I just bought this car off of a forum member, and got to working on it now that I have the body squared away.

The front tires are loud, so I jacked it up and found the tread separating on the inner side of the tire. It looks almost like the front upper ball joint bolt was digging into the tire for who knows how long, and eventually caused the tread to separate. Surprisingly, It has never let go on the highway. I drove it home 4hrs, and have been driving it 120mi/day to and from school

It currently has 245/35R19 on an 8.5" wheel, and I believe a 12mm front wheel spacer.

If I was to go with a 225/35R19, or even a 235/35R19, do you think it would help with the problem? Or will the width of the wheel still cause the tire to contact the ball joint?

Looking for opinions. I just sold my stock wheels/tires. Should've kept them!

Thanks
Shawn

 

I run 235/35/19's on the front, 8 1/2 with a 15 mm spacer.

Mine is close, but it doesn't touch. The narrower tire should fix that.

 

Thanks for the info. What brand tire? Any good photos that show how the tire sits on the wheel? In other words, I'd like to see if the sidewall looks like it is stretched to fit, or if it looks normal.

Thanks again
Shawn

 

Looking at the tread wear at the edge, just past the damage, I think you may have an alignment issue as well.

James

 

I definitely need some camber adjustment up front, that's what got me to start looking under the car to begin with (to see what I'm working with).

I just bought it, and I'm trying to get the tire-wear and alignment figured out.

 

i had a similar issue with delamination on the front inside passenger side. new boots all round and a wheel alignment done. I only run standard sizes all round.

 

In my signature. It's lowered now, but that would not affect your issue.

 

New boots? Meaning new tires?

 

You could get out your metal file and take some metal off where it's rubbing. A slightly thicker spacer would work IF you have space on the fender side.

Les

 

I think I am going to go with a 235/35R19. I need new front tires regardless. I may also try to go from my 12mm to a 15mm spacer.

Looking at the damage on the tire, it's hard to tell if it is contacting the bolt, the nut, or both. I'd rather not file them if I can prevent it. I also hate to put a brand new tire on it just to 'test' it...

 

pommy slang for tyres lol.

 

I figure the damage is caused only when the tire was under lateral stress-being pushed inward at the top under cornering. There is a little movement/flex in all things.

 

ShawnQ what ET you have on this front wheels?

 

Do you think a 12m spacer would work for yours? I have 12s. Debating on whether I need to order a set of 15mm spacers or not....

 

I believe they are 30

 

Most likely, yes. Keep in mnd the front spacer must be modified to clear the bearing dust cap.

I have a drawing here...somewhere.

 

Maybe if you little cut ball join screw it resolve problem? It's only idea...

 

I shaved the stud and just polished the nut. 245s at 19" is asking for this issue and bigger spacers are issues with stud length and bearing loads. IMO, enjoy Woody

 

Woody is correct.

 

Looking at the tread wear at the edge, just past the damage, I think you may have an alignment issue as well.

James