Tire rubbing

[trainguy1989]

Today I noticed a rubbing/grinding sound when turning left or right. I get under my car and notice the wheels were rubbing the wheel wells, which it has never done before. My tire size is 215/55R-17. I have 17in cobra rims. Also when I go over bumps I here a popping sound. I replaced all the suspension with Monroe Quick Struts and had the car aligned, so everything is new. I have aluminium sub-frame bushings. What could cause my tires to rub? Could the sub-frame have moved?

Thanks for the help guys!

 

[kevinspann]

255/55/17 is too large of a tire. How close is the inside of the tire to the strut? How close is the top of the tire to the spring perch on the strut body?

 

[JRA2000TL]

255/55/17 is too large of a tire. How close is the inside of the tire to the strut? How close is the top of the tire to the spring perch on the strut body?

That's what I was thinking. I have the larger 225s on the white car as opposed to the 215 stockers.

 

[trainguy1989]

255/55/17 is too large of a tire. How close is the inside of the tire to the strut? How close is the top of the tire to the spring perch on the strut body?

Opps! I meant to say 215/55R/17. Thanks for catching that!

 

[zach44102]

55 seems tall

 

[kevinspann]

Not for a 215mm width.

 

[rubydist]

so it could have one of several problems - bad wheel bearing, bad ball joint, bad strut mount, etc. that could change the tire angle enough to make it rub. you will need to do some more investigation.

 

[RStalveyARFF]

here's another question, which sho and front or rear?

 

[kevinspann]

Based on his sig pic, I would say a gen 2, and front based on his description.

Now, is it rubbing the inner plastic fender liner, when the tires are at full lock?

Or is it hitting the fender itself?

 

[trainguy1989]

Based on his sig pic, I would say a gen 2, and front based on his description.

Now, is it rubbing the inner plastic fender liner, when the tires are at full lock?

Or is it hitting the fender itself?

Sorry I did not my gen. Its my 91 MTX and the front of the car. It is very weird. Something has to be loose. Sometimes it will be rubbing the inner plastic fender liner when the tires are at full lock, or it will rub by just making a left or right turn. I will need to do further investigation as rubydist suggested.

 

[kevinspann]

While this may not be most of your issue - has the steering rack ever been replaced? IIRC there are limiters in the rack to prevent you from turning the wheel far enough that the tires would rub the inside of the fender liner.

 

[trainguy1989]

While this may not be most of your issue - has the steering rack ever been replaced? IIRC there are limiters in the rack to prevent you from turning the wheel far enough that the tires would rub the inside of the fender liner.

The rack I think is original. The outer tie rod ends have been replaced by the previous owner. A week ago the wheels were not rubbing and now they are. So I don't think it has anything to do with the rack. I would look at the car right now but I have lost my daylight and the next couple of days are supposed to be FREEZING!! So maybe by Friday hopefully.

 

[kevinspann]

I'd say look under the car with a flash light, with it running and on the ground and have someone turn it left to right to see if anything moves.