Will new size tires fix rubbing problem?

jsandman · #1 (**permalink**) 12-05-2002, 09:23 PM

I recently bought 16in wheels with the wrong offset on my ‘99 GXE which is causing rubbing on the back tires. They are Enkei RF1s but I have no clue what the specs are. My tires are 225/55 16. I think I can fix the problem by tires less wide, 205/ 50or55 /16 because they are only rubbing on the very edge. Should I try this or just get new wheels? Help!!!

ASHURA · #2 (**permalink**) 12-05-2002, 11:18 PM

if you can return the wheels, do so and get new wheels with the right offset, or else spend more money for hub spacers.
grab the wheels and look behind it to find out what's the offset., and what is it rubbing to? the fender or the strut body or the caliper body?

jsandman · #3 (**permalink**) 12-06-2002, 12:29 AM

The tires are rubbing to the fender so I wouldn't think I would need hub spacers. Unfortunately it's too late to return the wheels. I'm thinking if I get tires less wide they won't rub to the fender?

ASHURA · #4 (**permalink**) 12-06-2002, 01:10 AM

option#1: cut the fender's lips or bend it inward using dremel or big pliers with rags to protect the paint finish. if bending, heat the paint a bit so it won't chip off. that's where its rubbing.

option#2: 215/50 16 or 205/50 16 on all4

jsandman · #5 (**permalink**) 12-06-2002, 06:11 PM

Option 2 sounds better. Do you think if I get 215/55 16 instead of 50 on the back it'll work.

victor · #6 (**permalink**) 12-06-2002, 06:36 PM

OEM size on the 16's are 205/55/16.

also, sinceyou have a 99 gxe, you are Plus One'ing it.

PLUS ONE
205/55-16
215/55-16
225/50-16

ASHURA · #7 (**permalink**) 12-06-2002, 06:47 PM

I guess I over calculated the thing again..But it's just a cautionary thing since he got the wheel offset all wrong. So what's the offset you got there?

Edgar · #8 (**permalink**) 12-06-2002, 08:59 PM

215/45/16 that will work

victor · #9 (**permalink**) 12-06-2002, 09:06 PM

also, when is it rubbing? when you have people, or what? you could get stiffer springs. My old car I did that, went to a larger Plus One and while the stance was VERY aggressive, it rubbed like crazy. Helped out a bunch when I bought new springs.

jsandman · #10 (**permalink**) 12-06-2002, 09:54 PM

Yeah, when I have anymore than 2 people in the ride I'll rub like crazy when it's bumpy. Because it's tearing up my tire I'll just go with the 205/55-16s for now. So to get lower profile tires I'll have to get new springs, bend the fenders or just get new wheels.

ASHURA · #11 (**permalink**) 12-06-2002, 10:10 PM

to get lower profile tires, that's it, you just get new lower profile tires. However, if you want to keep the tires you got now, then it's suggested to either cut the fender lips, or roll/tuck the fender lip, or get stiffer springs.

You haven't answered the question, what's the wheels offset? it should be casted or printed on the back of the wheels.