Rear tire rubbing

[SVOMATT]

I have 17 inch cobras, plus the car is lowered 1.5 inches with motorcraft lowering springs.

Below is a picture of where it rubs on the back, driver's side tire.
It is not nearly as bad on the passenger side. (Maybe a spring on the driver's side is bad or something, also?)

The problem is worsened when someone is sitting in the backseat. You can really hear it and it sounds god aweful!

I have 255/45/17s. My questions is - Should 245/45/17s solve the rubbing problem? I dont want to buy brand new tires and have them rub.

[Ralphcobra]

the car will certainly be worse on the drivers side with you sitting in the car, even if you are skinny. With 17.s and lowering springs , you will have a difficult time, especially if someone is riding in the back seat. I have 95 cobra wheels 17 wheels without the lowering springs and my car scrapes occasionally in a curve hitting a big bump. Even worse if someone is in the back seat.
with the car lowered, you might have to go with 16 inch wheels even if you turn up your inner fender lips. ralph

[svobud]

you can look under the 'sticky' thread here in the wheel/tire forum at the "will these tires fit" ... some can tell you what works for them - but I will continue to say; "they won't fit unless you roll the lip of the wheel well....and still - you will have some scrubbing when the rear seat is occupied or alot weight is in the rear of the car (especially on bumps). depends on what you're willing to sacrifice ...

also - I've noticed the driver side will rub more than the passenger side. it's something natural about the solid axle's geometry.

[SVOMATT]

Thanks guys!

So do you think 245 instead of 255s will help at all?

How do you roll the lip of the fenderwell?

[svobud]

Originally posted by SVOMATT
Thanks guys!

So do you think 245 instead of 255s will help at all?

I still think you should read this thread (it's 4 pages long) and decided before you buy new tires...

http://www.svoca.com/forum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=14

[richsvo]

Matt,

Yes. It will definitely HELP, but you should read the ENTIRE thread that Bud suggested, as it will give you a very good overview of different wheel/tire combinations, and the effects of them on your car. There are several people who, of course, have several combinations and they post their results in this thread.

Read the thread and see if you get a good perspective on what will fit, and what won't....

Later,
Rich

[svobud]

Originally posted by SVOMATT


How do you roll the lip of the fenderwell?

I personally don't recommend that you try it - especially if you're asking advice on how to do it here. Things are hard enough to explain in typed black & white already. You can seriously FUBAR the quarter panel sheetmetal (wrinkles/waves) if you're not sure/careful about what you're doing..

[SVOMATT]

Alright, looks like I will just have to live with the rubbing then.

I don't think that I will driving anywhere with people in the back of my car anymore.

On a side note, are Sumitomos good tires? I was looking at them at tirerack. In that thread that everyone is telling me to read, one of the guys says that they seem to rub a little more than his Comp TAs.

I really love my rims and the lowered look of the car. Plus, I really can't afford new tires AND rims.

[svobud]

Originally posted by SVOMATT


On a side note, are Sumitomos good tires?

I'm not sure cause I've never even heard of that brand before ... but it does translate in Japanese for "Big Fit Tire that wears a Diaper"

[SVOMATT]

haha, I will have to take that translation into consideration.

They are pretty cheap tires, I can get them for 462 shippped.

+ 40 bucks from the tire store in town to get them mounted and balanced....

[svobud]

keep checking ... there's cheaper ones than that ... that are actually better tires than you would think.

[ediii]

Cheap tires

I've heard good things about Falkens and Yokohama AVS Intermediates. Both are pretty cheap. I've tried Kumho Supra 712's and wasn't impressed, so I wouldn't recommend them. I've heard that the Kumho Ecsta MX's aren't bad, though they are more expensive than the others.
I've heard of Sumitomo's but know nothing about them.
Good Luck,

ED

[SVOMATT]

Thanks Ed. Has anyone bought or heard anything about the Yokohama Avid H4 - Size 245/45HR17 tires? $103 apiece. I might be getting these...

I have heard basically good things about Yokohama tires..

[ediii]

I've never tried them but Avid H4's are all season tires. They probably won't be as sticky as regular performance tires. It all depends on what you're looking for. Do you need all-season tires?
Tire Racks web site has a tire review section with customer reviews. You might find that helpful.

ED

[SVOMATT]

Yes, I need All-Season - the car is driven in snow once in a while.