Jim,
Tire sidewall scrubbing on the rear wheels depends on three things.
First the size of the tires. The 185-70-13's are wider, on the same
wheel, as the 175-70-13.
Next is the rim width. narrower 4 1/2 inch rim widths cause the
sidewalls to bulge more than wider rims.
Most importantly is the wheel "offset'. That is the difference between
the center of the tire (rim) and the surface of the wheel mount on the
hubs. This is usually given in terms of inches of offset, and can be
both positive, or negative, depending on which direction the center of
the rim is, related to the mounting surface. Spacers are to be included
in this category.
Put these all together and you can get front tire scrubbing on the lower
forward front fender lip, or the sidewall of the rear tire during a
upward travel.
I am not sure why you are so firmly against trimming the sloppy excess
material on the inside of the rear wheel arch. This is the area where
the outer fender skin is folded horizontally, and spot- welded to the
inner fender skin. Manufacturing tolerances, and assembly methods
sometimes allow the outer layer, which is the lowest piece of the
layers, to protrude beyond the inner fender lip into the very area a
tire sidewall can be on rebound. Not all the cars have this tolerance
overlap, and the metal removal is only to match the inner and outer
skins to each other. The amount removed is about 1/16th of an inch to
make it flush, and extends about 2-3 inches on either side of center.
Keeps your hands from being sliced when you are cleaning the inner
panels, or have your hand on the tire as you turn it while working on
the car.
Anyway. Check whether you have a negative offset (rim further out than
tire center), which is a major contributor, or you have caused such an
interference with a spacer. Normally a spacer is NOT used.
Steve
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Steve Laifman
Editor
<http://www.TigersUnited.com>
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