Stock wheel offset problem?
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 1999
Posts: 2,037
Likes: 0
From: Sarasota FL
Stock wheel offset problem?
Here's an odd one. I've owned this car for 6 years and completely rebuilt the motor and suspension, but changing the oil yesterday, I noticed the the pass. side upper ball joint was much easier to get to than the driver's side. The wheel on the driver's side almost covers the grease nipple, but I have an inch to spare on the pass. side. I thought maybe a had a skinnier wheel on the pass. side, but they both measure 9.5".
So, did stock wheels come with different offsets (87)? What else could be causing this - I guess the bearing assemblies could be different. When I get a chance, I'll be pulling all the wheels and taking measurements and checking manufacturing marks.
So, did stock wheels come with different offsets (87)? What else could be causing this - I guess the bearing assemblies could be different. When I get a chance, I'll be pulling all the wheels and taking measurements and checking manufacturing marks.
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 1,861
Likes: 4
From: Houston TX
Re: Stock wheel offset problem? (Aaron's 87)
Assuming the wheels are the same width, the only other thing that varied on the early wheels was the inner diameter of the wheel for brake clearance. The wheels made by Enkei are slightly larger on the brake clearance side of things. All of the '84-'87 wheels of the same width are the same offset.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 1999
Posts: 2,037
Likes: 0
From: Sarasota FL
Re: Stock wheel offset problem? (Aaron's 87)
I was hoping the different manufacturers had made slightly different offsets. I guess the problem is deeper than that. I can't imagine the bearing assembly or knuckle could be an inch off. I can't see how else the wheel could stick out an inch further.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2000
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From: Airport Cruise-in 1 Veteran Airport Cruise-in 2 Veteran
Cruise-In II Veteran
Re: Stock wheel offset problem? (Aaron's 87)
It could be the way your camber is set. Are there more shims on one control arm to frame bracket than the other?
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 1999
Posts: 2,037
Likes: 0
From: Sarasota FL
Re: Stock wheel offset problem? (War Machine)
Yeah, but there aren't enough shims to make up for an inch of difference between the wheels. That much difference between the inner rim and upper ball joint would be a ton of camber difference.
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 1,861
Likes: 4
From: Houston TX
Re: Stock wheel offset problem? (Aaron's 87)
BTW, a difference in camber won't have an effect on the distance of the wheel from the ball joint...the wheel is bolted to the bearing which is bolted to the spindle which holds the ball joint...no way they can move in relation to one another...
It is possible, if the bearings have been changed before, that the bearings got mixed with bearings from later cars....
It is possible, if the bearings have been changed before, that the bearings got mixed with bearings from later cars....
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 6,170
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From: somers, ny
Re: Stock wheel offset problem? (CORKVETTE1)
IF the bearing is off by that much, the brakes wouldn't line up corretly. Are you sure you used all pre 88 parts when you rebuilt the suspension? The set back difference between pre 88 and 88 & later is about 3/4-1 inch.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 1999
Posts: 2,037
Likes: 0
From: Sarasota FL
Re: Stock wheel offset problem? (ralph)
Where is the set back difference between old and new suspensions - in the bearing and/or knuckle?
I put in new spings, shocks, rear bearings, bushings all around, ball joints, and tie rod ends. The front bearings have never been replaced (by me). The control arms are all the same, I assume stock 87 parts.
So, I guess I have to pull off the front wheels, measure the offset and look for casting numbers, measure the bearings, and measure the knuckles. Different wheels will be the easiest.
I put in new spings, shocks, rear bearings, bushings all around, ball joints, and tie rod ends. The front bearings have never been replaced (by me). The control arms are all the same, I assume stock 87 parts.
So, I guess I have to pull off the front wheels, measure the offset and look for casting numbers, measure the bearings, and measure the knuckles. Different wheels will be the easiest.
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 1,861
Likes: 4
From: Houston TX
Re: Stock wheel offset problem? (Aaron's 87)
Geez....I must have been sleeping...good point Ralph...the brakes would not bolt up. :sleep:
The changeover from early to late suspensions was in '88, as was mentioned a little earlier...I think. My understanding is that the control arms were different lengths, and all the other parts were adjusted as well.
The changeover from early to late suspensions was in '88, as was mentioned a little earlier...I think. My understanding is that the control arms were different lengths, and all the other parts were adjusted as well.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 3,424
Likes: 1
From: Tucson Az
St. Jude Contributor
Re: Stock wheel offset problem? (CorvetteZ51Racer)
Couldn't it be that you have similar LOOKING rims but from different sources, say G.M. and AFS? Maybe different offsets is what's happening? Take some close measurements from the surface where the rotor bolts up to both inner & outer edges of the rims ? ? ? ? Just my .02 cents worth.... :cheers:
