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So I just got my new wheels put on the car yesterday and the front offset is a little different that the factory wheels. There is no popping or grabbing, but some slight rubbing on I guess what you could call the splash guard of the front wheel wells. I'm sure someone else has had this issue and was curious what their fix was to it. I attached pictures of the part that is rubbing and the wheel offset as well. I don't think it is a serious issue, but it is annoying to me none the less. Just that back textured portion that sticks out from the wheel well.
Hope you don't have other rubbing like when taking turns or went the suspension gets compressed but if its just the splash guard you could remove them. I can't remember what it looks like wo them they just pop off when you remove the lower screw in the rocker........ but maybe someone can post pictures of the optional splash guards..... If I remember they were somewhat thinner?
I have turned every way possible from full to straight and there is just a small window about mid way where it rubs these splash guards. I got a second opinion and they think as the tires wear the rub will stop pretty quickly. I am particular though.
I've seen a couple of posts where aftermarket wheels rub on the GM accessory splash guards. And only the splash guards. They must stick out further (into the wheel well) than the factory fender liners.
Despite marketing hype, way too many aftermarket wheels come with "generic" off-sets so that they can be finish-machined for as wide a variety of cars as possible. Not an unusual issue at all,. unfortunately.
Can you please mention the brand of wheels you have, as I am currently wheel shopping and have splash guards too. One vendor does mention that the offsets are different for a better "fender fitment".
I HAD this exact issue. Did two things at the same time so I’m not exactly sure if the two in concert fixed the problem, if one or the other singularly, would suffice. But it absolutely rubs NO MORE, there’s sizable air space now (1/2”?) wheel vs guard.
1) I lowered the front on Paragon collars (Mag-Ride) and the rear by adjusting the coil overs. I think this played a role as it changes the location of the apex of the tire in relation to that area on the rock/splash guard as it obviously moves the tire upward in the wheel well.
2) I purchased XL rock/splash guards and I filed down (ultimately lightly used a grinder) the side if the guards the contact the fender well, elongated the mounting screw hole and put some 3M auto tape on the guards mounting tabs all of which together brings the guard “in” closer to the fender well and further away from the tire once mounted. These pics are not quite the final product as I elongated the hole a tad more and shaved on that edge a good bit more before install (not only the portion circled in red but any edge that installs against the wheel well). Note the red 3M tape on tabs as well.
I believe their spacers are 20mm, I’ve not seen/heard of any front tire to guard rubbing contact up and until the offset reaches 30mm and even there, it seems to be hit & miss (no pun).
At a more conservative 20mm, you’ll not quite achieve “fender flush” (front or rear) but you will improve the look significantly and avoid potential rubbing issues.
Though I will say, once you move your wheels outward, you will likely want/need larger splash guards and those can/should be easily modified prior to install as to avoid any potential of tire contact.
I went with the Avant Garde M520R. It ate at me too much though and I am just going to have to get a custom set of wheels made with a different offset. I am getting the stock wheels put back on in the mean time. Going to talk to the wheel manufacturer on Monday to see what we can work out. What offset is everyone running?
I also have the M520R’s. After lowering 3/4” and deploying minor modifications to the splash guards. The tire to guard contact is no longer present/completely GONE.
Seems like an MUCH easier MUCH less expensive alternative if you like the look of the wheels as much as I do…
Another suggestion. Your fronts are likely the 30mm offset configuration. Those same wheels can be had with a bit less aggressive offset (28mm I believe) just swap out the fronts for the “28’s” (or whatever they are). Contact one of the forum supporters who sell AG wheels (ie James at Wheel Designers)(from where you purchased?) they can explain and verify the less aggressive alternative offset that fit without issue.
But again, for the price of even two more wheels you can lower your car a bit (assuming you’ve not yet) and gain a tad more body protection with the XL rock guards for an (in my opinion) overall better stance/look.
Where I live it is tough enough to get the car around without lowering it, What modifications did you do, just the ones listed above? I am going to try and sell mine or better yet get the manufacturer to swap them out. I am 100% getting the same wheel though.
I've been running Avant Garde M520R's on mine for over a year. My car is a Z51/Mag ride with Paragon collars and extended, factory splash guards. The outer edge of the front tires rubbed the front guards on full lock, compressed suspension in tight turns. The rubbing stopped once the splash guards got burnished a bit. It's no big deal! The M520R's do have an aggressive offset...30MM front...40MM rear...I wouldn't change a thing! BTW...going to a 28 would make things worse, you need to go the other direction....to say 35 or so. 38MM front and 48MM rear seem to be the standard for the C8 so you can see just how aggressive the M520R is. While 8MM doesn't seem like much, it makes the difference between rubbing or not.
Yeah that is what I was thinking was going about 10-12mm less than factory. I know it will eventually quit, the more I thought about it though the more I just didn't like the idea of intentionally wearing something down to make it right. Mine did not rub at full lock though, they hit at about half way so it was making contact a lot more often than I would like. I know lowering it would make the car look better, but I just feel like I would end up ripping the front clip off (exaggerating I know, but you get the idea).
01-07-2022, 09:38 AM
Tire Rubbing Fix
