New wheels and Tires

[tmryan]

Hoping someone could help. I just bought new wheels and tires for my 2004 Mazda 6. 215/50/17 tires and 17x7 wheels. Right size except for the offset. I'm getting some rubbing in front on strut knob and just noticed a rub today on the rear fender when I made a sharp turn.

From what I've read the factory wheels have an offset of 60mm. The aftermarket wheels are 42mm offset. My thought was simply to install spacers to make up the difference. Is that the way to go?? also, if the spacers are installed do I still need to roll the rear wheel wells/fenders.

Any help is appreciated.

 

[tmryan]

Also, the new tires came inflated at around 40lbs, the recommended is 32lbs but the rubbing was less at 40 when I hit a dip in the road. BTW, the rubbing is not constant, just when I do hit a dip

 

[davecoyne]

For a 42 offset, I'm surprised you're rubbing on the suspension up front. The rear rub is not surprising at all. I had 42 offset on my 6 (lowered with Racing Beat springs) and the only rub was in the rear when the shocks compressed. The rear can easily be solved with a fender roll.

And with your tires, do not over-inflate as you will wear out the center section of the tread early and limit your tire life.

 

[Killer]

I would take them back and get the CORRECT size.

 

[tmryan]

thanks very much. I will roll the fenders and you're right, the rubbing does seem to be only behind. I removed the tires up front and didn't see any rubbing and the space between the strut and the tire seems to be the same on the older stcok wheels as well.