03/02/2024
Revitalise Your Ride: A Comprehensive Guide to Ford Focus ST Wheel Upgrades
The Ford Focus ST is a performance icon, a hot hatch that delivers exhilarating driving dynamics and a distinctive sporty aesthetic. While the factory wheels are certainly capable, many owners look to aftermarket options to truly personalise their vehicle, enhance its stance, or simply achieve a new look. Whether you're aiming for a more aggressive stance, a lighter unsprung weight for improved handling, or a completely unique style, understanding the nuances of wheel fitment is crucial. This guide will delve into the essential factors, from bolt patterns and offsets to popular wheel styles, empowering you to make the best choice for your Focus ST.
Understanding Your Focus ST's Bolt Pattern
The most critical aspect when selecting new wheels is ensuring they are compatible with your Focus ST's existing hub. This compatibility is primarily determined by the bolt pattern, often referred to as the lug pattern or bolt circle. For the Ford Focus ST, the bolt pattern is a key piece of information. While specifications can vary slightly by model year, a common pattern for many Ford Focus ST models is 5x108mm. This means there are five bolt holes arranged in a circle with a diameter of 108 millimetres. It's imperative to verify the exact bolt pattern for your specific year of Focus ST before purchasing any aftermarket wheels.
What is a Bolt Pattern?
The bolt pattern describes the diameter of an imaginary circle that passes through the centre of each wheel stud or bolt hole. It's expressed as the number of bolts followed by the diameter of this circle in millimetres (e.g., 5x108mm). For an even number of bolts, like five, you can measure the distance between the centres of two opposing bolt holes. For an odd number, you'd measure from the centre of one bolt hole to the centre of the opposite bolt hole, often passing through the centre of the hub. If you find wheels with a different bolt pattern, adapters or spacers can sometimes be used, but it's generally preferable to find wheels with the correct bolt pattern to avoid potential issues.
Key Wheel Dimensions to Consider
Beyond the bolt pattern, several other dimensions dictate wheel fitment and appearance:
Rim Diameter and Width
Rim diameter refers to the measurement across the wheel where the tyre bead seats. Common diameters for the Focus ST include 18 inches (often stock) and 19 inches. Larger diameters can offer a more performance-oriented look and feel, but may also necessitate lower-profile tyres, potentially impacting ride comfort. Rim width is the distance between the inner edges of the wheel's mounting surface. This, along with the tyre's width, determines how the wheel and tyre assembly will fit within the wheel arch. A wider wheel can accommodate a wider tyre, potentially improving grip, but may also require adjustments to offset or even fender rolling to prevent rubbing.
Wheel Offset
Wheel offset is a crucial measurement that dictates how the wheel sits relative to the hub mounting surface. It's the distance from the wheel's mounting surface to the wheel's centreline.
| Offset Type | Description | Effect on Stance |
|---|---|---|
| Positive Offset | Mounting surface is in front of the wheel's centreline. | Pulls the wheel inwards, closer to the vehicle's suspension components. |
| Negative Offset | Mounting surface is behind the wheel's centreline. | Pushes the wheel outwards, further away from the vehicle's suspension components. |
| Zero Offset | Mounting surface is exactly at the wheel's centreline. | The wheel sits flush with the hub. |
For the Focus ST, achieving the right offset is key to preventing rubbing against suspension components or the fender. Many aftermarket wheels for the Focus ST will have offsets around the +40mm to +45mm range, but this can vary. Using wheel spacers can adjust the effective offset, allowing for a more aggressive stance or to clear brake calipers, but it's important to ensure they are high quality and properly installed.
Backspacing
Backspacing measures the distance from the inside of the wheel to the hub mounting surface. It's closely related to offset and also influences how the wheel fits within the wheel well and clears suspension components.
Hub Centre Bore
The hub centre bore is the diameter of the hole in the centre of the wheel, designed to fit over your car's hub. While many aftermarket wheels have a larger centre bore for universal fitment, using hub centric rings is highly recommended. These rings ensure the wheel is perfectly centred on the hub, preventing vibrations and reducing stress on your wheel studs.
