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[panzerfaust]

I've searched around a bit, and haven't really found any definite answers.

I just recently switched from my stock 16's 205/55/16 A/S to OEM 18's staggered, 225/(255) 18 Summer Performance Tires.

I noticed the car handling was way off after I made the switch, and it's now at the dealership getting an alignment. My question is, since the width of the tire has changed and the rolling diameter as well, will I need to do an alignment every time I change my wheels from one set to the other (Winter on the 16's and all other seasons on 18's)?

I would imagine that most people running winter wheel setups have tires that are substantially narrower than their other setup, so I found it odd that no one is really talking about this when switching to winters or back to summers now, or maybe this is a newb question?

Any input would be appreciated!
Thanks!

[MKR_DmD]

No you shouldn't need one. Only if you change suspension parts or the height of the vehicle.

[chowser51]

just had 2nd winter on with 16" snows and back to 18" summers with no alignment needed.

[panzerfaust]

Hmm, wouldn't different widths and offsets matter for at least the camber? And wouldn't this also impact wheel spacers as well? Is it possible the difference here doesn't make enough of an impact that an alignment would be necessary?

Well, either way my car is at the dealer so they'll let me know if the alignment is off and if it needs to be corrected. I was told since i have Sport Package size wheels, my alignment would need to conform with different specs from standard wheels-does that make sense?

[fisherbln]

Originally Posted by panzerfaust

Hmm, wouldn't different widths and offsets matter for at least the camber? And wouldn't this also impact wheel spacers as well? Is it possible the difference here doesn't make enough of an impact that an alignment would be necessary?

The size and/or offset of the tire/wheel will not change the angle at which the tire hits the ground. You might be able to see camber with the naked eye better due to a bigger tire, but the actual angle will be exactly the same.

[VMRWheels]

If you did not alter any suspension components you will not need an alignement. If your previous tires were wearing unevenly, then I would recommend getting an alignement once you install your new wheels.

-Charles@VMRWheels

[Cygnusx1]

I beg to differ. Albeit, a slight effect with small spacers and offset changes.

Pushing the centerline of the wheels outwards, increases the leverage that the wheel has on the suspension. Imagine if the wheel was offset about 15 feet outwards, just for illustrating the point. The car would squat down really low because the wheels were far out. You are changing your swing ratio on the suspension. Wheels ARE a part of the suspension. Another way to look at it. Hook a 10 foot pole to the hub and pull up on the suspension. Now do it with a 1 foot pole. The 10 foot pole will give you the leverage to push up against the spring in the same way that widening the track will.

[D335NUTZ]

Nope don't need.

[tibra1]

Nope no alignment needed

[Cygnusx1]

Those who say "No", care to explain why not?

[BillLee]

i would get an alignment

[Gary@TireRack]

Changing wheels and tires doesn't change your alignment settings. However if its been a few years since your last alignment, then it isn't a bad time to have it checked.

[MKR_DmD]

Originally Posted by Cygnusx1

Those who say "No", care to explain why not?

Your alignment basics are toe, camber, and caster. Changing rims and tires will not change the tow of the vehicle, if you had 0" of tow before it will be the same after. Camber, might be more noticable with wider rims, but it wouldn't change the dynamics of the suspension and give you an extra -1 degree. Caster, usually isn't adjustable without suspension upgrades.

If you dropped the car 1" that would change everything so an alignment would be required.

[VMRWheels]

Originally Posted by DrivinMissDaisy

Your alignment basics are toe, camber, and caster. Changing rims and tires will not change the tow of the vehicle, if you had 0" of tow before it will be the same after. Camber, might be more noticable with wider rims, but it wouldn't change the dynamics of the suspension and give you an extra -1 degree. Caster, usually isn't adjustable without suspension upgrades.

If you dropped the car 1" that would change everything so an alignment would be required.

Well explained. Changing the offset of a wheel will effect the scrub radius but it would not change the alignement.

-Charles@VMRWheels

[Manoah]

i put new wheels and tire on last friday, and ive got an appointment to have the alignment checked, this saturday. just in case. im not really worried about it, but better safe than sorry.

[Gary@TireRack]

Originally Posted by DrivinMissDaisy

Your alignment basics are toe, camber, and caster. Changing rims and tires will not change the tow of the vehicle, if you had 0" of tow before it will be the same after. Camber, might be more noticable with wider rims, but it wouldn't change the dynamics of the suspension and give you an extra -1 degree. Caster, usually isn't adjustable without suspension upgrades.

If you dropped the car 1" that would change everything so an alignment would be required.

+1, good explanation.

[panzerfaust]

Since this came back up, just as an update I did get an alignment and the car drives a lot better.

Although part of what I was experiencing was tramlining, I suspect the previous owner of the tires had some uneven wear on them and that's why the alignment was necessary.

[vasillalov]

Originally Posted by Cygnusx1

I beg to differ. Albeit, a slight effect with small spacers and offset changes.

Pushing the centerline of the wheels outwards, increases the leverage that the wheel has on the suspension. Imagine if the wheel was offset about 15 feet outwards, just for illustrating the point. The car would squat down really low because the wheels were far out. You are changing your swing ratio on the suspension. Wheels ARE a part of the suspension. Another way to look at it. Hook a 10 foot pole to the hub and pull up on the suspension. Now do it with a 1 foot pole. The 10 foot pole will give you the leverage to push up against the spring in the same way that widening the track will.

I agree completely!

It is very common to see people destroying their wheel bearings in VWs because they decided to put 20mm spacers and therefore changed one of the suspension angles. That is why I always advise for getting properly sized wheels instead of slapping spacers to widen the track just for visual purposes.

[Cygnusx1]

Originally Posted by vasillalov

I agree completely!

It is very common to see people destroying their wheel bearings in VWs because they decided to put 20mm spacers and therefore changed one of the suspension angles. That is why I always advise for getting properly sized wheels instead of slapping spacers to widen the track just for visual purposes.

Yes, this thread is full of "hunches" not facts. This is a fact ^

[remmib]

Originally Posted by DrivinMissDaisy

Your alignment basics are toe, camber, and caster. Changing rims and tires will not change the tow of the vehicle, if you had 0" of tow before it will be the same after. Camber, might be more noticable with wider rims, but it wouldn't change the dynamics of the suspension and give you an extra -1 degree. Caster, usually isn't adjustable without suspension upgrades.

If you dropped the car 1" that would change everything so an alignment would be required.

+1.