I have a '95 GXE and if you didn't all know by now, we have that small yellow donut. I really am not confident in those things and was pondering buying a full size aftermarket wheel/tire combo to replace this space saving donut. What i was wondering is that if i get a full size spare will it fit in the opening where the space saver is now? and if anyone has done this before, what should the backspacing be for a 15x6" rim? and what tire size should i get? thanks.

 

Tools:

Lugnut Remover
Jack
Keys
Beer

Instructions:

1)Use the lugnut remover to un-tighten the rear right wheel..
2)Use the Jack to raise the rear right corner of the car
3)Full remove rear right wheel
4)Use keys to open trunk
5)Place rear right wheel in spare tire well..
6)Drink beer and figure out if it works or not
7)after thought process.. put rear right wheel back on car
8)lower car with Jack
9)tighten up and go go go go go

 

 

It's the width of the rim that's the problem. 15" or 16" with tire will fit into the hole, but it would stick out about ~4" above the hole. If you can live with that, than that's cool.

 

well you know tony.. you could always cut the hole in the bottom.. and then fiberglass it 4 inches lower

 

I greatly appreciate that answer Sprint. But currently i am away from my max cuz i'm at college, but i will definetly try that when i get home. thanks.

 

I could not stand driving with that donut, and the idea of a flat tire on a long trip got me to get rid of it. I bought a used 3rd gen rim, put 205 winter tread on it and keep it as my spare. The plus sizing makes it the same size as my 17s. Much better to deal with in terms of handling.

As for fit in the trunk, the wheel does stick out a bit. In fact, I had to remove the floor cover. I'll make a small project of cutting a hole in the cover to stick the big spare thru and then put foam bump stops on each corner of the cover to have it lay in the trunk again nice and flat, but sitting a wee bit higher.

DW

 

What he says. Mine sticks out about 3/4s of an inch. Make sure you have a 205 in there if you do it.

 

thanks dwapenyi, sprint, medic and 1MAX2NV for your help. Now, am i correct in thinking of a 15x6" wheel and 205/50R15 tire? thanks.

 

PERFECT size.

 

thanks again sir

 

i just got 17" wheels and now I need a new spare. im thinkin about just buyin some cheezy aftermarket wheel and tossin it in the trunk with some thin tires. anyone have any ideas. what size should the tire be also???

 

It comes in handy when you encounter a curb doing hand-brake turns in the snow - not that i have done that........yet

Yes, the tire does stick up a bit, but that's how it comes standard here

 

Canadian max comes with full size ALLOY spare.

 

damn canadians...

 

I prefer using the donut, since it would only be used in an emergency anyway.

Weight savings and ease of use.

 

Not the SE/AE. When I asked, the Sales Manager almost swallowed his tongue, "No way you get a 17" SE rim and tire". I said, "thats what the Manual says". Stay tuned, the letter is on the way about that and other things, but I'm not holding my breath.

 

hmmm, ok, maybe it's just 4th gens then, you should ask: Empz, bert, ohboiya, chengkumcheung, or bramirez - they all have canadian 5th gens

 

Lowered Maxima + body kit = no spare donut tire.