What is the bolt pattern on a 2004 Chevy Cavalier?
The bolt pattern is 4 on 100 millimeters (4x100).
The 2004 Cavalier, a compact car from General Motors in the J-body family, uses a four-lug wheel mounting system. The standard specification is a 4x100 bolt pattern, meaning four lug holes arranged on a circle with a diameter of 100 millimeters. The hub bore is typically around 56.6 millimeters, which is important for proper centering and fitment. When replacing wheels, ensure the new wheels are labeled for 4x100 and verify hub bore and lug nut requirements match your car’s specifications. If you’re unsure, consult the vehicle’s manual or a trusted tire/wheel specialist to confirm exact fit for your trim and production year, as there can be minor variations in aftermarket setups.
Bolt pattern specifics for wheel compatibility
To help you evaluate wheel choices, here are the core specs you should verify before buying new wheels for a 2004 Cavalier.
- Bolt pattern: 4x100 (four lug holes on a 100 mm circle)
- Center bore: typically about 56.6 mm
- Lug nut engagement: ensure the wheel fits standard GM lug sizes and seat types; verify with the wheel manufacturer or dealership
- Aftermarket considerations: ensure wheels are labeled 4x100 and check for hub-centric vs lug-centric alignment with your hub
For accurate fit, confirm these specifications on your exact vehicle using the door jamb sticker, owner’s manual, or by consulting a dealership or tire/wheel shop.
Verification steps
Use these steps to verify compatibility before purchasing wheels or performing a swap.
- Check the door jamb sticker or owner's manual for the wheel pattern specification (look for 4x100).
- Measure the distance between lug holes to confirm a 100 mm circle.
- Compare the wheel hub bore size with your vehicle’s hub bore (aim for 56.6 mm or use appropriate hub-centric rings if needed).
- Verify lug nut size and seat type match the new wheels (common GM practice is around M12x1.5, but confirm for your wheels).
In short, matching a 4x100 bolt pattern with the correct center bore and lug specifications is essential for safe and proper fitment.
Additional considerations
Offset, backspacing, and brake clearance also affect wheel compatibility. The Cavalier’s factory wheels are calibrated for its suspension and brake components, so when choosing aftermarket wheels, ensure offset and clearance won’t cause rubbing or alignment issues. If in doubt, consult a professional to verify fit for your exact model year and trim.
Summary: For a 2004 Chevy Cavalier, the standard bolt pattern is 4x100 with a center bore around 56.6 mm. When selecting wheels, confirm 4x100 compatibility, center bore size, and appropriate lug specifications, and consider offset and brake clearance. If unsure, seek guidance from a dealership or tire/wheel specialist.
