Hey All,

Getting new wheels and tires in about a week. 18x8.5 w/ 255/45 in front and 18x9.5 w/ 285/40 out back. Thought I read somewhere that an allignment is going to be needed. Is this true? Maybe I misunderstood what I read.

 

Yes, Every time you change tires, wheels or both, you need to make an alignment.

 

My understanding is you don't need an alignment as long as you keep the same overall diameter. I changed my tires last month to your same sizes and other than a problem with balancing, haven't noticed any symptoms - hair of a pull to the left....

If anyone knows differently (anyone who is actually old enough to drive - nothing personal) please chime in. I'm about to drive from California to Florida and would rather not put those miles on if I need an alignment.

 

It's a good idea to get an alignment every time you change tires or wheels even though it may not be necessary. Most tire places, ie. Tire Discounters, give free alignments with sets of tires. As long as you keep the same diameter tire, you should be fine though.

 

i went from the stock rims and tires to 18x10 american racing torq thrust IIs with 285 40 18 all around, and never got an alignment. it will pull on a bad road but thats cuz they are so wide, i really dont think you need one.

 

LOL...I was going to comment on that, but decided against it. Never know...he could have used a rachet as a pacifier and been doing it all his 14 years which would give him 13 years experience over me. :-) Just messing with you Mach 1...Nothing personnal. Your inputs are appreciated...

 

Just because a car is not that old and it seems to drive OK, does not mean it does not need and alignment. I could bore you with my story of a new SVT focus that was out of alignment from the day it was built and wasted 2 tires in less than 10,000 miles, but I won't.

How much is an alignment? How much are two of your new sexy tires? Feel lucky?

Tony D

 

Oh believe me, I'm with you there. But a car can slightly go out of alignment and a person not even notice it until they start to see tire wear. I just aligned the car when I changed out the suspension, so I know it's spot on right now...I just don'tt know if one is recommended after doing the wheel/tire change I'm getting ready to do.

 

I never had a problem with my '98 when I changed wheels and tires.... actually, my "alignment" problems all went away. I put 17x9s on it with 285/45/17s, it originally had 255/50/17s I think. It came with Goodyear Eagles, and they wore like a Snickers bar.. got all cut up in no time. They cupped really bad, and wore like I was toed in on the passenger side. When i bought new wheels and tires, I had BFG Comp T/As on the new ones, and I never aligned anything, and those tire wore straight as an arrow for years. I had the boys at the dealer check the alignment 3 times before I bought new wheels. I was affraid it was going to need to be shimmed or something, but they insisted it was well within spec. I don't know.. Just me, but I wouldn't pay $60 for an alignment that I didn't need.

 

I heard that..... cars are out of alignment of the assembly line. I'm going to just go ahead and get it done and enjoy peace of mind.
Thanks for all the input.

T

 

u know i think this thread has convinced me to get an alignment. my tires are $305 each. thats $1220 just in tires. im gonna get this done tomorrow.

 

As a precaution for the new tires, yes get an alignment. Especially with the Steeda Springs. The Sport Springs threw the camber out on mine pretty bad, could actually see the tire leaning in at the top.

edit: I sounded like an idiot.

 

well i was wrong and u all were right. YOU NEED AN ALIGNMENT AFTER YOU PUT WIDER RIMS/TIRES ON. i had it done today, the dood said it wasnt too bad but it was definetly off. i guess going from 235/55/17 to 285/40/18 throws the alignment off just a tiny bit lol

 

Yep, sounds like getting one is the safest bet. Money wasn't the issue, just never found a thread that talked about this. Almost turned into what type of oil is better. Thanks everyone for your inputs...Now if those d@mn wheels would get here....

 

Glad I found this thread, this site rocks!

Just went from Stock 17's to 18's 275/40 and getting some pretty mean steering wheel shake.

Thanks guys!

 

Did you remove the lockwashers (or whatever they're called) from the studs?

 

The who what where?

 

When you took the stock wheels off, there's one washer per rotor used at the factory to hold the rotors in place. There's one washer on one stud on each corner of the car. You have to get some needle nose pliers or a small screw driver and pry it off. It's been known to cause vibrations through the steering column when putting aftermarket wheels on.

 

i had this exact problem when i had my rims put on, and this fixed it!

 

Those little washers are put in place to hold the rotor in place while the car is being assembled.

When you often install aftermarket wheels, this washer will keep the wheel from seating flat on the mounting face of the rotor. On many stock wheels, there will be an indentation to accomodate this washer but the aftermarket often does not provide this.

I hope this helps clarify things.

Tony D
New Edge Performance