Another tire problem...sort of...I'm such a noob

[jhanger]

So I replaced my Kenda Klever M/T tires with the same size Cooper Discoverer S/T Maxx (33x12.50r15). Much quieter ride, which is what I wanted. However, looking at the tires I removed I noticed something wrong with the passenger front tire (see pic of Kenda). It had a groove running through the bottom letters and around the entire inside part of the tire. A quick look under the truck and you can see that the steering stabilizer/ tie rod joint (is that the right term?) is clean in one spot and appears to be cutting the same groove in the new tire (see pic). How do I fix this? Can I tighten the threads on the rods to shorten the lengths of the rods or do I need to install spacers on the wheels?

 

[tag3]

What wheel are you using? Same backspacing?

 

[jhanger]

Pacer 15" wheels were on the rig when I bought it a few months ago.

 

[EyeCruzr]

You need spacers. Rims with Kendas prob had too much backspacing.

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[gregnash]

Yeah the rims have the incorrect back spacing putting the, too close to the TREs. Time for a 1/4" or 1/2" spacer.

 

[Bennis]

The backspace looks suitable if it were a 16, I would say its the fact these are 15s that are the issue, if it was a 16 it looks like it would clear the tyre and be inside the rim well. I guess youre only hope is some spacers though unless you want new rims. If you get spacers it doesnt hurt to get longer wheel studs aswell for safety!

 

[Captain Sanuk]

Does it only rub when fully turned?

 

[jhanger]

Yes, only when turning

 

[NEFJ60]

Moving up to 16" wheels will not fix this problem unless the backspacing is taken into account. You will need spacers or wheels with less backspacing. There are a ton of threads on this forum about backspacing and "Wheels that work". Check them out if you want new rims. If you want to save money, get spacers.

 

[David*BJ70]

To me, this tire look like a good spare tire now...

 

[iwashmycar]

Can you grind down that nub that is rubbing? I cant tell what it is.

edit: actually is it metal? I guess if it werent there the tire may grab rubber??? which would probably be worse

 

[jhanger]

The Kenda's are gone. However, the groove is only a millimeter or two deep and that sidewall is almost an inch thick.

 

[cruiserpilot]

You need spacer, 1/4" would work. Those are an alloy wheel?? You need to check lug nut tightening regularly, and add
that to losing 1/4" of stud, could put you in jeopardy. I would suggest selling the rims, get a set with proper backspace.
15" wheels are the problem. Minimum 3.5" BS, and that depends on the wheel.
IF you went to 16" this TRE interference problem essentially goes away. Don't even think of grinding
the TRE's, not the proper way to fix this problem.

 

[Mace]

Adjust the steering stops so that the tire does not rub.

You won't turn as tight, but only slightly..

A 16 or 17" rim won't solve the problem. A 1/4" spacer likely would. Actually, going to a wider rim with the same backspacing would help the issue as well. That tire probably has another 20K worth of life in it. I would not be concerned about a scratch that shallow..

 

[jhanger]

The Kenda's are gone. Cooper Discoverer S/T Maxx are on there now with 1/4" spacer as of this afternoon. Spacers did the trick. No more rub. I already utilize extended lug nuts, so I still have plenty of threads on the studs. Thanks everyone!

P.s. I then took Dorothy to my local Firestone Auto Center where for $189 plus tax I now get lifetime wheel alignments. She drives great, tires are quiet, and now I can easily hear the chipped gear in my Power Steering Pump. awesome. Next project...

 

[gregnash]

The Kenda's are gone. Cooper Discoverer S/T Maxx are on there now with 1/4" spacer as of this afternoon. Spacers did the trick. No more rub. I already utilize extended lug nuts, so I still have plenty of threads on the studs. Thanks everyone!

P.s. I then took Dorothy to my local Firestone Auto Center where for $189 plus tax I now get lifetime wheel alignments. She drives great, tires are quiet, and now I can easily hear the chipped gear in my Power Steering Pump. awesome. Next project...

Yeah definitely amazing how quiet these tires really are for how aggressive they are.
For the PSP are you going to go saginaw or you planning to try and refurb the one you have?

 

[jhanger]

I didn't think you could buy the gear itself? I thought you have to replace the whole unit??