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Tyre rubbing is a common problem for car enthusiasts, especially those who've lowered their vehicles or fitted larger wheels and tyres. It can range from a minor annoyance to a significant safety hazard. This comprehensive guide will explore the causes of tyre rubbing and provide practical solutions to eliminate this frustrating issue for good.
Before diving into the solutions, it's crucial to understand why your tyres are rubbing. This will guide your troubleshooting and ensure you choose the right fix. Ignoring the underlying cause will just lead to a recurring problem. Let's explore some of the most frequent culprits:
Lowered Suspension: This is arguably the most common reason. Lowering your car brings the body closer to the wheels, significantly reducing the clearance available. When lowering your suspension, you're essentially decreasing the space between your chassis and the wheels and tyres. Any slight bump in the road or turning maneuver can then cause contact.
Larger Wheels and Tyres: Upgrading to larger wheels and tyres increases the overall diameter, pushing them outwards and closer to the bodywork. Bigger tyres simply occupy more space, leading to potential rubbing, especially when turning or encountering uneven road surfaces.
Incorrect Wheel Offset: The offset is the distance between the wheel mounting surface and the centerline of the wheel. An incorrect offset can push the wheel further out, leading to rubbing. A wheel with an offset that is too low or too high relative to your vehicle's specifications will either push the wheel closer to the chassis (negative offset issue) or further into the wheel arch (positive offset issue), the former being the usual rubbing culprit.
Fender Flares (or lack thereof): Fender flares can protect the bodywork from rubbing. The absence of flares on lowered cars increases the risk. Fender flares, or wheel arch extensions, provide additional space within the wheel arch, thus preventing contact with the bodywork.
Damaged Suspension Components: Worn or damaged suspension components can alter the ride height and geometry, potentially causing tyre rubbing. Components like worn ball joints or struts can change the position of the wheel relative to the body, increasing the likelihood of rubbing.
Once you suspect tyre rubbing, it's essential to pinpoint the exact location of the contact. This will help you determine the most effective solution. Careful examination and some investigative driving are key:
Visual Inspection: Thoroughly inspect your tyres, wheels, and wheel wells for signs of rubbing, such as scuff marks, paint chips, or worn rubber. Pay close attention to the areas most likely to rub – the inside edge of the wheel arches, especially during turning.
Test Drives: Conduct several test drives under various conditions, including turning sharply, going over bumps, and driving at different speeds. This will help you identify when and where the rubbing occurs. Take note of the specific maneuvers that cause it.
Marking the Rubbing Point: Once you’ve identified the point of contact, you can mark the area with chalk or paint for better visualization, assisting with targeted adjustments.
Now that you understand the cause and have located the rubbing point, let’s address how to fix it. The optimal solution will depend entirely on the root cause of the issue.
Raise the ride height: If your car is lowered, slightly raising the ride height can provide the necessary clearance. This may require adjusting coil-overs or springs. Note: Be mindful of your vehicle's manufacturer's specifications.
Adjusting Dampers/Shocks: Damaged or worn shocks can alter ride height and increase rubbing; replacement may be necessary.
Smaller Wheels and Tyres: If you've fitted larger wheels and tyres, reverting to the original size or a slightly smaller size might resolve the issue. Note: Consider your desired aesthetics when making this change.
Different Wheel Offset: This requires careful consideration of the appropriate offset for your specific vehicle model. Consult a wheel and tyre specialist.
Roll the Fenders: This involves using a special tool to carefully bend and reshape the metal edges of the wheel arches, increasing clearance. This is a cost-effective and common solution. Note: This requires technical skill to avoid damaging the fenders. Professional assistance is recommended.
Pull the Fenders: A more advanced and permanent solution, fender pulling involves gently stretching the fender outwards, creating more room for the wheels and tyres. This generally requires professional expertise.
Install Fender Flares: These bolt-on extensions can effectively widen the wheel arches, adding significant clearance, while providing a more aggressive aesthetic.
Replace worn parts: Identify and replace any worn or damaged suspension components, ensuring the correct geometry is restored. This will eliminate issues caused by a compromised suspension system and may require a wheel alignment post repair.
Professional Help: If you're uncomfortable performing any of these adjustments yourself, it’s best to seek professional help from a qualified mechanic or tyre specialist. Improper modifications can negatively impact your vehicle’s handling, safety, and potentially void warranties. If you are planning to upgrade your car tyres always seek professional advise from a tyre technician to avoid rubbing problems. If you aren’t sure whom to approach, simply visit an Apollo Tyres shop near your location and ask for assistance.
Safety First: Never compromise safety to avoid tyre rubbing. If you’re unsure about a modification, seek expert advice. Driving with persistent tyre rubbing can damage your tyres, suspension, and potentially affect your steering.
By carefully diagnosing the root cause and applying the appropriate solution, you can eliminate tyre rubbing and enjoy a smoother, safer driving experience. Remember, prioritizing safety and seeking professional help when needed is crucial.