2011 Acura RDX Wheel Interchange

Introduction

This page summarizes the OEM wheel and tire fitment for the 2011 Acura RDX and explains how to use the on‑page wheel/tire fitment calculator to check aftermarket or donor wheels. It focuses on safety, how to confirm measurements, and what to do if a spec doesn't match.

Do not rely on assumptions — always confirm fitment with the calculator, measurements at the wheel/hub, and OEM sources (owner’s manual, dealer, vehicle placard). If a value varies by trim or aftermarket change, the calculator and the verification steps below will show how to confirm before you buy or install.

Quick fitment summary (TL;DR)

• 2011 Acura RDX OEM bolt pattern: 5 x 114.3 mm.
• OEM center bore: 64.1 mm (hub bore/hub-centric dimension).
• Factory wheel size: 18 x 7.5 inches with ET (offset) 45 mm.
• Factory backspacing: 5.52 inches.
• Factory tire size: 235/55R18.
• Thread / lug seat: M12 x 1.5 (use matching lug nuts / studs).
• Center bore larger than hub → use hub‑centric ring; smaller → wheel will not seat.
• Bolt pattern mismatch cannot be corrected safely without proper adapters — avoid unless engineered for your vehicle.
• Use the on‑page calculator to compare donor wheels vs installed wheels and test custom sizes (rim, width, offset, tire).

How to use the on‑page fitment calculator

1. Select the donor wheel entry (the wheel you want to test) in the “Wheels from (donor vehicle)” column if available.
2. Confirm “Installed on (your vehicle)” is set to 2011 Acura RDX — the page preloads the OEM specs listed below.
3. To test a different wheel, open “Custom wheel size” and enter rim diameter, rim width, and offset (ET). The calculator will update clearances and tire diameter estimates.
4. In “Custom tire size” enter the tire section width and aspect ratio. Note: changing rim diameter automatically recalculates tire diameter in the comparison.
5. Review front/rear clearance, hub bore fitment, and whether tires will rub on fenders/calipers. Pay attention to negative/positive offset impacts shown by the tool.
6. If the center bore, bolt pattern, or thread size differ, follow the troubleshooting notes below — the calculator will flag some incompatibilities but always verify physically.
7. Before purchase, double‑check with the vehicle placard, owner’s manual, or a dealer for any trim‑specific exceptions (TPMS sensor compatibility, spare wheel differences, brakes/options that affect clearance).

What each specification means (concise)

• Bolt pattern (5x114.3) — number of studs/PCD (pitch circle diameter). Wheels must match stud count and PCD or use a properly engineered adapter.
• Center bore (64.1 mm) — diameter of the wheel hole that centers on the hub. A wheel with a larger bore needs a hub‑centric ring; a smaller bore will not fit.
• Thread size (M12 x 1.5) — diameter and pitch of the wheel studs/bolts; must match lug nuts or require stud replacement.
• Rim diameter/width (18 x 7.5 in) — physical wheel size; affects tire selection and clearance.
• Offset (ET 45 mm) — distance from wheel centerline to mounting surface; controls how far wheel sits inboard or outboard.
• Backspacing (5.52 in) — distance from wheel mounting surface to back edge of wheel; another way to assess fitment relative to suspension/brakes.
• Tire size (235/55R18) — section width/aspect ratio/rim diameter; affects overall rolling diameter and clearance.

Mismatch troubleshooting

Bolt pattern

If the donor wheel’s bolt pattern (PCD) does not match 5x114.3, it will not securely mount on the RDX without adapters or replacing the hub/studs. Adapters exist but introduce safety, stress, and legal concerns — only use professionally engineered adapters sized for your vehicle and load rating. Prefer wheels with the correct 5x114.3 pattern.

Center bore

If a wheel's center bore is larger than 64.1 mm, use a precision hub‑centric ring sized to the wheel bore and the vehicle hub (wheel bore → hub bore). If the wheel bore is smaller than 64.1 mm it physically will not fit on the hub and cannot be used.

