SonexBuilders.net

Guys

Has anyone with a XENOS, a Waiex or a taildragger Sonex replaced the stock main wheels (Azusa 5 inch) by any other wheels, being those the same size or a bit bigger?

Carlos

Carlos,

I can't say for sure, but I don't think replacing the actual Azusa 5" wheel hubs is very common on the Sonex. These stock hubs will accept slightly larger tires (5.00x5) that increases overall tire diameter by approximately 2 inches. Replacing tires allows for improved performance on unpaved surfaces (gravel, long grass, etc), and the cost to make this change is minor (approx. double the price of stock tires, and an increase of 2-3 lbs).

If you're looking to use tires larger than 5.00x5, you may indeed need 6" hubs to be able to mount the larger tires. I doubt this is really necessary though.

Jeff

Take a look at the Tracy O'Brien website. He has a 6" wheel available as well as a 5". He will even custom make a one-piece wheel if you want to go tubeless.

I have the 5" wheels on my Waiex project. If nothing else, these are better looking wheels, should the Waiex turns into a static display.

Hi Carlos

Yes. I have a taildragger Sonex and replaced the stock tires with 5.00 x 5’s and kept the same rim.

No issues so far. I’ve put 65 hours on it since then.

Thanks for your answers.

How about the brakes, is it possible to instal new discs for calliper brakes (like Matco) in the stock Azusa rim?

Carlos

Both the Sonex disk brakes and the O'Keefe disks bolt to the stock wheels.

Carlos,

If you are looking for bigger tyres you can fit 380-150-5, this is basically a 6″ wide tyre with somewhat more height but fits on the 5″ wheel, that is what we do on the RV's to upgrade from 5.00x5 tyres and keep the same rims for better operation of grass strips.

I replaced the factory supplied Chinese tires and tubes with 5.00x5. No modifications required.

Paul Johnson wrote:... you can fit 380-150-5, this is basically a 6″ wide tyre with somewhat more height but fits on the 5″ wheel...

To help put this in perspective, a standard 500-5 tire is typically 14.2" in diameter, 5.00 inches wide and fits on a 5" wheel hub. The 380-150-5 is 15" in diameter (380mm), 5.9 inches wide (150mm) and fits on a 5" hub. I believe this is about the biggest tire you can easily use on a standard Azusa hub.

Jeff

bvolcko38 wrote:I replaced the factory supplied Chinese tires and tubes with 5.00x5. No modifications required.

Does it require mods on the stock wheel pants?