bon

I recently fitted 17 inch 225/45 tyres to my '97 Impreza Turbo.
They are rubbing when I corner hard (the only way)

Any ideas please?

TonyBurns

iTrader: (3)

Errrrrm they are too wide?
You dont want to go beyond 215 rated tyres and the 45 is incorrect.
Sizes should be 205/45/17 or 215/40/17 for 17 inch alloys.
New tyres are called for me thinks.....

Tony

jpidding

I've had problems with the LH rear rubbing on the rubber lip around the wheel arch. Only happens when cornering very hard on the track and is naturally worsened by adding passengers. I have been told by my friendly Dutch dealer (I live in Germany at the moment) that this is fairly common and due to variability in manufacturing.

This problem has occurred with the standard 2000MY wheels & tyres (205x50x16). I've just put on a set of '02MY wheels and, you've guessed it the problem has worsened a little....tyres now 215x45x17. This is strictly not the correct size...as stated above should be 40's, but the difference in rolling radius is only about 2%.

I suggest using 205x45x17. To be honest I have not noticed much grip improvement going from 205x50x16 to 215x45x17. I regularly go to the Nurburgring and have now done over 140 laps (1,800 miles!!!), so I'm reasonably good at judging any gains. The reduced width will also give better fuel economy, speed, noise levels and unsprung weight. Don't know about tyre cost....the 205x40x17 may be a bit odd, so you could pay through the nose for it.

Another suggestion is to approach a body shop about doing a proper job in removing some of the lip on the arch.

Hope this helps.

James

dnb

215/40/17 have a slightly smaller diameter than 205/45/17s, and are more common. (although both sizes are easily obtainied)