What is the bolt pattern on a 2012 WRX?
The bolt pattern for a 2012 Subaru WRX is 5×100 millimeters—five lug holes arranged on a 100 mm circle. In practical terms, this means wheels and adapters must be designed for a 5-on-100 bolt circle, with a center bore that fits or can be centered on a 56.1 mm hub. The lug thread is typically M12×1.25, and the lug seats are usually conical (60-degree).
Understanding the pattern and fitment
These numbers define whether a wheel will physically mount on the hub and center properly. The 5×100 pattern indicates five lug studs arranged around a 100 mm circle, a common configuration for many Subaru models of that era. The center bore is the hole in the middle of the wheel that fits over the hub; for the 2012 WRX it is 56.1 mm. Matching or using hub rings ensures the wheel is centered on the hub, which helps prevent vibrations and uneven wear. The lug thread size and seat type determine what type of lug nuts you need and how securely the wheel attaches to the hub.
Bolt pattern and center bore
Understanding these specifics helps you verify compatibility when shopping for wheels or replacements. A 5×100 bolt pattern means you need wheels with five lug holes spaced on a 100 mm diameter circle. The 56.1 mm center bore ensures the wheel centers on the hub; if the bore is larger, you’ll typically use a hub ring to center properly, while a smaller bore would require different mounting considerations.
Lug nuts and seat type
The standard lug thread for this setup is M12×1.25, and most wheels used on a 2012 WRX assume a conical (60-degree) seat for the lug nuts. When purchasing aftermarket wheels or hardware, confirm that the lug nuts match both the thread and the seat type to ensure a proper, secure fit.
Practical considerations for wheel replacement
Beyond simply matching 5×100 and a 56.1 mm bore, drivers should consider offset, width, and caliper clearance. Keeping the wheel offset within the range used by Subaru stock wheels helps preserve steering feel and suspension geometry, while ensuring adequate clearance for brake components. If you opt for significantly wider or lower-profile wheels, verify that there is enough space behind the spokes for the brake calipers and that no contact occurs at full steering lock or during suspension travel.
Bottom line
For a 2012 WRX, the critical fitment details are a 5×100 bolt pattern, a 56.1 mm center bore, and M12×1.25 lug threads with conical seat hardware. Matching these specifications is essential for safe, reliable wheel installation, and additional considerations such as offset and caliper clearance should be reviewed for any aftermarket wheel choices.
Summary
In short, the 2012 WRX uses a 5-lug, 100 mm bolt circle with a 56.1 mm hub bore and M12×1.25 lug threads. When shopping for wheels, ensure compatibility across these dimensions and verify offset and brake clearance to maintain proper fit and performance.
