Volvo Tyre size - Are mine oversized - rubbing inner arch

richardfoster · Post by **richardfoster** » 22 May 2011, 06:50

Hi,

I recently bought an S60 with the excellent D5 diesel engine - I'm really really impressed with the car at 157k miles the engine sounds like it just came out of the showroom. Only problem is when on full lock the tires rub the inner arches. The tires that came with it are 235/40R18 95W XL

So I need to stop the tires rubbing, I don't need such a high speed or load rating but I'm trying to avoid major expense here's what I'm wondering:

Are the tires I have simply just the wrong size and should never have been fitted in the first place?

If the size is ok what about wheel spacers?

If the size is not OK it means not only buying new tires but new alloys too (maybe second hand of course)

Can anyone help me decide what to do?

Thanks guys

Richard

Post by **JRL** » 22 May 2011, 09:18

Depends on the wheels you have (offset) and the BRAND of tire
Most S60Rs rub a bit, some more than others but it depends on the wheel and tire combo
All tires are not created equal.
Most tires are a bit wider than the OEM Pirellis
Most of the time a set of 5mm spacers cures this

Post by **priapism** » 23 May 2011, 07:49

The larger stock size on the S60s here (gassers) is 235/45-17. Are they Volvo wheels or aftermarket? Sounds like someone went +1 on tires.

The 17s still rub a tiny bit. Apparently the OEM tires they used, while the same size, sat relatively narrow on the rim. I hear they would clear, but only barely, and fitting even a different brand of tire will have them rubbing. Ours rubs at full lock with Toyo Proxes 4s in stock size.

04S60GUY · Post by **04S60GUY** » 26 May 2011, 00:01

Can anyone comment on the 5mm spacers and how they affect handling?

I really don't want to limit my turning radius, it's not that good in the first place. I've owned the car for 4 years now. The 235/45-17 tires rub only when I turn left. I thought I had an alignment issue, but not after reading the above posts.

If 5mm spacers aren't enough, how far out can you go with this tire size before hitting the fender? Are longer studs required as well? Like everyone else, I've just been living with it.

Lotus seven · Post by **Lotus seven** » 26 May 2011, 06:07

I have just bought a V70 T5 and it has 235/40/18 tyres which rub on full lock so I would be very interested to know if the 5cm spacers work or if when fitted the tyres are pushed out too far and then rub on the wheel arch. And as asked are longer studs required to fit the spacers safely.
Has anyone got an original V70 T5 and if so what tyre and wheel size should you have please.
Rob.C.

jda2000 · Post by **jda2000** » 26 May 2011, 06:57

Lotus seven wrote: Has anyone got an original V70 T5 and if so what tyre and wheel size should you have please.
Rob.C.

2001 V70 T5 came with 235/45/17 tires.

J5T · Post by **J5T** » 28 May 2011, 16:09

I have a 2001 V70 T5M with lowering springs and bilsteins. I put 15mm spacers which required longer wheel lugs. I have had no rubbing on full on lock or anywhere else for this manner. I have driven over 1500 miles since then. Not sure what 5mm spacers will do for you. The reason for the 15mm spacers are that I want to add the V70R brake calipers and needed the space.

Post by **JRL** » 28 May 2011, 16:24

15mm is totally unnecessary
5mm in the front usually stop rubbing

J5T · Post by **J5T** » 29 May 2011, 10:50

Not suggesting he use 15mm spacers. I just needed them to get the R calipers under the wheels. I would have used the 5mm or 10mm spacers if I could have gotten away with it.

Post by **matthew1** » 29 May 2011, 13:46

Flip the bump stops. The mating side gets worn and it allows more travel.

Buy new ones if you're rich, but the current ones can be flipped. Save yourself some money.

I'm going to do it on my 04 V70 R shortly because -- you guessed it -- I've got rubbing.

And yes, every replacement tire seems to rub vs factory tires. 1990s Volvos, 2000s Volvos, doesn't seem to matter. On the T5 and R models anyway.