Suspension Brakes 1st Gen Most liked posts in thread: Slightly lowered, rear tires rubbing

  1. jasonsmf

    jasonsmf Active Member

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    #2 jasonsmf, Apr 4, 2016
    That seems "normal" to me for 215/45/17 tires. Even with stock springs, I found that I'd get ever so slight rubbing at full compression with the 215's. If it's only rubbing the plastic wheel arch, it's probably "not a big deal".

    Jason
     
  2. fridayxiii

    fridayxiii Member

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    #3 fridayxiii, Apr 4, 2016
    Thanks Jason. I'm very aware of the reduced clearance and proceed with caution through bad roads (if not avoid them altogether), and am always on the lookout for potholes & the like. I hope that this will help avoid future damage. Might be time to go back to 205s or maybe consider 215/40 on the next set of tires....
     
  3. quikmni

    quikmni Moderator

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    #4 quikmni, Apr 4, 2016
    Depending on the offset of your OZ wheels, rubbing in the rear is probably normal especially if the rear camber was adjusted less negative. With H&R springs, 215/40-17 and 38 offset; I had slight rubbing in the rear when the suspension was loaded (compressed). I had to trim some of the plastic wheel arch and wheel well liner to eliminate most of the rubbing.
     
  4. CHKMINI

    CHKMINI Club Coordinator
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    #5 CHKMINI, Apr 4, 2016
    If not extreme, they will self clear over time. I've ran 215's on 4 of my MINI's so far and all have self cleared.
     
  5. fishmonger

    fishmonger Well-Known Member

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    #6 fishmonger, Apr 4, 2016
    I am lowered a little more than you, but with 16x7 40 backspacing running 205/50 tires . Never had them rub. Before my current coilovers, the car was on lowering springs and even lower than it is now, again, no rubbing. Back then, I had some serious rear camber, though. now with helix control arms the rear tires are more upright and actually look closer to the arch.

    One way to "fix" the rear rubbing is to get 4 adjustable control arms and change the track that way.
     
  6. fridayxiii

    fridayxiii Member

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    #7 fridayxiii, Apr 4, 2016
    I appreciate all the replies :Thumbsup: I'm pretty stupid when it comes to wheels & offset, but the invoice for my wheels says "et 42". I checked some websites that currently carry the O.Z. Wave, and they say offset of 37 or 42, so I think that's it.

    I might try to file off some of the plastic on the inside of the rear flares & see if that helps.
     
  7. BlimeyCabrio

    BlimeyCabrio Oscar Goldman of MINIs
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    #8 BlimeyCabrio, Apr 4, 2016
    If you look in there with a flashlight and slide your fingers around, you should be able to find the offending spots pretty easily. A Dremel tool with sanding drum (or if you're impatient like me, an air die grinder) will make quick work of plastic removal...