2012-2016 Nissan GT-R Wheels: A Guide to Variants, Specs, and Inner Lip Cracking

Model Year & Trim Level Wheel Variants

For the 2012-2016 (R35) Nissan GT-R, not all wheels are the same. Nissan offered several distinct styles and finishes, primarily tied to the vehicle's trim level. All are high-quality forged aluminum wheels made by RAYS Engineering, but they have key differences in design and finish.

Technical Specifications

All OEM wheels for the 2012-2016 GT-R share the same critical fitment specifications, regardless of trim level. This is crucial for ensuring proper fit, clearing the large Brembo brakes, and maintaining the vehicle's intended handling dynamics.

Symptoms of a Damaged Wheel

A damaged wheel can compromise safety and performance. Be alert for these signs:

• Vibration: A constant vibration felt in the steering wheel (for a front wheel) or in the seat (for a rear wheel) is the most common symptom of a bent rim.
• Constant Air Loss: If a tire repeatedly loses air pressure without an obvious puncture, it could be due to a crack in the wheel or a poor seal from a bent lip.
• Poor Handling: The car may feel unstable, pull to one side, or handle "slushy" if a wheel is significantly bent.
• Visible Damage: Obvious cracks, bends, or large chunks missing from the wheel are clear signs of a problem. Always inspect both the inner and outer barrel of the wheel.
• Unusual Noises: A thumping or clicking sound that changes with vehicle speed can sometimes be related to wheel damage.

Known Issues: Inner Lip Cracking

A widely discussed issue among GT-R owners is the tendency for the factory RAYS wheels to develop hairline cracks on the inner barrel or lip. This is a serious concern that can lead to sudden air loss and potential tire failure.

• What is it? Owners have reported finding small, hard-to-see cracks on the inside edge of the wheel, often during a tire change. This can occur even on wheels that have never been curbed or hit a major pothole.
• Why does it happen? While the exact cause is debated, theories point to the stress on the lightweight forged design. The issue has been reported by owners of stock GT-Rs, but it appears to be more common when these wheels are installed on other vehicles with stretched tires and aggressive negative camber, which puts unintended stress on the inner lip.
🎬 See why GT-R wheels crack and how fitment affects durability.
• Is there a recall? No. Despite forum discussions dating back over a decade, there has been no official recall or TSB from Nissan for wheel cracking on the 2012-2016 GT-R. This means any repair or replacement is the owner's responsibility.

The Definitive Guide to Buying a Used 2012-2016 GT-R Wheel

Due to the high cost of new OEM wheels, the used market is a popular option. However, given the known cracking issue, careful inspection is mandatory. A cheap wheel with a hidden crack is a dangerous liability.

Physical Inspection: What to Look For

1. Check for Cracks: This is the #1 priority. Thoroughly inspect the entire inner and outer lip, the barrel, and around the base of each spoke. Use a bright light and clean the wheel if necessary. Pay extra attention to the inner lip, where cracks are most commonly found.
2. Look for Welds: Many shops will attempt to repair cracked GT-R wheels by welding them. Look for tell-tale signs of a repair, such as messy weld beads, grinding marks, or areas where the paint or finish doesn't quite match. A welded wheel is structurally compromised and should be avoided for a high-performance car like the GT-R.
3. Check for Bends: Lay the wheel on a flat surface. Look for any wobbles or unevenness. Place a straight edge across the lip of the wheel on both the front and back sides to check for bends that are hard to see with the naked eye.
4. Inspect for Curb Rash: While cosmetic, heavy curb rash can sometimes hide more serious damage. Light scuffs can be refinished, but deep gouges are a red flag.
5. Verify Part Numbers: Check the back of the wheel for the stamped OEM part number to ensure you are buying the correct wheel for your needs (e.g., a lightweight Black Edition wheel vs. a standard Premium wheel).

OEM vs. Aftermarket Wheels

When replacing a damaged wheel, you have a choice between used OEM, new OEM, or aftermarket. For the GT-R, this choice is critical.

• Used OEM: A great value if you can find a set that passes a rigorous inspection. It maintains the factory look and forged quality.
• New OEM: The most expensive option by a large margin. Expect to pay thousands for a single wheel from a Nissan dealer.
• High-Quality Aftermarket (Forged): Brands like Volk Racing (the consumer brand of RAYS), Advan, and other reputable forged wheel manufacturers offer strong, lightweight alternatives that can be as good or better than the OEM wheels. They are a viable, albeit expensive, alternative.
• Low-Quality Aftermarket (Cast): Avoid cheap, cast aluminum wheels. They are significantly heavier and weaker than the GT-R's factory forged wheels and are not safe for a car with this level of performance. They will negatively impact handling and are more prone to catastrophic failure.

Wheel Refinishing and Color Matching

The vehicle's main paint code is found on a sticker in the driver's side door jamb. However, this code does not apply to the wheels, which have their own special finishes.

Refinishing a GT-R wheel to match the factory look is a specialized job. The Black Edition's unique dark finish and the Premium's hyper silver are difficult to replicate perfectly. A full powder coating is often the best method for durability. 🎬 Watch: A step-by-step guide to refinishing your GT-R wheels. Expect to pay $150 - $300 per wheel for professional refinishing, depending on the level of damage and the complexity of the finish.

Cost Comparison

Prices for GT-R wheels can vary dramatically. This table provides a general estimate for a single wheel.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)