Author Topic: Difference between "regular" Sky Rims and Redline Rims? (Read 5301 times)

Sky Sblu · « **on:** April 13, 2011, 09:26:38 PM »

Hello, I put redline chrome rims on my "regular" Sky (and new tires) now my steering wheel is off center and it feels "funny" when turning, Its there a difference between rims? Just got it aligned last month (different tires different direction but that its a different story), any advise will be greatly appreciated, thanks

JimVonBaden · « **Reply #1 on:** April 13, 2011, 09:48:27 PM »

Same rims, just chrome. Did you do anything else?

Jim

smartin · « **Reply #2 on:** April 13, 2011, 09:51:08 PM »

I was going to say I just put GXP wheels on my NA and everything is fine.

Sky Sblu · « **Reply #3 on:** April 13, 2011, 09:53:52 PM »

remove the right side front caliper (hope there is not a "special" way to put the caliper back together), thanks

Gentleman Jack · « **Reply #4 on:** April 13, 2011, 10:21:13 PM »

Is a rim bent? Could be many things. Can you be more specific when and how you feel it?

POS VETT · « **Reply #5 on:** April 13, 2011, 10:30:49 PM »

This doesn't make sense. Can we see pictures ?

Sky Sblu · « **Reply #6 on:** April 13, 2011, 10:41:27 PM »

the turns feel like a dead spot and you can feel the tires "grabbing" the ground, im wondering if the new tires have something to do with it.,, i will rotate the tires tomorrow to eliminate the bend rim part, also will take picts

DaveOC · « **Reply #7 on:** April 13, 2011, 11:12:48 PM »

Quote from: Sky Sblu on April 13, 2011, 10:41:27 PM

the turns feel like a dead spot and you can feel the tires "grabbing" the ground, im wondering if the new tires have something to do with it.,, i will rotate the tires tomorrow to eliminate the bend rim part, also will take picts

Is there any chance that the new tires are "directional" and a couple or all or them are running in the wrong direction? I've seen tire shops mount directional tires all the same way on the 4 rims which results in two tires always running backwards, though this wouldn't account for the steering wheel being off center.

Pictures might help.

Gentleman Jack · « **Reply #8 on:** April 13, 2011, 11:53:54 PM »

Quote from: DaveOC on April 13, 2011, 11:12:48 PM

Is there any chance that the new tires are "directional" and a couple or all or them are running in the wrong direction? I've seen tire shops mount directional tires all the same way on the 4 rims which results in two tires always running backwards, though this wouldn't account for the steering wheel being off center.

Pictures might help.

I am in complete agreement here. This can cause every symptom you are describing. It will cause the wheel to pull off center too while driving.

snaponbob · « **Reply #9 on:** April 14, 2011, 07:55:48 AM »

Some variables here, and the rims are not one of them (unless bent, but the symptoms would be different).
1) What tires were on the "regular" rims, and what tires are on the new rims? (The above mentioned directional comments are very important.)
2) What pressures on both sets?
3) Are the tires on the new rims new or used. (Used tires could be inducing what is called "radial pull" is something is wrong with one of them.)
4) Why did you remove the right front caliper and what did you do with it?
5) After the alignment, when did the new rims/tires go on, and when EXACTLY did the pull and off center wheel start?
6) Here is the stupid question - are ALL the tires the same size (width/profile)?

Sol Asylum · « **Reply #10 on:** April 14, 2011, 11:04:44 AM »

Quote from: snaponbob on April 14, 2011, 07:55:48 AM

6) Here is the stupid question - are ALL the tires the same size (width/profile)?

Don't forget the big one diameter?

Gentleman Jack · « **Reply #11 on:** April 14, 2011, 11:07:47 AM »

Where'd ya go?

