I purchased the Michelin 215/45/17 Pilot super sport tires from Tire Rack and the tires (rear only I believe) rub when I hit any large bumps or road dips. I do have the Alta supplied (I believe they were H&R springs, bably blue in color). I originally had the RFT runflats 205/45/17.
Do I remove the tires and simply trim the plastic fender well where I see rubbing evidence? Any other suggestions? Will trimming the inner plastic fender panel take care of the problem or just get the tire to rub on the metal?
I am now 225 miles from home and am concerned about tire damage on my return trip.
thanks for any help.

 

When you have a lowered suspension you have much less clearance especially on the rears.

205/45-17 is good and anything with a smaller tire diameter is relatively safe for clearance

215/45-17 is taller than stock tire diameter at 24.7" and it is slightly wider so rubbing is very common

If you don't mind all the noise you can just let it wear down and try not to go over bumps much or carry people in the back seat which often makes it worse.

Trimming just the plastic inner wheel arch trim where it is already starting to rub down is enough of a fix- it will not usually wear to metal against your tire but the tire itself will get a bit worn down by the plastic. Rotating tires can help a little to reduce this wear.

With lowering springs you cannot adjust ride height - otherwise coilovers that are fully adjustable will allow a little more clearance if needed.

You can also try to increase negative camber in the rear for more clearance but try not to get too much negative as this can wear the inner tread of the tire and increase oversteer.

 

I did do a fender liner trim on Sunday, but then Alex at Tirerack got Michelin to work with me to return the the 215's for full credit and Michelin now makes the Pilot Super Sport in 205/45/17 so they left NV yesterday and are on their way now to me. Thanks Alex and Meghan of Tirerack for your help.

 

I'd love to get the 215's because they are over $100 cheaper per set than the Pilot SS 205's. I have a JCW Coupe lowered with NM Eng springs and I fear I'll have rubbing issues as well. Paying nearly a grand for 4 tires no matter how great they are is a tough pill to swallow!

 

TerminalVelocity,

I know we had emailed on this. If you'd like to email back we can discuss the options.

 

Alex,

I did receive your email. My worries have since been calmed, however I will reply to you with a few questions regarding the situation. Thanks!