Sponsored by The Tire Rack

[Lotus99]

Wow, so I've had 12 or 15 mm (can't recall which) spacers on the rear for a few years now. I've got an 2008 E93 with sport package, and 18's. The rear Bridgestone RFT's were on there until a week ago, which are 255/35/18. I changed them out finally to Michelin Pilot Super Sports, same size. But now, when I go over dips on the same roads I've driven for years without issues (at the same speeds), I get rubbing. WTF? Why wasn't I getting any rubbing with the Bridgestones on the same spacers?

Are the Michelins wider than the Bridgestones? Is it that maybe because they're not RFT's and aren't as stiff it's happening?

Do I need to roll the fenders for the occasional rub (and is it going to compromise the tire if I don't)? It seems to rub against the plastic inside the fender well if it was to come in contact.

[ZROFCKSGVN]

you sure there is nothing else going on? you shouldnt be rubbing at all, i was running 18mm spacers on my 189s and got no rubbing at all even after being lowered on springs. The tire shouldnt make that much of a significant difference, at its worst the wall would be different which shouldnt affect unless you are significantly lowered.

[Lotus99]

Yeah, it's why I'm puzzled. I did get my brakes done too at the same time (rotors and pads), but how could that affect it?

Is there a way to figure out if you're rubbing for sure? I'm fairly certain that's what the sound is from, but I suppose I could do some sort of test? Like rub peanut butter on the inside of the wheel well, and see if any rubs off on the tire? LOL!

[Turbo Tinkerer]

PSS run wider and that's probably why. Step down to 12mm or roll the fender very lightly.

[Lotus99]

I did notice they seem to stick out from the rim a bit more than the RFT's, but didn't think it would be that significant. I might even be on 12's already... I'll look into fender rolling I suppose, as I don't want to get new spacers if I don't have to. Otherwise, if it doesn't happen often, after some driving, I suppose the tire will wear down enough hopefully.

[Hybrid For Life]

PSS's are know for running almost one width bigger than there actual size when compared to other brands of tires. Your probably rubbing for that reason only, nothing to do with you brake job.

Can you see anywhere on the tire where it rubbing? It will most be rubbing on the outside of the tire near the edge of the tread or on the actual sidewall it self.

A fender roll will probably fix the issue

[chatch10]

Lotus, I'm in the same boat as you. I went from stock RFT's to 265 PSS and I'm rubbing as well. Just by looking at the tire I can tell it is wider and more squared. I don't want to step down on my spacers either so I'm looking at rolling the fenders slightly as well.

[Lotus99]

In my case, I didn't even go wider - still the stock width of 255. Rolling the fenders is a PITA, got to find the shop, etc. Probably going to cost me $200 in the end I'm guessing from reading.

Anyone figure after a few months of driving, the wear on the tires might be enough to stop the rubbing?

I think currently it only rubs on the plastic inside, and not the metal fender, so I might put off on rolling them for a bit and see how it goes. Not sure if it's the plastic, a fender roll would fix it even?

[VMRWheels]

Originally Posted by Hybrid For Life

PSS's are know for running almost one width bigger than there actual size when compared to other brands of tires. Your probably rubbing for that reason only, nothing to do with you brake job.

Can you see anywhere on the tire where it rubbing? It will most be rubbing on the outside of the tire near the edge of the tread or on the actual sidewall it self.

A fender roll will probably fix the issue

+1

OP, PSS run wider than a lot of tires, and that's where your issue lies. Unfortunately the printed size is only part of the story! Physical dimensions for tires are all over the place, between manufacturers and even models of the same brand.

[Lotus99]

How do you guys determine where the tires are rubbing? If I'm lucky, it'll just be on the plastic inside the fender, rather than the fender itself.

[john16443]

You might try lining the inside of the fender area with blue painters tape. If it's rubbing, it will wear the tape or at least leave marks. Don't be afraid to go up higher than just near the edge of the fender.

[Lotus99]

Genius plan! Better than my peanut butter one!

I just checked the spacer box though, and they are only 12 mm's. I'm really shocked they're rubbing. I took a good look tonight, and from what I can tell, it looks like it's the fender, not the plastic, that's rubbing.

I wonder if going down to 10 mm's would be enough? Assuming my existing bolts are too long for them, I'd need new ones so that's $130 for new spacers and bolts.

Or I pay $200 to the local shop (I checked their price) and get the fenders rolled?

Or just leave them and keep an eye on the tires!

What would you do?

[john16443]

The last thing I'd want is a metal fender to rubber tire rub. Can't see that ending well at all.

Do you have spacers on the front wheels? Size and Brand?

What brand are you're 12mm spacers that are causing the rub? I may be interested in purchasing the spacers and bolts from you if they are not black like the BMS spacers. PM me if interested.

[VMRWheels]

Originally Posted by Lotus99

How do you guys determine where the tires are rubbing? If I'm lucky, it'll just be on the plastic inside the fender, rather than the fender itself.

There will be markings where your tires are rubbing. If you're rubbing on the fender liner you can easily cut that away and gain some extra clearance.

[Lotus99]

Thanks for the replies. I've got silver H&R spacers with bolts. I don't have spacers on the front right now, and with more clearance than the rear, I can't imagine they would rub. I wonder if moving the 12's up front and buying 10's for the back would work?

Or would it be a silly setup and you should always put less up front than the rear? My car has the sport staggered setup, so the 8.5" rims in the back (255's) and 8" rims in the front (225's).

If I end up deciding to get rid of them, I'll PM you for sure.