* Brake Caliper Clearance: Front brakes are usually larger and more powerful than rear brakes. A rear rim might not have enough clearance for the larger front brake caliper to fit.
* Offset: The offset (distance from the wheel mounting surface to the centerline of the wheel) is often different between front and rear wheels to optimize handling and suspension geometry. Using the wrong offset can cause rubbing, affect handling, and damage components.
* Hub Bore: The size of the hole in the center of the rim (hub bore) needs to precisely match the hub on the car's axle. Even if the bolt pattern matches, the hub bore might be different between front and rear.
* Load Rating: Front and rear wheels may have different load ratings depending on the weight distribution of the vehicle. Using a rear rim on the front, particularly if it has a lower load rating, could lead to wheel failure under stress.
In short, while visually similar, there are important subtle differences between front and rear wheels that prevent simple interchangeability. Always check the specifications of both the rim and your car before attempting to install any wheel.
