I just purchased a 2000 GXE 5spd with 50k miles. The car is stock except for 17x8 Borbet type E wheels (+35mm?) with a set of worn out Yokohama 235/45-17 tires (ES100) which look pretty aggressive. The car looks great, but the front tires find every groove, ridge, hole in the road, pulling the car at random. Nerveracking alongside concrete barriers. Plus, the road noise sounds like an SUV.

So I'm wondering if the pulling issue is related to the specific tires? Or to the tire size? Or the wheel width/offset? The tires are worn smooth on the edges and tire pressure is 32 psi all around. I'd rather figure this out now before I buy new tires. Plus I drive alot of freeway miles, so stability is as important as looks.

Thanks much.

 

Could be number of things such as uneven road, tire pressure, worn out tires, alignment, etc. If you have 50k miles, it's not a bad idea to get an alignment. If your tires are worn out and if they need to be replaced, replace them right away. Don't wait around.

 

You're right...it could be many things, especially given the mileage and tire condition. So a trip to the alignment shop is probably in order, although the car tracks pretty straight.

I guess what I'm looking for is assurance that this wheel/tire combo works fine on this car. And it must, given the number of members with larger aftermarket wheels. I figure if the setup is okay, then I'll buy new tires, have the car aligned, etc. and drive away happy.

 

You could run 245/45/17 w/ those rims because there are members who are running 235s on stock rims which are only 7" wide. I'm running 245s on 7.5" wide wheels as we speak.

After getting new tires, getting a wheel alignment wouldn't be a bad idea.

 

Okay, sounds good. How does your car ride with the larger tires and wheels? I was thinking the offset of the 8" wide wheels was throwing the front end of the car around, but maybe it's the wear of the tires and/or inflation pressure. Then I contemplated reverting to SE 17x7 rims with OEM tires . . .

 

It's not the offset.