[ARMADAinSMOKE]

I have been looking into getting larger diameter wheels for my Armada. Putting our brake issues aside, does anyone know if the Armada needs upgraded brakes (calipers, rotors, etc.) if we add 22"+ wheels? If so, why? Can someone offer a technical response?

I've been told that it has something to do with the rotational mass of the rims as opposed to JUST more weight. The Armada is supposed to be able to suppport towing/stopping 9100 lbs, right? Why would bigger wheels be an issue for the brakes on the Armada? I understand if you are using 24's and still towing 9100 lbs, but I will never tow that much weight.

Also, would replacing the pads affect warranty if Nissan were indeed to do a brake recall for calipers and rotors??

 

[scr38]

You don't need to worry about the brakes with larger rims. The combination of the lower profile tires and the larger diameter wheels will probable result in a lighter weight than the stock wheel/tire. Overall diameter will be about the same.

 

[Campfamily]

The combination of the lower profile tires and the larger diameter wheels will probable result in a lighter weight than the stock wheel/tire.

You sure about that? My experience is that the larger diameter wheels weigh more than the smaller ones. Anybody else?

Keith

 

[scr38]

The larger wheels weigh more, but the low profile tires are lighter. There isn't much difference in the total weight

 

[andy]

Wheel weight

Good thread. Most 22" wheels are 42-44lbs. Stock 18" OEM I heard is 30lbs.
I have no idea on a 18" vs. 22" tire though. I assume the 22 is lighter, A lot less rubber.
You won't notice any braking issues as much as the unsprung weight issues when going over bumps. When you hit bumps and pot holes, the extra 10 pounds is a lot of weight when you apply a bunch of physics to it. Try taking a 10lb weight and throwing it around real fast. That 10lbs feels a lot more like 100lbs when in motion. F=MA Force equals Mass times acceleration. So when mass goes up and you multilply it by acceleration(a pothole) the force is felt in the steering wheel and the vehicle bouncing.

But you know what, 22-24 inch wheel look damn good though. And just don't hit potholes.

If anyone can take their 22" or 24" wheel tire setup and put it on a scale, please post the total weight. And then let's also weigh the stock 18" wheel tire setup and post that weight. Let's compare the two.

 

[ARMADAinSMOKE]

Technically speaking, this is what I was looking for. Anyone with more details on the wheel/tire weights so we can fill in the blanks??

 

[Shamus]

It's not just "Total Weight" you need to consider. By moving the weight outward from the hub you also are increasing force. In F=MA the Acceleration is taken from the center of Mass. As you move further out from the hub you have an increase in acceleration. So even if the Weight is the same (which is questionable) you are likely increaseing force by changing the center of mass.

 

[TopazM3]

weighed my bare LE wheel and it's 28 #. For comparison, my forged 18x10 wheels for M3 are 181/2 #. The rotational forces are real and affect both braking and acceleration; both adversely. Bling(or ghetto) your wheels and it adversely affects braking, acceleration as well as handling.

 

[andy]

Good point

Shamus,
Interesting point. It's been 20 years since I touched a Physics book. But you're right.
I guess no matter how we slice this thing up, aftermarket wheels at 20" and larger are going to affect performance in a negative way. Period.
The only wheel company I've seen advertising a lightweight 22" wheel is Centerline. But don't think they have one for Armada, or in Chrome.

It's king of funny how we're all putting on CAI, exhaust, and then giving it all back with big wheels.

But again, damn those 24" Chrome wheels look good!

Andy