My wheel swap problem.
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My wheel swap problem.
So I recently bought these 16x7 Wheels with 225/60/16 Tires off a 1996 Grand Prix GT. They bolt up but one of the tires is rubbing the inside edge of the outer fender when I go over bumps or around turns.
The weird thing is that this only happens on the driver'* side of the car. The wheel gap is much smaller than that on the passenger'* side.
For reference, I have a 1998 Buick Lesabre custom. The stock wheel / tire combo was a 15x6 with 205/17/15 tires. I didn't really think this is that off unless I have the offset wrong. Is it possible that I have a saggy spring or strut?
Here'* some pictures.
The weird thing is that this only happens on the driver'* side of the car. The wheel gap is much smaller than that on the passenger'* side.
For reference, I have a 1998 Buick Lesabre custom. The stock wheel / tire combo was a 15x6 with 205/17/15 tires. I didn't really think this is that off unless I have the offset wrong. Is it possible that I have a saggy spring or strut?
Here'* some pictures.
#3
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The width is the problem. You're going from a 205 to a 225. That'* nearly a 10% wider tread. The overall diameter is shorter by a bit over .25", but it may not be enough to make up for the change in width. Plus, those are ballpark figures, actual tires differ even more than that in some cases.
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The recommended size is a 215 /60 / 16 on a 16x6.5" wheel. I thought I could get away with the current tire, but I'm still wondering if even a 215/60/16 would work on the 16x7 wheel without rubbing. I may end up selling these but I would love to make them work.
#5
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Actually just re-read the post.
So one side has less gap than the other, in a vertical sense? Not as in from outer edge of tire to the lip of the fender?
I say put the car on level ground, and measure from axle centerline to the fender lip. Do on both sides. If there is a difference, I'd opt for new rear springs. You may have had a sagging spring before, but with the width difference now, you just didn't notice it, because it didn't have a clearance issue before. With the extra 10% width, now it makes a difference.
So one side has less gap than the other, in a vertical sense? Not as in from outer edge of tire to the lip of the fender?
I say put the car on level ground, and measure from axle centerline to the fender lip. Do on both sides. If there is a difference, I'd opt for new rear springs. You may have had a sagging spring before, but with the width difference now, you just didn't notice it, because it didn't have a clearance issue before. With the extra 10% width, now it makes a difference.
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Actually just re-read the post.
So one side has less gap than the other, in a vertical sense? Not as in from outer edge of tire to the lip of the fender?
I say put the car on level ground, and measure from axle centerline to the fender lip. Do on both sides. If there is a difference, I'd opt for new rear springs. You may have had a sagging spring before, but with the width difference now, you just didn't notice it, because it didn't have a clearance issue before. With the extra 10% width, now it makes a difference.
So one side has less gap than the other, in a vertical sense? Not as in from outer edge of tire to the lip of the fender?
I say put the car on level ground, and measure from axle centerline to the fender lip. Do on both sides. If there is a difference, I'd opt for new rear springs. You may have had a sagging spring before, but with the width difference now, you just didn't notice it, because it didn't have a clearance issue before. With the extra 10% width, now it makes a difference.
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http://www.jcwhitney.com/air-lift-10...299d198y1998j5
I'm looking at installing a set of these helper airbags inside the coils to help the car sit properly. Anyone know much about these? If they do the job as well as replacing the coils this is what I'm leaning toward.
I'm looking at installing a set of these helper airbags inside the coils to help the car sit properly. Anyone know much about these? If they do the job as well as replacing the coils this is what I'm leaning toward.
#8
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If those are what I think they are, you have to take the springs out anyway to put those in. Why not just replace the springs if they are getting weak?
Besides, with those, it will ride like crap. Those are more meant to help launch cars at a drag strip, or to put in more load carrying capacity to help tow a trailer. They shouldn't be a band-aid to your problem.
Heck, you may have a broken or bent spring already. Have you checked to see?
If it sits tweaked (one side higher than the other) replace your springs. If it doesn't compress at the same rate, but returns to the same height on either side, then maybe its time for new rear shocks. Putting airbags in there isn't going to do much for you.
Besides, with those, it will ride like crap. Those are more meant to help launch cars at a drag strip, or to put in more load carrying capacity to help tow a trailer. They shouldn't be a band-aid to your problem.
Heck, you may have a broken or bent spring already. Have you checked to see?
If it sits tweaked (one side higher than the other) replace your springs. If it doesn't compress at the same rate, but returns to the same height on either side, then maybe its time for new rear shocks. Putting airbags in there isn't going to do much for you.
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Old post, but I ordered the MOOG Cargo control springs (# CC653) I think... These are made for the Bonneville SSEi but they fit perfectly on my Lesabre. The ride is stiffer, less swaying, and the car sits up where it belongs, I should have no issue putting the wheels on after winter'* over. Just thought I'd put this out in case anyone runs into the same issue.
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