DIY: COROLLA E2 FRONT PCD CONVERSION GUIDE

Finding it difficult to find retro wheels? Can’t fit in the wheels to the hub? These are the complaints by second-generation Corolla owners such as KE20, KE25, KE26 and KE28 (and other T-models). Gifted PCD110 by engineers in 1970s, it  is a nightmare to the owners. I keep on questioning myself why did the engineers differentiate the pcd110 on Corolla KE2x and PCD114.3 on ultimate Corolla TE27. Why don’t they make it PCD114.3 for all models. In the end, we have to find a solution rather than making a guess.

These are the options that we have:

1. Spacer converter PCD110-114.3 (Poor handling and maneuverity)

Photo courtesy of Saga Iswara Club (SIC)

2. Redrill stock hub, feels like original setup, but improper redrill might cause unbalanced wheel center.

3. Swap Starlet KP6x hub (PCD114.3). (Feels like original setup).

Parts required for option No. 3:

1. KP6x hub complete disc rotor (2 units). In my case, I have got without disc rotor, so have to re-use E2 disc rotor on KP6x hub).

2. Absorber with E2 knuckle (2 sets).

3. Koyo Bearings, Inner (2 pcs)

4. Koyo Bearings, Outer (2 pcs)

5. KP6x Hub seal (2 pcs)

6. Bearing grease.

7. Extended bolt 1.5mm (8 pcs). If your wheels may fit without touching the caliper, you may use back the E2 bolt since there is no need of 8mm spacer.

Other instruments required:

1. Vernier Caliper or Micrometer

2. A spare nut to knock out bolt from hub (The thread will be deformed and cannot be used)

OK here we go, after quite some time owning a KE25, it’s time for new wheels. Initially looking for any retro wheels with PCD110. After getting tired of searching around, I met a set of Hayashi Street L PCD114.3. So, converting the PCD is a must now.

First option, purchase a set of spacer converter PCD110-114.3, but the result is poor. Handling feels like driving on a snowy road. Some friends also recommended to redrill new hole on the stock hub, but after calculating the cost, the expenses of changing to KP6x hub is similar. So it’s time to hunt KP6x hub and finally found a handsome pair from my friend.

Corolla E2 knuckle

E2 hub and rotor

Rear portion. (Please ignore the badly scratched rotor. Going to do skimming soon).

The con of converting to KP6x hub is finding the suitable bearings to suit the E2 shaft knuckle. The solution is to go to specialist in machinery bearing shop and they helped me to find suitable bearings to match KP6x hub on E2 knuckle. FYI, original KP6x bearings is quite loose on E2 knuckle, and E2 bearing’s inner diameter is small and can’t fit in KP6x hub.

D = 27.5mm

Refer to this Part Number if you are looking for Koyo Bearings.

d = 17.5mm

...and refer to this Part Number too for Koyo Bearings.

If your nearest autoparts store does sell Koyo bearings, you can buy the bearings referring to attached Parts Number. Else you have to measure manually and purchase other brands with the same dimension.

Remove original bearings in KP6x hub and knock in the new bearings. Remember to remove the original KP6x bolts and fit in extended nuts or use back E2 nuts.

For the disc rotor, you may use the KP6x rotor because it fits nicely on E2 brake caliper. In my case, I don’t have the KP6x rotor so I have to use back my E2 rotor.

It is time to fits in the wheels. Unfortunately, the spoke hits the brake calliper  so I have to use 8mm spacer as a solution. However, the bolt can be tightened around 70%. In future have to install extended nut for safety and reliability matter.

As a result, the wheels fit nicely to the hub. Handling is superb and easier to maneuver compared to spacer converter.

Ok that’s all. Good luck and happy converting. Chow!