Modifying rear fender liner?

[jmz135]

I recently lowered my car and installed 18mm spacers in the rear. When the car is standing still there is at least .5-.75in from the tire to the fender, but when I drive and take a turn I hear the tire scraping on the liner. How hard is it to modify/trim?

[3002 tii]

Tire to fender distance is lateral or vertical?

http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=964185

[jmz135]

I was referring to vertical. The edge of the tire (which is stretched a decent amount) is just about flush with the fender.

I can supply pictures when I get out of work if they are needed.

[Eyeman]

The fender liner trims very easily with a knife, box cutter, etc.

[Chandon]

Mine have about 2 inches cut off, easily done with any sharp knife/scissors like Eyeman has mentioned.

[jmz135]

After some more investigation I think the actual fender is hitting the tire, not just the liner







I'm trying to decide what my options are...

So far I've come up with:
1. Raise the Car
2. Swap out the 18mm spacers for 12mm
3. Get camber plates and run ~1.5-2 degrees of camber

[3002 tii]

Originally Posted by jmz135

After some more investigation I think the actual fender is hitting the tire, not just the liner







I'm trying to decide what my options are...

So far I've come up with:
1. Raise the Car
2. Swap out the 18mm spacers for 12mm
3. Get camber plates and run ~1.5-2 degrees of camber

2 and 3

Add camber, I'm pretty sure stock is about -1.5 in rears so I wouldexpect more considering you are lower. Also swap spacers, not sure what your wheel/tire dimensions are but even 15s for stock rears is pushing it.

[135Pats]

I'm in the same boat with 265s on a 9.5" wheel with 10mm spacers. Ride height is a touch higher than OPs but it's the same story - out back it rubs the fender. With me and another passenger, it does it too much, but not an outrageous amount. The one time I had another passenger in the back seat, it was totally unacceptable how frequently it rubbed.

It's frustrating because it's not that violent a rub, it just happens often. If i'm raising the car i'm sure as hell adding in more tire, which is just going to get me back to square 1.

Stiffer springs? Any thoughts about that? I'm a suspension noob, full disclosure.

[jmz135]

Originally Posted by 3002 tii

2 and 3

Add camber, I'm pretty sure stock is about -1.5 in rears so I wouldexpect more considering you are lower. Also swap spacers, not sure what your wheel/tire dimensions are but even 15s for stock rears is pushing it.

Yea so I upgraded to 9.5s in the rear when I got my new wheels, running a 255/35.

Seems like the easiest method for me would be to just get 12mm spacers. The only thing that bugs me about that is that the $150 I spent to get the 18mms is completely sunk cost

I have to say I'm really surprised how much distance the fender travels, the springs I got from ST feel fairly stiff but I guess there is still a good amount of movement.

@135pats - yea mine doesn't violently rub either, but it happens quite a bit. I haven't even had anyone in the back yet, so it's completely unacceptable at this point.

[3002 tii]

Originally Posted by jmz135

Yea so I upgraded to 9.5s in the rear when I got my new wheels, running a 255/35.

Seems like the easiest method for me would be to just get 12mm spacers. The only thing that bugs me about that is that the $150 I spent to get the 18mms is completely sunk cost

I have to say I'm really surprised how much distance the fender travels, the springs I got from ST feel fairly stiff but I guess there is still a good amount of movement.

@135pats - yea mine doesn't violently rub either, but it happens quite a bit. I haven't even had anyone in the back yet, so it's completely unacceptable at this point.

Post the 18's for same, someone will definitely buy them on here or e90post. If you need cheap 12's, go look at Renn Motosport. I just picked up a pair and was impressed with design and quality. It has the cutouts to lessen the weight while also having a groove around the lip for easy removal. Lugs were included all for $60 something. The fitment was a little tight but nothing a wire brush and anti-seize around the hub can't fix.

And honestly, even if the rub isn't happening a lot, get it fixed soon before it burns through the paint or warps the fender.

[yllwwgn]

OP, since you're running 18mm spacers, why not just use a thinner spacer? Problem fixed.

[jmz135]

Yea I guess new spacers are the only smart way to go here

I'll post the Burger 18mms on the for sale section.

Now the question is whether I could sneak by with 15mm or if I need to go down to 12...hmmm wish I could test before buying.

[3002 tii]

Originally Posted by jmz135

Yea I guess new spacers are the only smart way to go here

I'll post the Burger 18mms on the for sale section.

Now the question is whether I could sneak by with 15mm or if I need to go down to 12...hmmm wish I could test before buying.

3mm is so little just go 12 to be safe.

[Eyeman]

Yep, I'd just get a smaller spacer. Btw, if you still rub after smaller spacers, the factory adjustments will probably allow you to add another degree or so of camber. I'm nearly at 3 deg rear camber each side, but that's not really good for tire wear.

[jmz135]

Thanks for the tips everyone - I'm going to just order 12mm spacers. 18mm would have worked on the stock wheel, but I guess with 9.5s in the rear it is just too much.

I posted the 18s on the for sale if anyone is interested