Hello All, I'm new to the club and am having great problems with the 18in Aruba wheels on my x-type diesel estate (2005, 2.2 sports model). I live in the country, surrounded by pot-holed roads, and the wheels keep splitting. Can anyone suggest types of steel wheels or sturdier alloys (which are available 2nd hand), that would be compatible? Thanks!

Hi Phil, welcome to the Forum.

Your topic is of interest to me so I've done some research. It would seem that Aruba alloys have a poor reputation for cracking. That said, they are available in either a cast alloy or a forged alloy, the latter of which is an 'Aruba Performance' and is reputed to be stronger than the cast option. Not sure how you tell the difference mind, you'll need expert advice on that (or a more knowledgeable Forum contributor).

So, if you stick with Aruba then you need the forged variety. Otherwise you could change to another style or you could step down to 17" wheels and have higher profile tyres that are likely to tolerate more abuse and give a softer ride. Either way, perhaps a chat with your local wheel/tyre specialist would be useful.

Tyre option graphic attached. Hope this helps.

Hello Rowley

Many thanks for all your work on this. I was certainly considering buying 17in wheels, but wanted to be sure they'd be compatible with the brake discs,etc, on my car.

Thanks again

Phil

Just wanted to check again before I buy a new set of wheels: will 17in wheels be compatible with my car (which currently has 18in Aruba wheels)? Thanks!

 

It is my understanding that both 17" and 18" wheels are compatible for a 2005 X type for which you must obviously also purchase appropriate sizes of tyres. But you would do well to carry out your own research on this, perhaps have a word with somebody like Performance Alloys http://www.PerformanceAlloys.com who I'm sure will be able to advise you regarding compatibility, ride quality and tyre sizes.

Thanks again Rowley - you're a star!