Aftermarket 16" wheels too noisy ??
 

I drive a 99 sedan and so far, the car always had the stock 185/65-14 size tires on steelies. Last night, i installed a set of 16" aftermarket rims which are wrapped in Toyo Proxes 205/45-16.

The moment i started to drive, i felt that the car is driving a bit heavily...there was a lot more noise than before from the tires...and when i applied the brakes, the car did break but came to a stop with a weird grinding noise. It wasnt too loud and i dont feel some metal parts clunking together but it made me feel uncomfotable.

Sometimes...the noise was somewhat vibrating...like zzunn...zzzunnn. Can anyone help me what might be the case here?? I was thinking of the following:

1) I might need spacers...although i didnt check the clearence but will do that first thing today after work

2) I over torqued the lug nuts...i did tighten them good but dont know if that is the problem

3) Rubbing with the fender wall etc.

4) Not driving with enough rubber (45 sidewall) after driving on a meaty 65 sidewall for the longest time

Help guys.....im looking forward for the comments. Here is a pic of the rims and tires i am talking about...I will post pics of them installed on the car later today.

http://x10.putfile.com/3/8300023247.jpg

I run 205 45 a6 in the summer with nio problem on a 2000 lowered coupe... It could be spacing ....You will normally have more road noise depending on tire choice and may find some noise when braking..You get used to it :)

my car is not lowered at the moment but i dont think that has anything to do with it. Are u suggesting that the toyos might be the reason???

Well make sure you have the center rings installed if needed, otherwise the rims will vibrate like crazy. But overall most low profile tires are going to be louder then stock. If they are used tires, then they might be wearing down which is what is causing all the humming from the tires. You will notice this especially when picking up speed the sound may increase. I have 205-45-17 right now and its fairly quite (Kumho Ecsta 712's) I noticed that summer only tires seem to be louder then the all seasons I ahve now.

Oh as far as the noise when braking... when you have larger/heavier rims it take more force to stop your car so that might be the reason for the noise. Although I never had screatching sounds after I changed to 17's.... but my stopping time definetly increased a bit.

Lower profile tires will transfer more road conditions to you. I think the wheels are +40/+42 offset? If so, you are fine. Make sure you have hub rings if the wheel hub opening is larger than the hub bearing assembly on your car. Make sure your new wheels are fully balanced.

Proxies are **** esp the FZ4. I used to own some, I gave them away cuz I was so annoyed.

Sounds like possible wheel not balanced. Increased road noise is going to be had but not to what your describing. Metal on metal is something that needs to be looked into

I'm going to be installed 16x7" 42 offset rims in 2 weeks and i'm lowered about 2 1/4" if not 2.5" and expect no troubles.

bbarbulo...keep your comments to yourself. I didnt ask for anyone's experience with the brand of rims or tires. If you have something knowledgeable to say....you are welcome.

OK folks...i went to a tire shop locally here and the guy inspected the rims on the car. He said the issue is not clearance at all cuz there is plenty. He suggested to have hub centric rings installed. Based on my research online so far, the rings are recommended on aftermarket wheels at all times.

I think i can live with the road noise but the rubbing/grinding sound has to go. Will install the rings tommorrow and see what happens...

thanks so far for the comments

That's easily solved then. Get the hard plastic ones if you can, though there are metal hub rings out there but I find hard plastic ones are easier to remove.

likely the road noise is because of the tire

ok guys...here is the update

I discovered that on the front, i installed the left tire on the right and vice versa. I didnt notice that tires were marked with 'right' and 'left'....my bad....lol. Also checked the air pressure...it was higher than the recommended setting....so fixed that back to 30/29 psi.

The noise is better and cornering/turning is much smoother than before. The light grinding sensation is still there but i guess it will stay and over time...i will get used to the noise and shiat. I guess...i dont need the hub rings for now.

Thanks for all your input.

Marking the tire is for rotation purposes, nothing to do with must be mounted on that side since the tires will need t obe rotated from time to time anyways.

the tire pressures may help the ride but thats about it. I'd still look into the grinding sound, there should not be any sound like that.

Bruno did have something knowledgeable! Road noise can vary greatly on the kind of tire you are using.

My 17's do that too, even after balancing.

hahaha that's what I get for just reading the title of the thread, not the question itself. oh well, proxies still eat donkey poo.

:thumbup:

thanks for all your input peeps.....im used to the noise now so its not that bad....i mean...the first day i was worried but after driving for a week or so now....its alright.

the proxes have been good so far....they grip tight and cornering is great compared to the old 65 sidewall. Cant wait for it to get more dry....