Why are my fronts wheels rubbing, I need help NICO

[no_se7en]

I have a set of 18" Ruff 279. Fronts are 18x9.5 on 245/40/18 and Rears are 18x10.5 275/35/18. I have stock springs w/ AGX shocks. I recently threw them on and went for a test drive. Man!! it was awful. When I hit a bump or a pot hole on the street, my fronts scrapes. When turning, awe man!!!Luckily my front bumper didn't come off. It scrape the $*%T out of my inner lining of the fender and front bumper. I pulled over and turned my steering wheel all the way to the left and all the way to the right, and it was fine.....I thought I could fit 18x9.5 w/ 245/40/18 in the front?? Man, im such a clutzz... I took a photo of it, and I know that ain't normal. The wheel looks too close to the front bumper.


http://i866.photobucket.com/albums/ab22 ... AG0038.jpg

http://i866.photobucket.com/albums/ab22 ... AG0036.jpg

[AZhitman]

Well, for starters, you increased your front tire overall diameter by 1". Not a good arrangement.

Second, your new wheels are likely a different offset than the stock 45mm offset, which places the turning arc in a different location (hitting the fender liner).

Third, a 9.5" wide wheel on a car that was designed for a 7.5" is problematic. That extra 2" has to go SOMEWHERE (into your fender liner), plus the extra 1/2" diameter of the new tires..

Fourth, I'm guessing you haven't had an alignment in a while. That could make a difference, especially if your caster is way out of whack.

Lastly, your stock springs are probably shot - they're almost 24 years old.

[Ace2cool]

I'm gonna go ahead and tell you from those pics that your caster is waaaaay out of spec. The tire will naturally be a bit closer to the front fender, but nowhere near as drastically as yours is. Here, check this pic of my Z's:



The overall diameter wasn't changed a terrible amount. A half inch is not that big of a deal. However, the caster being out of whack would be the reason you're rubbing on bumps and while turning. Are you sure you're only rubbing the liner? No suspension hits or anything? What's the offset on those?

[no_se7en]

Darn!! I love these wheels... I just got done reading some forum and yes, 9.5 is way too fat for the fronts, 8.5 is max fitment. .. Unless otherwise, there is a way to solve this besides switching to a smaller diameter or get rid of it (darn, just got tires for it too), well I'm all ears. .. I will get the Z aligned today or tomorrow. Just in case if it matters or not, should I even put the previous wheels back on since they fit better than these Ruff 279 before getting it aligned????? Or just get rid of it....

As for the offset, i am not sure, I will have to take a look at it but cleared the brakes easily . The previous wheels that were on had 1/4" spacers on it just to clear the brakes but sits and drives fine..

[Ace2cool]

Caster. Caster. Caster. Alignment. Caster.

The wheel width isn't the problem. mclarenf1kid runs 10.5's, granted with some pretty serious mods, but it's possible. http://www.rimtuck.com/setup/view/805

A 9.5 isn't insane. You'll probably have to trim the liner. Nothing crazy. Get an alignment to bring your caster back into spec. Work from there.

[no_se7en]

So i decided to take my front wheels off. Inner lining is all burnt and hanging, so i had to pull them out. At the back of the wheel it reads 18x8.5 w/ 20 offset. So the wheels should fit fine. When I measured it before I put the tires on, it measured to 9.5 in width from one end to the other end of the wheel. I guess i screwed up.. I will get an alignment today.

[Shoey2]

as a nissan tech, i have to agree with Ace on this you can tell from the picture that the wheel isnt centered in the wheel well. something nasty is going on with your suspension. alignment is out by a mile maybe bushings or something bent but i can say for sure that that something is wrong in there. dont put the cart before the horse. make sure this car is all squared up properly before you start dealing with measurements. im thinking your steering wheel is probably off center too or it pulls, or something. get it to the shop.

[Oh Em Zee]

Caster! No arguements. Caster. Now.
Adjustable tension rods. Install them. Bring back your caster angle closer to 7-9 degrees to center your wheels.


Dont listen to paul either You'll end up with grandma wheels!

18x9.5+23 square setup, 255/35 front, 265/35 rear.

[no_se7en]

That's what the alignment shop had told me..Is to get adjustable tension rods. I never installed thnsion rods but I was able to lower my 88'CRX w/ shocks/lowering springs on my own. .......And lots of forums had said that the suspension on the Z's are the easiest thing to work on instead of the engine bay. Well, I spoke w/ the Z guy. He has a Z shop here in California, and would like to check out my Z.. he charges $105 an hour. Holy Crap!!! now I'm having doubts...But really, I love my Z

[Shoey2]

you get what you pay for just make sure he does good work. i bet your going to notice a huge handling improvment. caster affects your steering wheel return when coming out of a corner and your steering effort at low speed like a parking lot, even with power steering.

[no_se7en]

I have to do some more research on a DIY for the tension rods. I'd be more happy if its simple fix since I am familiar with cars. Can you guys direct me to a good DIY forum for tension rods please. I've came across one but pictures were too tiny. Thanks guys. Just can't wait for my Z to fly

[nissanfreak12]

I have to do some more research on a DIY for the tension rods. I'd be more happy if its simple fix since I am familiar with cars. Can you guys direct me to a good DIY forum for tension rods please. I've came across one but pictures were too tiny. Thanks guys. Just can't wait for my Z to fly

For everyones safety, do not do DIY on tension rods. Your caster is shot like everyone said, you have something going on since the stock rods are not adjustable. Do not take it back to that alignment place, it looks like they had zero idea when it came to properly setting your car.

Also looking at the pics, adjustable rods may not extend as far as you need, or at least safely.