Popular Wheel Choices for the Ford Focus ST
The Ford Focus ST offers a fantastic platform for customisation, and wheels play a significant role in its visual appeal and performance. Here are some popular styles and considerations:
18-Inch Wheels
Sticking with 18-inch wheels is a popular choice as it often allows you to reuse your existing tyres, saving on costs. This size strikes a good balance between sporty aesthetics and everyday comfort. Many manufacturers offer excellent 18-inch options with various spoke designs and finishes.
19-Inch Wheels
Opting for 19-inch wheels, similar to those found on the Focus RS, provides a more aggressive look and can enhance the car's performance-oriented stance. This typically means fitting lower-profile tyres, which can offer sharper steering response but may result in a firmer ride.
Colours and Finishes
Black wheels, in various shades like matte or gloss, are incredibly popular for the Focus ST, offering a sleek and understated look that complements almost any paint colour. Gunmetal grey is another highly sought-after finish, providing a sophisticated yet sporty appearance. Other popular options include bronze, silver, and even bright colours for a more standout style.
Wheel Designs
From classic multi-spoke designs that echo the factory "snowflake" style to aggressive 5-spoke, 10-spoke, or even intricate mesh designs, the options are vast. Lightweight, often forged or flow-formed wheels like the Advan RSIII, Volk Racing TE37, and Enkei NT03+M are favoured by performance enthusiasts for their strength and reduced unsprung weight, which can improve acceleration, braking, and handling. More budget-friendly yet stylish options include wheels from brands like Konig, Niche, and GramLights.
Can you put OEM Focus RS wheels on a Focus ST?
Yes, in many cases, OEM Focus RS wheels can be fitted to a Focus ST. They often share compatible bolt patterns and hub bore sizes. However, it's always advisable to double-check the exact specifications for both your ST and the RS wheels you're considering, as minor differences can exist across model years. This is a popular upgrade that significantly enhances the ST's visual appeal, giving it a more purposeful and aggressive stance.
Important Considerations for Installation
Torque Specifications
When installing new wheels, it is absolutely essential to use a torque wrench to tighten the lug nuts or bolts to the manufacturer's specified torque. Over-tightening can damage the studs or the wheel, while under-tightening can lead to the wheel loosening while driving – a dangerous situation. Always consult your owner's manual for the precise torque settings for your Focus ST.
Re-Torquing
After fitting new wheels and driving for the first 50-100 miles, it is critical to recheck the torque of all lug nuts or bolts. The vibrations and stresses of driving can cause them to settle and loosen slightly. This re-torque procedure is a vital safety step to ensure your wheels remain securely attached.
Tyre Pressure
Correct tyre pressure is paramount for safety, handling, and tyre longevity. After fitting new wheels and tyres, always ensure they are inflated to the recommended pressures specified in your owner's manual or on the sticker usually found on the driver's side door jamb. A reliable digital tyre pressure gauge is an invaluable tool for regular checks.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the bolt pattern for a 2018 Ford Focus ST?
The typical bolt pattern for a 2018 Ford Focus ST is 5x108mm.
Will 19-inch wheels fit my Ford Focus ST?
Yes, 19-inch wheels are a popular upgrade for the Focus ST. You may need to consider the wheel width and offset to ensure a proper fit without rubbing, and potentially use lower-profile tyres.
Do I need hub centric rings?
If your new aftermarket wheels have a larger centre bore than your Focus ST's hub, then yes, hub centric rings are highly recommended to ensure proper centering and prevent vibrations.
Can I change the bolt pattern on my Focus ST?
While it's technically possible to use adapters to change the bolt pattern, it's generally not recommended due to potential safety concerns and added complexity. It's best to find wheels that match your car's original bolt pattern.
Upgrading your Ford Focus ST's wheels is a rewarding modification that can dramatically alter its appearance and even its driving characteristics. By understanding the key dimensions, considering popular styles, and prioritising proper installation, you can ensure your Focus ST looks fantastic and performs brilliantly.
If you want to read more articles similar to Ford Focus ST: Your Ultimate Wheel Upgrade Guide, you can visit the Wheels category.