2009 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 2009 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) |
2009 Forester — Year-Specific Fitment Context
The 2009 Subaru Forester is in year 12 of 21 using the 5x100 pattern (1998–2018). Wheels from any 1998–2018 Subaru Forester are cross-compatible with the 2009 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 2009 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 2009 Subaru Forester
The 2009 Subaru Forester uses a 5x100 bolt pattern with a 56.1mm center bore and 55mm offset. When selecting aftermarket wheels, hub-centric rings are essential to match the 56.1mm bore, preventing vibrations and ensuring proper load distribution. Offset is critical: staying within ±5mm of 55mm maintains suspension geometry and avoids rubbing. Always use lug nuts with the correct thread pitch (12x1.25) and seat type—tapered (cone) seat is standard for Subaru; ball seat nuts are incompatible and dangerous. Verify that aftermarket wheels clear brake calipers and suspension components. Re-torque lug nuts after 50-100 miles of driving.
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 to 80-90 ft-lbs after 50-100 miles to account for wheel seating and thermal expansion.
- ✅ Avoid using universal fit wheels without hub-centric rings; vibrations and stud failure can occur.
- ✅ Check for caliper clearance when using wheels with offset below 50mm or above 60mm.
- ⚠️ 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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2009 Subaru Forester — Frequently Asked Questions
What is the bolt pattern for a 2009 Subaru Forester?
The 2009 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 2009?
The Subaru Forester uses the 5x100 pattern from 1998 through 2018. Wheels from any of these model years are dimensionally compatible with the 2009, provided the offset and center bore also match.
Do 2009 Subaru Foresters use lug bolts or lug nuts?
The 2009 Forester requires N 12x1.25 hardware. Check your specific trim to ensure you use the correct conical or spherical seating.
What lug nut size does the 2009 Subaru Forester use?
The 2009 Subaru Forester uses N 12x1.25 lug nuts. Always verify the thread pitch and seat type (cone, ball, or flat) match your aftermarket wheels.
How tight should I torque the lug nuts on a 2009 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.
Can I put aftermarket wheels on my 2009 Subaru Forester?
Absolutely. Just ensure the aftermarket wheels have a 5x100 bolt pattern, an offset near 55mm, and a center bore of at least 56.1mm (using hub rings if larger).
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