I just installed a set of 17x9.5 OZ rims on my 97 5spd GXE. I am very happy with them, except that it seems like the car wants to pull to either side when i go over bumpy patches of roads. have any of you guys felt that? My friend richard said that I probably just need an allignment job. I was wondering if it is just the extra feedback from going from a 15 to 17 inch rim or do i really need to go to a shop? If so, I'll probably just wait till i install springs and struts in a few weeks.
Other than that though, these rims are tight. they are running on 265/40/zr17 kumho supras. i can hardly burn out in first gear...really hooks up good and i can rip turns a lot faster even on stock suspension.

 

yes, you should get an alignment..

 

The wider your tires are the more they will wonder on uneven surfaces. You went to a 9.5 wide rim, thats very wide! Z rated rubber will also increase road wonder on uneven surfaces. It's not a bad idea to check your alignment, ask a tire guy about what your feeling and I'm sure he'll tell you the same thing. The wider the tire, the more it will want to follow road imperfections.

 

265/40-17?!?!!? Holy crap, those are serious meats!!! I didn't know the 4th Gen could go that big. I'm impressed!

Go ahead and do an alignment check if you want.... BUT with tires that seriously wide you will get a LOT of something called "bump steer" which is exactly what it sounds like. Whenever you go over road imperfections or uneven bumps (not even things like speedbumps) the tires/wheels will try to yank the steering wheel out of your hands and go in some weird direction (like njmaxseltd said). Just imagine if your tires were 10 feet wide and think about how easy it would be (due to leverage) to move your wheels by grabbing the end of it and moving it around. That's what's happening.

Have the alignment checked to ensure long life, then just live with the bumpsteer and enjoy the huge tires!

 

i dont think it's the alignments...i think it's ur wheels and tires!! holy crap man! 265/40/17s? geez@!!!! no wonder your car moves side to side...the wider the tires, the more of this will happen...

 

Your front tires are far too big, drop down to 245s (on all 4)after you wear these out and you will be much happier.

 

The Maxima suspension geometry is not close to good enough to handle tires that wide gracefully.

 

Tires must cost a fortune in that size with very few options as well. I wouldn't even consider driving in the rain
-hype

 

BMan, you are probably right...it does seem like a bump steer problem. I heard that some allignment shops actually can correct for this though. guess it's off to find a good shop soon.

WDave, actually, right now i'm only on stock suspension but it does seem to be able to handle it...it's just on bumpy roads that i get a lot of feedback. you are right though...it is not graceful. but as far as turning...i can really rip turns now. i'm slowly taking them faster and faster to see how fast i can go. on my steel tires i wouldn't go into a right turn at an intersection faster than 30mph. i'm up to about 40 or 45 right now and it just grips. no sign of sliding out and the suspension is handling. now i wonder if i really need struts and springs?

MaxRPM, I don't think 245's are an option. my rims are 9.5" wide on all fours. I think 245's are too narrow. They probably would fit, but then i run into sidewall problems...think i remember seeing this in another thread.

xHypex, I got a deal on the tires and rims...a very good deal. but as far as new tires, yeah, they are a bit pricey. think around 150 a piece. but they are actually supposed to be really really good in the rain. they have large channels for water evacuation. I'm not nearly worried about hydroplaning on these as i was on my bald steelies.

To everyone who doesn't think they fit in the maxima...they do. and i have the pictures to prove it. I'd post them but i'm not sure how to post pictures here. anyone willing to post them for me?

Thanks for all your feedback. I definately will find a good allignment shop soon.

 

thats like Corvette style. i like

 

With rims this wide and tires this wide, does this car look like a roller skate?

 

I'll post your pictures if you like. Personally I can feel a difference in the rain between my 235s and my 215s so 265 would probably make a lot bigger difference.
-hype

 

No it doesn't look like a roller skate. check it out at www.cardomain.com/id/kanaka

 

Corvette's are 275/40 I think

265's on a Maxima, I think that's a first....Do you have any pics?

 

Hey Greg,
Check out my homepage or the post just above your's, it's got a link to my cardomain page. and unfortunately i'm not the first. in fact, i bought these rims off of a friend who had them on his 2k SE. so if you like, you know it fits.

 

Unfortunately us Maxima's only have one adjustment on our alignments. That adjustment does not affect us going left or right. Therefore, if we pull to left or right, it'll most likely be a tire pull. Good luck

 

wow, i thought my 225/45 was big...mine is 8.5" wide...well, normally when putting new rims on its' recommended to get alignment but not necessary...since yours is so big and u actually having problems driving straight freely, u may want to go for alignment....only reason i went for alignment though is cause i changed my inner tie rods....

 

Just to mention a precaution. With such a wide rim, you'll have
to be especially cautious if you lower your car as that will
further decrease the distance between your rims/tires/suspension etc..
inside the wheel well. Hate to see you spend money on a new
suspension setup and find out it causes wheel rub.

 

you have 225 on 8.5s? must be a tight fit.

 

can you burn out with thoes?! god..that must be all grip.