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Old 04-07-2013, 11:51 AM   #1
Blu_Rally
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Unhappy Steering problem.

Hello to my fellow soobies!! have question, is it normal to become stiff the steering wheel when i replace a new set of rims but im using a stock tires? 245/40/18. when im using a winter tires with stock rims everythings ok but when i install a new set of rims (xxr 530 18x8.75) with stock tires dunlop sp i feel stiffness on steering and plus i need to make a wheel alignment because its goes on the right when i let it go ( not holding the steering wheel). Please advice me fellow STI owners. Cheers!!
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Old 04-07-2013, 12:33 PM   #2
rs420
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What width are your winter tires? If the 245's are wider it gives you a heavier feeling after you switch.
Or if your rims are significantly heavier it can affect how it feels.
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Old 04-07-2013, 12:59 PM   #3
Nguyen89
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Well go get an alignment if you need one, they should check everything out then. I was surprised with the increase in road feel through the steering wheel going from my winters to my summers this year as well so that is pretty normal. (Stock sizes for everything, although my summers are a tad lighter than my winters)
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Old 04-07-2013, 01:22 PM   #4
5 Zigen
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get an alignment one but I will stay away from those cheap wheels, you may have the same problem next year switching back to winter's.
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Old 04-07-2013, 01:43 PM   #5
Blu_Rally
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@ rs420, i have both same size of my winter tire and summer, they both 245/40/18. yeah i would better to do wheel alignment. thank you guys for quick reply! you guys are awesome!! cheers!
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Old 04-07-2013, 01:46 PM   #6
cp2503
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Having a a wider set of rims will increase the stiffness of steering for sure because your tire contact area is bigger.
I also I believe your XXR has lower offset, but either wheel offset or wheel width can mess up the alignment.
Also winter tires can give different road feel even though it's the same size tire because of the softer rubber the tires uses.
Every car should feel pull to the right a lil because the slope design road we have in Vancouver. But if you feel it pulls more than normal maybe you can try swapping the wheels to the other side, hopefully it fixes the problem before you spend $100 for alignment.
I also have XXR myself and I dont have any problem at all.
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Old 04-07-2013, 01:51 PM   #7
Drakar
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I just switch from 225/50/16 on 16x8 et30 to 205/50/16 on 16x7 et42 again to 225/45/17 on a 7x8 et53.

I can tell each feels incredibly different from the other. Et30 was a fight but had great cornering. The 42 is a winter setup and the tire is light and narrow. The 17 is sti standard setup and drives the most normal.

Post up the offset of your xxr and what is your stock wheel for winter? If their bbs with winters that overall is about 5lbs lighter then your summer setup. If their the 5 spoke or enkeis it could be the same.

Get alignment as everyone mentioned and post the full specs of both wheels and brand of tires. More info gives a better picture.
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Old 04-08-2013, 01:29 PM   #8
Blu_Rally
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@cp2503, it works! i switch the right wheels to the left side and i never feel the steering pulling on the right and it was perfect now. And you are right DRAKAR my stock wheels ( Enkei) are not the same on XXR.So its totaly big difference, so that's i feel stiffness because the offset of the rims. Once again i do really apreciate your advices and opinions anD thank you so much guys!!! Im happy now!!
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Old 04-08-2013, 02:09 PM   #9
j y
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Quote:
but when i install a new set of rims (xxr 530 18x8.75) with stock tires dunlop sp i feel stiffness on steering
What is the offset spec of your wheels? +20? Lower offset wheels will also change the steering feel and behaviour, from the stock wheels. i.e. you might experience more tramlining/dartiness...
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Old 04-08-2013, 08:14 PM   #10
Mad_Max_2010
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I highly recommend an alignment. I went to dales and had an aggressive alignment done. Max camber up front and zero toe all around. changed the car completely. The stock alignment does not flatter the car. If you go to some standard alignment place give them those stats you will be amazed. If they just use the oem spec sheet it wont make much difference.
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Old 04-08-2013, 09:10 PM   #11
yoall
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This might sound simple, but check the PSI in the tires first.

I installed my summers. the car was pulling to the right. My front right PSI was at 20. Left side was at 30. With this corrected the pull was gone.
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Old 04-08-2013, 09:55 PM   #12
DIGGYGV8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by yoall
This might sound simple, but check the PSI in the tires first.

I installed my summers. the car was pulling to the right. My front right PSI was at 20. Left side was at 30. With this corrected the pull was gone.
Agreed. Had a slow leak in one tire. About 5 PSI/week or two recently. Helped alot with mileage etc.
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