CrashDummy
CEG'er
Ok, so I'd really like some thoughts from you guys on this because it is kind of really bothering me. I'll do the best to describe fully the problem that I'm having. I have a 1999 Ford Contour LX. About 2 or 3 weeks ago I had new tires and wheels put on my car. I upgraded from the stock 14 inch steel wheels to 15 inch wheels from a 2000 Ford Contour (the 8 spoke ones). Everything has been great. I love the wheels and the tires gripped really well. BUT, tonight I had a bunch of friends in the car for the first time since the change so there was a lot of weight in the back seat (probably about 400 pounds). Everytime I made a left handed turn we would hear a clunking sound comming from the right rear of the car. Our initial attempts to diagnose the problem failed because as soon as only one or two people were in the car we could not recreate the noise. It only occurs when there is weight in the back and the right rear tire is loaded from turning left. We all got out and were looking around for anything that could be rubbing. Finally by reaching behind the wheel we found two thick lines that runs very close to the rear wheel. I belive they are brake lines? The one closest to the wheel has a rubbery covering on it that is kind of star-like. This covering looks worn and we think that when the car really leans over on the right rear tire that this is rubbing against the wheel. An inspection of the left side of the car shows an identical setup although there seems to be a little more clearance between the wheel and the lines. Is this a big problem? Will the rubbing wear through the ruber and damadge a brake line? What can be done about this? Should the place that did the wheels and tires have to fix something for free? Is it possible to just use like some washers or something to move the wheel out slightly? I really need some quick help with this because I am driving the car to school on Saturday and it is really making me nervous. Thanks for any input.