Sky Sblu · « **Reply #12 on:** April 14, 2011, 09:43:19 PM »

Update: Tires are not directionals, rotated the tires to no avail, gave up and had an alignment done, they said the alignment was WAYYYYYYYYYYYY off, (just got aligned with a different set of tires a month ago) my question of course is how a new set of tires made a difference on the alignment, any ideas? now the steering wheel is good and the "dead spot" on turns is gone and the tires dint have that grabbing feeling either, will keep updating if anything new comes along, thanks for all the comments

the prior alignment was done with new tires in the rear (different set than was in now) polished rims, now chrome rims completely new tires all same size GoodYear Eagle GT (old and new same size, 245 45 18)
the caliper was removed with the intention of painting it (not done)
the offcenter happened as soon as I put the new rims/tires on, like on the test drive
TP 29
Thanks for the comments

snaponbob · « **Reply #13 on:** April 14, 2011, 10:38:24 PM »

Quote from: Sky Sblu on April 14, 2011, 09:43:19 PM

Update: Tires are not directionals, rotated the tires to no avail, gave up and had an alignment done, they said the alignment was WAYYYYYYYYYYYY off, (just got aligned with a different set of tires a month ago) my question of course is how a new set of tires made a difference on the alignment, any ideas? now the steering wheel is good and the "dead spot" on turns is gone and the tires dint have that grabbing feeling either, will keep updating if anything new comes along, thanks for all the comments

the prior alignment was done with new tires in the rear (different set than was in now) polished rims, now chrome rims completely new tires all same size GoodYear Eagle GT (old and new same size, 245 45 18)
the caliper was removed with the intention of painting it (not done)
the offcenter happened as soon as I put the new rims/tires on, like on the test drive
TP 29
Thanks for the comments

There is only ONE answer. Whoever did the prior alignment did NOT toque the eccentrics properly. Trust me, it matters. (Do NOT ask me how I know.) At some point, one or more of the adjusters slipped. Maybe when the car was lifted, depending on how/where it was lifted.

Arabas · « **Reply #14 on:** April 15, 2011, 02:47:22 AM »

i agree. the only explanation is that something was not done properly in the first alignment.
changing rims and/or tires can never mess with the wheels alignment.

maybe whoever put the claiper out, did more than just this?

Gentleman Jack · « **Reply #15 on:** April 15, 2011, 04:17:22 AM »

Any chance the wheels were just not installed correctly? Something keeping them from seating fully? Lug nuts not tightened all the way?

HAMMER DOWN · « **Reply #16 on:** April 15, 2011, 04:47:20 AM »

Quote from: snaponbob on April 14, 2011, 10:38:24 PM

There is only ONE answer. Whoever did the prior alignment did NOT toque the eccentrics properly. Trust me, it matters. (Do NOT ask me how I know.) At some point, one or more of the adjusters slipped. Maybe when the car was lifted, depending on how/where it was lifted.

1st I totally agree, but theirs 2 answer. 1st stated above, 2nd has happen to me twice at two different places. The alignment machine was out of calibration. Mine was the rear tire.

Mike

Critterman · « **Reply #17 on:** April 15, 2011, 08:49:06 AM »

Our first clue was the steering wheel and most of us looked right passed it. Bob I think you nailed it with an ecentric not torqued properly, it doesn't take much.

snaponbob · « **Reply #18 on:** April 15, 2011, 09:03:29 AM »

Quote from: Critterman on April 15, 2011, 08:49:06 AM

Our first clue was the steering wheel and most of us looked right passed it. Bob I think you nailed it with an ecentric not torqued properly, it doesn't take much.

Actually, the upper bolts can come free, but (knowing this from first hand experience

) the changes in camber is so slight that it can't be felt.

The troubling point is that things came SO far out of spec that the steering wheel was cocked. And before somebody suggests it, loose tie rod adjusters will not freely rotate enough to alter the steering wheel position as there are too many friction points to let the adjusters freely rotate.

JimVonBaden · « **Reply #19 on:** April 15, 2011, 10:30:09 AM »

It was obvious from the beginning. No tire/wheel change will cause your steering wheel to be 20° off.

Jim

Critterman · « **Reply #20 on:** April 15, 2011, 12:43:50 PM »

I will stand by my statement, we all missed it. Reread the thread. I'm done.

Sblu glad the problem is fixed, we are all smarter and need to concentrate on the clues.

NormSky · « **Reply #21 on:** April 15, 2011, 02:03:17 PM »

Check inflation pressure if they are grabby or darty.

JimVonBaden · « **Reply #22 on:** April 15, 2011, 03:10:23 PM »

http://www.skyroadster.com/forums/f74/difference-sky-rims-sky-redline-rims-38018/

In an effort not to hurt anyone's feelings I felt like NOT posting against someone else's opinion here.

Not missed, trying to be more diplomatic.

Jim

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Author Topic: Difference between "regular" Sky Rims and Redline Rims? (Read 5301 times)