Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums Modifications Wheels & Tires Focus SVT rims caused tire problems on Contour

Couldn't hear them rubbing at all and had them rotated every 5,000 miles...would have been nice if the tire technicians had paid closer attention to the wear pattern before the tires were ruined after 20,000 miles. My car is a 2000 Contour SVT, the tire size is 215-45-17.

The wear occured on the side but next to the tread, not a shoulder type wear which would occur during an alignment problem. Looking at the tire from the outside like you do just viewing the car or washing your tires the wear was out of view.

I will learn more today as the wheels are off and the problem is being investigated to see whether the problem is at the front or rear or both, meanwhile I'm putting the stock rims back on it...could be that a spacer is needed to set the Focus wheels out a bit.

Anyone else experience this?

It ain't the rims fault nor is it your technicans fault for not noticing. It is yours and yours alone.

Most likely though, it is probably the profile of the tire and the brand. Remember, not all 215/45/17 tires are the same size from brand to brand...

not that I have noticed. I did see that the front tire looks like it rubs alittle bit on the fender lining when you have the wheel turned to lock, but since you shouldn't turn the wheel all the way to lock and hold it there I don't see how it can be an issue

FYI, it seems like half this board has FSVT wheels on their car, and this is the first anyone has mentioned it

I have 225-45-17's, which are slightly bigger than 215s, on my Focus rims and have had no problems with rubbing. I just took them off to put snows on, which are on the original 16 inch rims, and noticed the insides were wearing a little. This is more of an alignment or worn out lower control arm bushing problem.

Rich S

look to see where it's rubbing. When I had 225/50-16's, it looked like the fronts occationally rubbed the struts. While under the car, I could see it was pretty close... even at rest. I'm pretty sure mine only rubbed due to sidewall flex -- going fast through turns.

You might just need more air... please tell me you don't only have ~32psi.

Also, this thread will probably be moved to Wheel/tires.

After inspecting the only thing that could be determined is that the front tires were rubbing on the hilly-curvy road I travel daily... when the suspension was compressed while turing at the bottom of a hill etc. Seemed to be rubbing the plastic inner fender and the heat from friction wore the tire away a lot more than the plastic, it hardly looked worn.

ive got the fsvt wheels on my car with a set of goodyear F1's 215-45-17, no rubbing at all, even wear throughout and i drive them pretty hard from time to time, that sucks about yours though

Did you lower your car at all? Mineis wearing the same way and its cause I didnt put a camber kit on!