I recently put 17" OEM matrix aluminum wheels on my '05 Matrix XR auto, which originally came with 16" steelies.
My thought when I purchased the wheels is that they should be completely compatible. However, I was just wondering if anyone knows if my assumption is correct or if the Matrix that come equipped with 17" wheels (like some XR and XRS) also come with bigger brake rotors/pads, different shocks, etc. to accomodate?
According to the parts catalog, the part#'s differ for the front rotors b/w a Matrix w/ steelies vs. alloy wheels. But there are both 16" and 17" alloy wheels available so I don't know why they would bother to use a different front rotor.
The rear rotors are all the same.
As for suspension, the only main differences is that the 4WD is the only model that is available w/ an independent suspension. The 2WD versions (whether it be base, XR or XRS) have a solid rear torsion beam.
The size of the wheel doesn't affect suspension directly in this case.
Well sometimes Toyota sucks when it comes to part numbers. They change everything even if it is the same thing. Just to keep the aftermarket companies thinking. Either way, the rims you installed will work without any problems. Since the size overall of rim and tire of 16 inch is the same as oem 17 inch overall rim and tire. No speedo problems, no suspension problems and you could purchase a big brake kit from trd for your matirx.
thanks
02trdcorolla s
well, for some reason, our XRS came with ABS with the 17's. And if we had bought the XR and ordered the 17's we would have had to get the ABS on it as well. This may be something to look into. Unless there is more of a chance to lock the wheels up with the 17's?
__________________
2004 Matrix XRS
Radiant Red
Strut Tower Brace
A Couple of "Go Faster" TRD Stickers (I swear I can feel the difference)
Could be due to greater mass rotation? I have 17s on my 03 xr. I have locked up a few times, well not locked up (the ABS kicks in and pulses like mad so you dont slide).
I know you posted this some time ago, but when you change from 16" to 17" rims, you should have your speedometer recalibrated. Your speedometer will read that you are doing 55mph, but you will really be doing about 62-65mph. It has to do with the circumference of the rim and the revolutions. just something to keep in mind if you have a lead foot, or in an area with speed traps.
It depends on the tire size though. For instance, 205/55/16 (stock base/XR wheel size) is the same overall diameter as 215/45/17 so if you were to use this tire size, there would not be any difference in the speedo. However, Toyota chose to use 215/50/17 on the XRS and upgraded XR wheels so the speedo is out about 4%. IOW, when your speedo says 100 KPH, you are actuall travelling at 104 KPH.
On the other hand, a comparison between the speedo and a GPS receiver indicated that the speedo on my Matrix is a bit optimistic. A stopwatch and highway markers is probably the best check.
I would think GPS is the most accurate way to verify a speedo. That's what I used and verified that with my OEM 17" wheels with the OEM 215/50/17 tires, my speedo reads low by 4% (ie it says 100KPH when I'm actually going 104 KPH - not good for speeding the normal acceptable amount over the limit, if you know what I mean )
I measured the tire and wheel before and after the switch from 16's to 17's and they were identical in size. Also, there is a "speed trap" reader down the road from me, and my speedometer was 2 mph slow in relation to this machine's reading before and 2 mph slow after.
I was not worried about the speedometer as much as I was if there was a weight difference between the two rims.
Toyota does not change anything in the suspension/brakes when they switch from the 16" to 17". Odometer is digital so i beleive that they change the calibration at the plant for the diff diameter wheels.
Hi, I searched the forum for info to do the reverse, go from 17 to 16. I will have no use for my factory aluminum and steel wheels, 8 in all, 4 snows and 4 summer. Let me know if you are interested. Thanks, Gunnar
Last edited by doghair; 10-19-2007 at 08:45 AM.
Reason: wrote 16 to 17, should have read 17 to 16
The AutoGuide.com network consists of the largest network of enthusiast-owned enthusiast-operated automotive communities.
AutoGuide.com provides the latest car reviews, auto show coverage, new car prices, and automotive news. The AutoGuide network operates more than 100 automotive forums where our users consult peers for shopping information and advice, and share opinions as a community.
ToyotaNation.com is an independent Toyota/Lexus enthusiast website. ToyotaNation.com is not sponsored by or in any way affiliated with Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc. The Toyota, Lexus and Scion names and logos are trademarks owned by Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc.
Wheels Oem
)
17" rims
Linear Mode
