So i just bought and put on a set of 215/55/17's and they seem fine but when I cut the wheel much they scrape against the plastic around the inner wheel well :s anyone else have this problem ?

 

This is not a tire problem, what is the offset of the rims you have them on. I'm guessing you never used these rims with this car before. Likely as not, the offset is not enough. You can probably get a set of wheel spacers to get by for the winter. They should be available at the local AutoZone of Pepboys.

 

Rims are off of a 05 Nissan Altima believe the size is 5x114.3 which should fit fine

 

Offset, not lug bolt orientation.

It does appear that your rims don't have sufficient offset. A higher positive offset is more "tucked into" the wheel wells. The stock 18x8 rims are +50 btw.

Negative offset is a "deep dish" wheel, whereas we deal in positive offsets.

 

How do you determine the offset ?

 

I meant to also include this Tirerack link: http://www.tirerack.com/wheels/tech/...jsp?techid=101

All the rim data should be stamped inside your rims. It's typically after the rim size, e.g. 18x8 - JJ 114.3-5-50

The last number is the [positive] offset in mm's

The JJ is the flange shape and you already know the 114.3 - 5 lug pattern.

 

Thanks ill check it out.

 

still havent taken off the rim to check the offset but on further inspection these tires just clear the wheel well ... if turned very sharpe the touch just slightly (enough to clear the dust off the plastic well cover) so they may be useable as is.

 

^ Just don't turn so sharply.

 

Yah actually i tested it yesterday and they turn sharp ok but if i hit a bump while turning then they scrape

 

So what should the offset be on a set of 17's ?

 

I have a +48 offset on my daughter's Mazda6 winter 17" rims with 215x50 tires (same lug pattern as '8).

Again, the stock RX-8 18" rims are +50 offset.

Did you take a wheel off to see what its offset is?

 

There is absolutely no info printed on the inside of the rim ... some on the outside but it doesnt look like the layout you have shown

 

^ What does it read?

What's the make and model of rim? Should be able to research it.

 

They are just winter steelies

 

They are sticking out a bit too far and meed to be inside the wheel well more so spacers would be the opposite of what i need.

 

Indeed. You need the wheels more "tucked into" the wells and therefore a higher positive offset number.

 

Well, at least you know it's a 17x7 with a typical 'J' flange fwiw. Without make/model or more stamping it's tough to further research. Just avoid the overly sharp steering, which you should in winter driving anyway, and Spring will be here before we know it.

When they're off for the season you can of course actually measure the offset, again in mm's. I'm betting they're fairly 'aggressive' (+35 mm or lower offset number).