2002 Subaru Forester Bolt Pattern
Checking fitment for your vehicle? Below you will find the factory bolt pattern (also known as the lug pattern) for the 2002 Subaru Forester, along with offset and center bore data.
| Bolt Pattern (Lug Pattern) | 5x100 |
|---|---|
| Lug Nut / Bolt Size | N 12x1.25 |
| Center Bore (CB) | 56.1 mm |
| Offset (ET) | 55 |
| Torque Specs | 80 ft-lbs (108 Nm) |
2002 Forester — Year-Specific Fitment Context
The 2002 Subaru Forester is in year 5 of 21 using the 5x100 pattern (1998–2018). Wheels from any 1998–2018 Subaru Forester are cross-compatible with the 2002 model. Across its full production run (1998–2025), the Forester has also used: 5x114.3.
Subaru Forester Bolt Pattern by Year
The table below shows how the Forester's wheel specifications have changed over the years. The 2002 model year is highlighted.
| Year | Bolt Pattern | Center Bore | Offset |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1998 | 5x100 | 56.1 | 55 |
| 1999 | 5x100 | 56.1 | 55 |
| 2000 | 5x100 | 56.1 | 55 |
| 2001 | 5x100 | 56.1 | 55 |
| ▸ 2002 | 5x100 | 56.1 | 55 |
| 2003 | 5x100 | 56.1 | 55 |
| 2004 | 5x100 | 56.1 | 55 |
| 2005 | 5x100 | 56.1 | 55 |
| 2006 | 5x100 | 56.1 | 55 |
| 2007 | 5x100 | 56.1 | 55 |
| 2008 | 5x100 | 56.1 | 55 |
| 2009 | 5x100 | 56.1 | 55 |
| 2010 | 5x100 | 56.1 | 55 |
| 2011 | 5x100 | 56.1 | 55 |
| 2012 | 5x100 | 56.1 | 55 |
| 2013 | 5x100 | 56.1 | 55 |
| 2014 | 5x100 | 56.1 | 55 |
| 2015 | 5x100 | 56.1 | 55 |
| 2016 | 5x100 | 56.1 | 55 |
| 2017 | 5x100 | 56.1 | 55 |
| 2018 | 5x100 | 56.1 | 48 |
| 2019 | 5x114.3 | 56.1 | 55 |
| 2020 | 5x114.3 | 56.1 | 55 |
| 2021 | 5x114.3 | 56.1 | 55 |
| 2022 | 5x114.3 | 56.1 | 55 |
| 2023 | 5x114.3 | 56.1 | 55 |
| 2024 | 5x114.3 | 56.1 | 55 |
| 2025 | 5x114.3 | 56.1 | 55 |
5x100 Pattern Context
This bolt pattern appears on 447 vehicles in our current database and is considered moderately common.
Examples of other vehicles using 5x100:
Expert Buying Guide for 2002 Subaru Forester
For your 2002 Subaru Forester, the 5x100 bolt pattern and 56.1mm center bore are critical. Aftermarket wheels often have a larger bore (e.g., 73.1mm), requiring hub-centric rings to prevent vibration and ensure load is on the hub, not the lugs. Offset is sensitive: stock is 55mm; deviations affect scrub radius and clearance. Use only 12x1.25 lug nuts with the correct seat (factory is ball seat; aftermarket may use conical). Always torque to 80-90 ft-lbs in a star pattern. Re-torque after 50-100 miles. Avoid wheels with offset below 45mm or above 60mm without verification.
Historical Fitment Data Reference
In our dataset, Subaru Forester appears from 1998 to 2025 (28 model years). Across model years, this model appears with 2 bolt patterns (5x100, 5x114.3).
- Observed bolt-pattern variants for this model: 2
- Observed center-bore variants for this model: 1
- Observed lug-size variants for this model: 2
- Observed total offset span across years: 7.0 mm
Quick Tips & Safety Warnings
- ✅ Re-torque lug nuts after 50-100 miles of driving to prevent loosening.
- ✅ If using aftermarket wheels, ensure hub-centric rings (73.1mm to 56.1mm) are installed to avoid vibrations.
- ✅ Check wheel clearance with struts and brake calipers; 17x7 ET48 is a common safe upgrade.
- ⚠️ Verify thread pitch before installation; M12x1.25 and M12x1.5 are not interchangeable.
- ⚠️ Torque lugs in a star pattern to 80 ft-lbs (108 Nm), then re-check torque after 50-100 km (30-60 miles).
- ⚠️ This model has multiple bolt-pattern records across years. Match wheels to exact year/trim before purchase.
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2002 Subaru Forester — Frequently Asked Questions
What is the bolt pattern for a 2002 Subaru Forester?
The 2002 Subaru Forester uses a 5x100 bolt pattern (also called lug pattern or PCD). The center bore is 56.1mm and the offset is 55mm.
What other years of Subaru Forester have the same bolt pattern as the 2002?
The Subaru Forester uses the 5x100 pattern from 1998 through 2018. Wheels from any of these model years are dimensionally compatible with the 2002, provided the offset and center bore also match.
What is the center bore of a 2002 Subaru Forester?
The factory center bore (hub bore) for the 2002 Subaru Forester is 56.1mm. If your aftermarket wheels have a larger hub bore, you will need hub-centric rings to prevent vibration.
How tight should I torque the lug nuts on a 2002 Subaru Forester?
Refer to your owner's manual for exact specs, but always tighten the N 12x1.25 hardware in a star or crisscross pattern. Re-torque after the first 50 miles of driving.
How do I measure the bolt pattern on my 2002 Subaru?
The 2002 Forester uses a 5x100 pattern. For 4, 6, or 8-lug wheels, measure center-to-center across opposite holes. For 5-lug, measure from the center of one hole to the back of the opposite hole.
Will wheels from another Subaru fit my 2002 Forester?
Only if they share the exact same 5x100 bolt pattern, a compatible offset, and a center bore equal to or larger than 56.1mm.
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