Tires rubbing wheel well cover

EChem · Post by **EChem** » 01 Apr 2011, 09:51

I have a 2002 S80. I had Michelin Pilot Sports on it (225/50R17 as specified on the plate on the gas tank filler door plate). I replaced them with Kumho Ecsta LX Platinums of the same size. With the Kumho's, when I turn the wheel all the way to the left, the passenger front tire rubs the wheel well cover, the same for the driver's front tire when the wheel is turned all the way to the right. Anyone have any idea as to why?

Thanks,
EChem

emk · Post by **emk** » 01 Apr 2011, 13:27

I think this is just standard with S80's. Mine rub both ways, winter or summer tyres. Turning circle on an S80 is a joke.

EChem · Post by **EChem** » 01 Apr 2011, 22:07

Perhaps, but I forgot to mention in my original post, the Michelin's did not rub.

Eldoninoz · Post by **Eldoninoz** » 02 Apr 2011, 11:55

Different tire manufacturers have slightly different sizing when comparing them across different brands, the Michelin's are most likely slightly more narrow than the Kumho tires. You can usually take tires of the same sizing and set them side by side and see a difference in sizing.

lonestar245 · Post by **lonestar245** » 11 Apr 2011, 20:31

My old worn out tires (forget the brand... Falken?) did not rub. New Yokahamas rub both ways. I was puzzled by this. Why would any "correct" size tire rub? Surely the mfg left enough room for any brand of the correct size? Then I came up with a theory- My front end is well worn- strut bearings, spring seats, etc... and I suspect the car is sitting a bit low right now. I would be willing to bet when this is all rebuilt the tires wont rub any more!

VolvoS80Joe · Post by **VolvoS80Joe** » 18 Dec 2011, 14:43

I had the same problem. My tires are Michelin Pilot Exalto.

We treid 1" spacers on the front wheels and the rubbing problem is gone.

Tested by turning the steering wheel lock to lock and no rubbing.

More agressive look too.

-VolvoS80Joe

retcoastie · Post by **retcoastie** » 18 Dec 2011, 18:00

On the bottom, rear of the A frame there is a stop that is there to prevent the wheels from over-turning. That stop does wear. This allows the wheels to turn too far and hit the wheel wells. They are easy to remove and either place a small washer under them to make up for the wear or to swap them side to side. Just keep adding washers until you move the stop out far enough to prevent the rubbing.

Good Luck

Ken

the2edwards · Post by **the2edwards** » 19 Dec 2011, 10:18

http://www.ipdusa.com/prodtype.asp?CAT_ ... Position=0

This a link to IPD, they have three different sizes available to fit different tire profiles and saves time not making you screw around with washers. Hope this helps.

retcoastie · Post by **retcoastie** » 20 Dec 2011, 19:52

Those limiters in the above link are neat. If I had had them I would have went that route. But, I didn't and I would not have spend that much if a dealer that carried them happened to move within a hundred miles of me. Washers I had in the shop, free.

Job done in one trip under the car.

Ken