1998 Honda Accord rear tires contacting body

JDSCHNEYER

MEMBER
1998 HONDA ACCORD
6 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
145,000 MILES

Hi,
I just had new tires put on the car and when the car is loaded in back seat and we hit a sharp bump or corner hard I am getting a rub in the wheel well on the outside of the tire.
Goodyear looked at the car this morning and I expected to hear it was coils or struts. These tires stick out a little bit more than the last ones and they think that is the problem.
I think it is the coils being old or the struts or a combination of the two but I don't want to throw money into something that isn't going to fix it.
To know if it is related to the suspension I need to know what the "factory" height should be from center of wheel to top of wheel well or some other measurement. Can you help me determine if the suspension needs updating?

Thanks,

Jeff

3 Replies

CARADIODOC

MECHANIC
33,916 POSTS

Hi jdschneyer. Welcome to the forum. You're more in tune with your car than most owners. The ride height specs are published in a booklet that any alignment or tire shop has. It gives the acceptable range, but more importantly, where to measure because it's wildly different between makes and models.

The issue isn't ride height though even though it could be a little low. Even with new springs, the tires will still rub when the car is loaded heavily enough to drop the body that much. I'm going on the assumption the tires are the correct size. I'm sure that's the first thing that would have been checked. Ask someone at the tire store, (I'm sure they do alignments too), if rear camber is adjustable. If it is, lowering it a little will tip the tops of the tires in away from the outer sheet metal. A half of a degree will not be noticeable for rear tire wear but can make a big difference on the tire rub.

Also, check the side clearance on both sides. If the rub only occurs on one side, the rear cross member can often be shifted to center it.

Caradiodoc

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Tuesday, April 27th, 2010 AT 3:40 PM

JDSCHNEYER

MEMBER
2 POSTS

Thank you for the reply. The tires are the same size as the previous tires BUT they off set the rim maybe 1/4- 3/8" to the outside more than the earlier ones. G. Year mgr (whom I think is on the ball) noticed this when I brought in the car and has a call into Corp to see what they advise.
At 145k on this car I am not certain that the suspension (struts, coils, or both) is sagging below manuf. Specs.
I would like to get a method and measurement from someone to check myself. I had an issue with my jeep TJ and found a "ride height" measurement in chiltons manual or online and I would like some help finding that measurement for this accord. The Service dept. Mgr. Did not have that information which is why I sought your help.
Thanks in advance for your help with this.

Jeff

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Wednesday, April 28th, 2010 AT 9:58 AM

CARADIODOC

MECHANIC
33,916 POSTS

I just bought an alignment computer last weekend but I haven't picked it up yet. I hope to get it in the next two days. Hopefully there will be a spec book in it. I can also stop at a local tire shop and ask about the ride height and where to measure. As soon as I can find something, I'll post the numbers for you.

Caradiodoc

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Wednesday, April 28th, 2010 AT 12:04 PM