Pcd change on hub

Hi guys and gals, because of the shoddy available wheels for the freelander I was just looking at pcd adapters. Blooming pricey..... so what about 're drilling the freelander hubs to suit a new pcd and fitting new studs or tapping the holes for bolts

Could fit almost any other pcd as long as the new holes don't interfere with the old set.

I have done it with trailer hubs to run matching wheels and tyres in the past so its not a complete un known

dont be a fool - look at deiseldo's posts - he has said what other wheels fit.

I know but I'm tight and have a couple of sets of wheels already lol

But for arguments sake on the question humour me with technical info

I will not help anyone who risks their own, their families and other road users lives.

go away.

Ummm that's a little un called for don't you think.... holes would be CNC drilled and not bodged in with a hammer and chisel apparently it's quite common for kitcar builders
I'm open to CONSTRUCTIVE CRITICISM but if you can't be helpful or open minded..... don't post simples

If you think it's a risk please explain why

I would not risk it unless you can find a hub that fits the freelander that way it would be safer than drilling your own holes .

From the information I can find floating round the net it's quite common for hubs and discs to be re drilled for a new pcd, in some cases even wheels can be changed providing that the boss is solid between existing holes. Most say as long as the new holes don't interfere with the existing ones by coming to close it should not be a problem

As usual, I see the doom-mongers are out in force. Give it ten more minutes someone will be talking about invalid insurance....

There is absolutely no reason this cant be done providing a few things check out...firstly, and I cant remember offhand for the freelander, but some hubs have reinforcing webs on the rear face that correspond with the factory holes, effectively giving more thickness to the hub where the hole is. If the freelander has these they probably wouldnt line up with a different PCD. I would be doubtful of re-drilling in that case as the hub thickness without the web may not be enough.

Secondly it depends on what your desired final PCD is whether the new holes land too close to the old ones. I have seena cpuple of DIY efforts that have had the holes a little too close together for my liking, but if you can space them out evenly it will be fine.

Thirdly - no engineering basis, purely my opinion, but pressing in new splined studs will be a little more secure than tapping holes for wheel bolts.


I redrilled the brake drums on my old car transporter trailer - out of necessity as it used parts that were hard to get hold of and the wheels and tyres I had would not fit. It worked fine and would happily carry its max rated load without killing anyone.

oh, and for anyone concerned about the safety of bolt-on hub adaptors, bear in mind that their principal is EXACTLY the same as the bolt-on wheel spacers which are such a popular mod on here.

dave21478 said:

oh, and for anyone concerned about the safety of bolt-on hub adaptors, bear in mind that their principal is EXACTLY the same as the bolt-on wheel spacers which are such a popular mod on here.

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That is such a relief.... I thought the first couple of posts had killed this thread.
Yes I see what you mean about the Web on the rear, and I agree splined studs would be better, providing I can get wheel nuts to suit the new wheels.

Hub adapters are between 100-150 quid EACH and I want a better choice of steel wheels, the ones that are available to fit a freelander pcd are gash or just not available second hand. And buying new steel modular rims is not cheap as I want a colour change too

Don't forget a lot of wheels have a larger offset so a set of spacers would push them out too far. Mine only just fit. If I'd needed adaptors I'd be screwed.

RO51 said:

That is such a relief.... I thought the first couple of posts had killed this thread.
Yes I see what you mean about the Web on the rear, and I agree splined studs would be better, providing I can get wheel nuts to suit the new wheels.

Hub adapters are between 100-150 quid EACH and I want a better choice of steel wheels, the ones that are available to fit a freelander pcd are gash or just not available second hand. And buying new steel modular rims is not cheap as I want a colour change too

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Modulars are only 35 quid each... add a tenner, 15 tops, in for paint

SES88 said:

Modulars are only 35 quid each... add a tenner, 15 tops, in for paint

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Where from

Land Rover Freelander from 98 to 06 Steel Wheels | 4x4 Wheel & Tyres

Apologies, £38, but these are the ones I and many others have, bigger offset too, so wider tyres fit without the need for spacers or anything

That's not to bad huh might get in touch with them about offsets cheers ses

Diesel Do said:

Don't forget a lot of wheels have a larger offset so a set of spacers would push them out too far. Mine only just fit. If I'd needed adaptors I'd be screwed.

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This is why I'm looking at redrilling the landrover hubs to avoid both the cost of spacers and the over width. I simply cannot justify over 400 quid on adapters

My alloys were only £300 with useable tyres

Them modulars are under £200 and you can pick whatever tyres ya want, less of a chew on than redrilling your hubs! Cheapest and best option you've got really

Yeah I have a few wheels from other cars at home suzuki and a couple of different types of Jap 6 stud
Going to get on the cad at the weekend and see what patterns will fit with the current pcd
I do think the jeep wheels look cool but I just bought 16 inch tyres so want 16 inch rims.
If I could find some freelander 5 spokes cheap I would be happy with those but to be honest I don't want to spend the cash on mint wheels as I want to re paint anyway