Thread size / lug nuts

M12 x 1.5 is the bolt/stud thread. If a wheel requires different lug nut seat type (conical vs ball) or pitch, do not force mismatched lug nuts. Use the correct lug nuts for the stud size and wheel seat. If studs are wrong, replace the studs with the correct specification and torque to factory specs.

Offset (ET) and clearance

Offset changes the wheel’s track position. Lower (more negative) offset pushes the wheel outboard — possibly causing fender rub — while higher (more positive) offset moves the wheel inboard — possibly interfering with brakes/suspension or increasing scrub radius. Use the calculator to preview changes. If the tool shows potential rubbing, increase offset or reduce rim width/tyre size. For significant offset changes, check suspension geometry and bearing load; consult a qualified technician.

OEM wheel & tire specs — 2011 Acura RDX

Common mistakes

• Assuming any 18" wheel will fit — rim width, offset, bolt pattern, and center bore all matter.
• Using lug nuts with the wrong seat type (conical vs ball) — leads to insecure mounting or damaged wheels.
• Ignoring hub centric fit — relying solely on lug nuts without centering can cause vibration and stress.
• Not checking brake caliper clearance — some aftermarket wheels rub larger calipers or parking brake components.
• Changing offset without checking scrub radius — can affect steering feel and accelerate wear on suspension/bearings.
• Buying “close enough” tires without checking overall diameter — speedometer and ABS calibration can be affected.

Roadside & emergency advice

• If you get a flat, park on level ground, engage parking brake, chock opposite wheel, and use the factory jack points (consult owner’s manual) to change the wheel.
• Use the correct spare (donut/full) and never drive at high speed or long distances on a temporary spare unless designed for it. Check the spare’s recommended speed limits.
• Tighten lug nuts gradually in a star pattern to the recommended torque spec after lowering the vehicle. If you don’t know the torque spec, get the nuts torqued to factory values by a shop ASAP.
• Carry basic tools: jack, lug wrench, tire pressure gauge, and reflective triangle. Replace worn or mismatched lug nuts with the correct M12 x 1.5 nuts before driving long distances.

Helpful parts/tools (examples): torque wrench, hub‑centric rings, lug nuts.

FAQ

Q: Can I put 19" wheels on my 2011 RDX?

A: Possibly, but it depends on rim width, offset, and tire size. Use the custom wheel/tire fields in the calculator to enter a 19" rim and an appropriate tire size to see predicted clearance and diameter changes. Always verify brake clearance and fender clearance in person and consult OEM specs for load/offset limits.

Q: My wheel has a larger center bore — is that OK?

A: Yes if you use the correct hub‑centric ring sized to the wheel bore and the RDX hub (64.1 mm). Rings center the wheel on the hub and reduce vibration. Ensure rings are a precise fit — do not use loose or improvised shims.

Q: What if the bolt pattern is different by a small amount?

A: Bolt pattern must match exactly (5x114.3 for the RDX). Small differences are not acceptable. Only use adapters specifically engineered for your vehicle and wheel combination; otherwise, choose wheels with the correct PCD.

Q: Do I need to replace studs to change wheel types?

A: You only need to replace studs if the new wheel or lug nuts require a different thread size or seat type. For the 2011 RDX the thread spec is M12 x 1.5 — confirm new lug nuts match this before installation.

Q: How can I confirm OEM specs for my exact trim?

A: Check the vehicle placard on the driver’s door jamb, the owner’s manual, or call an Acura dealer with your VIN. The on‑page calculator can also help test variations but verify final fitment with OEM resources and physical measurements.

Safety disclaimer

The information on this page is for general guidance only. Wheel and tire fitment can vary by trim, option, aftermarket modifications, and wear. Never install wheels or components without confirming compatibility (bolt pattern, center bore, thread size, offset, brake clearance) and without proper torque and mounting procedures. For critical questions or major changes, consult a professional technician, the vehicle manufacturer, or an authorized dealer. The site and author are not liable for improper installations or damage resulting from incorrect fitment choices.