GolfGTIforum.co.uk
Model specific boards => Golf mk3 => Topic started by: ronaldbiggs on 17 January 2010, 19:21
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Hi
I have just got a 1996 8v 3 door GTI, it currently has 205/40/17 alloys, the first problem I have come up against is the tyres rubbing on the plastic wheel arch (or at least I assume its the underside wheel arch). I have found ways around this from posts on this forum (by reducing the size of the arch). I am looking at changing the wheels back to the standard size 195/50/15, which I assume would solve the issue of rubbing.
I have also been quite shocked by the ride qulity of the GTI's having never had one before I did not realise that I would feel every bump and pothole.. If I changed back from 17"s to 15" would this also improve the ride quality ?
I would like to keep the car but in its present state it is of no use as I have a family and now struggle to carry passengers.
Regards
Ron
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Welcome to the site.
Yes the wheels will not be helping the ride.
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change of wheels will deffo help, have you checked the suspension?? is it standard? worn out??
p.s welcome buddy
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Thanks guys
Yep I think its standard suspension, just passed MOT 3 weeks back so I assume its not gone, have check by pushing car down and it springs back and is steady with 1 - 1.5 bounces. Just not certain about changing the wheels dont want to waste money
Thanks
Ron
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Thanks guys
Yep I think its standard suspension, just passed MOT 3 weeks back so I assume its not gone, have check by pushing car down and it springs back and is steady with 1 - 1.5 bounces. Just not certain about changing the wheels dont want to waste money
Thanks
Ron
Loads of s/h alloys around, so will not cost loads.
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you could always offer someone a swap?? there are always peeps looking to go from 15's to 17's
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Thanks,
So I assume that I would see a diference if I swapped the wheels, I will start to have a look round at S/H alloys, it also feels a little unsteady at higher speeds it almost feels like you have got to oversteer to keep it in the same direction, should the camber have been adjustded when the 17" alloys were put on. ?
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Yep a swap sounds like a good idea, I have just replaced one of the tyres, so all 4 are in very good condition, think I will take some pics and put them on the classifieds
Ron
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if there rs4 reps then give us a shout :wink:
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The unsteady at speed could be down to the very poor standard susp.
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Posted a link to the wheels here, but not rs4s,
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=110476138545&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT
Hope it alright to post the link
Ron
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http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=110476138545&ru=http%3A%2F%2Fshop.ebay.co.uk%3A80%2F%3F_from%3DR40%26_trksid%3Dp3907.m38.l1313%26_nkw%3D110476138545%26_sacat%3DSee-All-Categories%26_fvi%3D1&_rdc=1
They are TT copies
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Thanks Wayne....
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i think looking at them you should get a swap quite easy, i'm half tempted myself but it is the rs4's i wanted
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the feeling at speed could be tram lining (where the car pulls into the road groove like its running on tram lines) and is the reason why I've never run 17's on a mk3......I have similar issues with my 18's on the satt and wish i bought 17's now
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Yep thats exactly how it feels, so what's the reasoning behind the tramlining ? and is there a reason why iy is more prominent with 17s, sorry if these questions are a little bit basic, I love the car but am being put off by the handling. Think I will post in the classifieds for a swap to some 15s
Ron
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Yep thats exactly how it feels, so what's the reasoning behind the tramlining ? and is there a reason why iy is more prominent with 17s, sorry if these questions are a little bit basic, I love the car but am being put off by the handling. Think I will post in the classifieds for a swap to some 15s
Ron
the lower the tyre profile the more they will try and follow the wear in the road..I guess it due to less give in the tyres? (a mate has a mini with run flats and stiff sidewalls and he says its terrible for pulling into road grooves)
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Yeah they are quite low profile on 40's :tongue: still not certain that changing to 15"s will improve the ride comfort...., although it might improve the problem with the tyres as the 15"s would be 195/50/15
Thanks
Ron
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Herewith the facts of the matter!
205/40/17s have a rolling radius of (17 x 25.4/2) + (205 x 40/100) mm
which is 298mm
Standard size of 195/50/15 have a rolling radius of (15 x 25.4/2) + ( 195 x 50/100) mm
which is 288mm
Difference of 10mm less, so it should improve clearance if anything. If it is rubbing on anything now, then to be fair, 10mm increase from standard should make no difference at all - I would therefore suspect some Herbert has had the suspension lowered, or your shocks are completely shot, or a spring is unseated/cracked somewhere... look at it from the front - does it lean?
Personally I am in no position to argue with VW who have spent squillions on R&D to debate about trye sizes. Stick to standard good quality tyres. They will last infinitely longer, give a much better ride, will not add to unsprung weight like your current over sized Audi rigger boots and will not invalidate your insurance....always one to think about there...
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Thanks Oggy (mathematician of the forums....lol), nope car does not lean but it only rubs on one side and has done so from 2 weeks back( when I got the car), this only happens with weight in the back , car has only passed MOT 1 month ago so unless its happend on return from the MOT station as the car has been off road from Dec 8th - Jan 5th. Still contemplating changing the car completely. Have checked the springs, and suspension, all appears O.K, it might be the new tyre that was fitted to the off side as it has a slightly wider side wall.
Thanks
Ron
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17's alloys with 205/40/17 tyres fit perfectly with no rubbing. Got them on my car with no issues, but that is if it's standard height. So if yours is rubbing, then the car has been lowered.
Of course, if you downsize to original 15's, then everything should be ok. They are quite cheap, so you could buy them, then sell yours and get the money back or even make some :)
Have a look here >>> http://www.golfgtiforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=139980.0
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Its quite starnge as it only rubs on 1 side, will have to take it to the local garage and ask them to take a look, I would not know how to tell what has been modded. Unless I can find anyone local to take a peek.
Thanks
Ron
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Just a thought, could the problem be that I have recently had an avon 205/40/17 fitted and it has a wider tread pattern, could this be causin the rubbing ?
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If it's only on one side, then probably the spring is the problem?
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The mk3 golf has a shell issue! Many have an offset rear axle which means the tyre on 1 side is spaced further out than the other.....It's being covered on here lots over the years
what i will say is to fit some squarer walled tyres (falken's are mean to be nice and square and that's why the saxo boys use them loads)
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Ron
You need to indentify the root cuase of the problem - I'd guess a spring somewhere or possibly a knackered bush - do check rear also. Fitting standard wheels will not cure it.