ATV Wheels, Rims, Casters and Tire Tools

Bolt pattern, offset and bore on ATV wheels

An ATV wheel must match the hub on four points. The bolt pattern, written 4x156 or 4x110, is the number of lugs and the diameter in millimeters of the circle they sit on; a near miss will not seat. The center bore, such as 131 mm, must clear the hub, and the offset, often shown as a 4+3 split of the width, sets how far the wheel sits in or out. Diameter and width, like 12x7 or 14x7, must suit your tires.

Wheels are sold singly or as sets of four, and a set is the easier route to a matched look. Finish names like matte black or gloss are cosmetic, but check that the lug nuts have the right seat shape, because a mismatched cone or flat seat can loosen. Torque the lug nuts to the vehicle maker's figure, and recheck after the first ride.

Casters, chair wheels and tire-changing bars

The smaller wheels in this group are casters. Stem casters push into a socket and are sized by stem diameter: most office chairs take an 11 mm stem, while some furniture makers use 10 mm, so check the title for which chairs they fit. Plate-mount casters bolt flat to a surface, so check the hole spacing and the load rating per wheel. Hard wheels roll well on carpet; softer ones protect wooden floors from scratches.

Bead breakers and mount-demount bars are hand tools for changing tires on small rims. Bar length, near 30 inches, gives the leverage, and the bar thickness decides how much force it takes without bending. A longer bar needs less effort but more room to swing. Use them with rim protectors on alloy wheels, and never on a tire that is still inflated.

Questions about ATV Wheels, Rims, Casters and Tire Tools

How do I read a wheel size like 12x7 4/156?

The first number is the rim diameter in inches, the second is the width in inches, and 4/156 means four lugs on a 156 mm circle. The pattern must match your hub exactly, and the offset and bore must clear the brakes and suspension.

Will any 11 mm stem caster fit my chair?

Not always. Check the stem diameter and length, and whether it is a friction-ring stem that pushes in or a threaded stud that screws in. A threaded stud will not seat in a smooth socket, and a pushed-in stem will not hold in a tapped hole.

Can I mix two wheel sizes on one ATV?

Many quads run a different size front and rear by design, but both wheels on one axle must match. Keep tire diameter, width and offset the same side to side, and never mix bolt patterns. Check your owner's manual for the approved sizes at each end.