So I just got my car today and already had the wheels/tires changed. So this is the situation: I put a set of 17x7 wheels with a 40mm offset with 215/45/17 tires. In normal driving conditions there's no rubbing. If I turn the wheel, say, getting out of the driveway, the back of the wheel in the turn rubs very lightly against the splash shield inside the fender. Also, when the wheel is turned 3/4's lock in either direction, it looks like the tire is very close to the splash shield, figure about a half inch of room. I'm not as worried about the rubbing initially , as I could either let it wear away on its own, or cut that part of the shield to avoid the rubbing. My main concern is that all this is happening BEFORE I installed the springs on the car, so I'm running stock height and am having rubbing issues. I'm worried about lowering the car now and having the rubbing increase significantly. Should I worry? I've got TRD's sitting in it's box waiting to be installed, along with the OTG rear shims. I'm going to try to take some pics tomorrow to explain a little better my situation. Any insight would help. Thanks!

 

I took a few pics this morning. Take a look and you'll see what I mean...



Click to enlarge!
Yes I know the tires are nasty looking, I'll be coating them with some gloss after I finish the suspension work.

 

I have 18x7.5 Motegi's on 225/40/18

I trimmed away most of the rubber in the fender well. It really helps, and won't cause any problems. TRDs are fine. A one inch drop won't affect the rubbing.

-THE DON

 

A 215/45/17 w/ +40 offset is no good for the xB ... The 215/45 is too big to begin with. Its not that much bigger but its bigger, the only way to stop that would be to get some 5mm wheel spacers for the front. OR change rims ... Changing rims is more expensive so just get some H&R 5mm wheel spacers for the front and youll be fine.
Here is where I got my H&R wheel spacers
http://www.optauto.com/index.htm?stocknumber=HR10245414

 

So you think with the spacer installed it will help with the rubbing issue? I had to go with a 215/45 because in my opinion, a 205 tire on a 7" wheel is way too narrow, and I didn't want to go 40's because the roads aren't exactly the greatest here and don't want to have to worry about bubbles or bent wheels.

 

Thats why i run a 215/40 best of both worlds and no RUBBING.

 

When my 225/40's wear out, my next tire will definitely be 215/40

-THE DON