Author Topic: Car pulls easier to sides with new lighter rims and tires (Read 1075 times)

chaser · « **on:** May 18, 2005, 05:45:11 pm »

I've got a set of new rims & tires (Falken ZE512, 215/45/17) recently. The new rim/tire combo is about 7.5lb lighter per each corner than the stock. The stock tires are Goodyear RS-A, 205/50/17.
I notice now that the car (steering wheel) is more easier to pull to left/right when driving over un-even surface. Is it because of the lighter weight? 10mm wider of rubber? Or the Falken ZE512?

Thanks

capriracer · « **Reply #1 on:** May 18, 2005, 07:44:37 pm »

You didn't say what rim widths you had, but I suspect the wider tires are "arching" just a bit more.

smokeshowjoe · « **Reply #2 on:** May 18, 2005, 10:25:58 pm »

Hmmm..what pressure are you running them at? Is arching the same as crowning wrt to the centre of the tire tread becoming seemingly overinflated?

That could cause the dancing between grooves/ ruts at hwy speeds..translating into lighter steering -no?

smokeshowjoe · « **Reply #3 on:** May 18, 2005, 10:27:55 pm »

Also, the 7.5 pound reduction in mass per wheel thus reducing unsprung weight would be noticeable in steering...

chaser · « **Reply #4 on:** May 19, 2005, 11:49:55 am »

Stock rim is 6.5" wide and I was running at 32psi (factory recommanded)
New rim is 7" wide and I'm running at 35psi.

Thanks guys.

davidm · « **Reply #5 on:** May 19, 2005, 02:27:04 pm »

Higher pressure, wider tire, lighter wheel, grippier tire - all usually lead to tramlining. I would start by lightening up on the pressure. 7.5 lbs/corner is a fabulous drop in weight, should be much nicer handler now.