I just put new tires on (general exclaims) which are the stock size. I've noticed if I turn the wheel all the way to the right (entering a parking spot) it sounds like the tire is hitting the well.

Because they're stock sizes it shouldn't be the new tires as the cause. Is there something they could have done on mounting the tires that would cause this?

Sorry, not really a wheel/tire guy.

Dh

 

Chances are, even with replacing the tires with the same size, the new ones are actually larger. Yes I know a certain size should be a certain size, but they are not. Sizes vary between manufacturers. You would think a 255 is a 255 regardless of who makes it - NOT.

James

 

This may also be a bit of an illusion. You may think the tires are rubbing, but it may be the brand new tread. Mine do this too. Yes, I have bigger wheels in the front and the car is lowered, but I checked and double checked for rubbing. Also, my wife's new tires on her 4Runner feel like this to when turning at slow speed especially into a parking lot. Just a thought.

 

Different tire manufactureres have different tread designs/shapes. One 225/40 18 could have squared edges, one could have rounded edges, one could have the "curb protection" edges and so on. All those different variance will lead to different "section widths" which is the widest point of the tire generally..............not the tread width. A quick way to tell if/where it's rubbing is to turn the wheels all the way and check the wheel well for a "clean" spot with a flashlight.

 

Thanks guys, I'll take a look, but hopefully with some wear it won't continue.

Dh

 

My car has rubbed the right wheel well since new, especially when backing up, think there was a problem with the fender well attachement that causes this on many of these cars

 

I have this problem with Exclaims as well, HOWEVER. Mine actually IS rubbing up against the wheel well. Its only when I make a sharp right turn at slow speed. The plastic well piece seems to be bubbled. What makes matters worse is that the left and right wheel wells do not seem to be identical. What a nightmare, hopefully with tread wear the problem will stop, but I still have a messed up wheel well.

 

Check out your plastic fenderwell to see where the contact is being made. Then take a heat gun and heat the spot. Plastic's will usually start looking somewhat shinney when the temp is right for shaping. Don't over heat and melt out a hole! Lightly push on the heated area while wearing leather gloves or pushing in on the area with wet cardboard. Spray water over the area while your still pushing until the plastic has cooled to it's new shape. Squirrel Crusher