Honda Accord’s 4×100 lug pattern?
The 4x100mm pattern was popular on older Honda, Toyota, Nissan, and other Asian imports. Some modern vehicles still using it include the Suzuki Xbee, Vinfast Fadil, and Volkswagen Voyage.
Should I rotate the wheels on my Honda Accord?
Yes, Honda recommends rotating your Accord’s wheels every 7,500 miles to promote more uniform tire wear. Stick to a front-to-back rotation pattern to avoid any confusion with different lug patterns.
Conclusion
If you’re in the market for new shoes for your beloved Accord, understanding the Honda Accord lug patterns from 1976 to today is key to getting the right fit. Honda has progressively moved to larger and more robust bolt patterns to keep pace with growing wheel and tire sizes.
The current 5×114.3mm pattern offers owners the ultimate flexibility when it comes to wheel upgrades while maintaining safety and stability. If you know your Accord’s bolt pattern, hub bore, offset, and wheel widths, you can shop for the perfect set of factory or aftermarket alloys.
Of course, proper lug nut tightening and torquing procedures are still critical post-install. Follow Honda’s guidelines, re-torque after 50-100 miles, and check periodically to keep your wheels secured. Your ride and safety depend on it!
