Tires rub during hard turns

Tj Toad

Tj Toad

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Joined
Oct 12, 2023
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5
Location
York Co., PA
I put 31x10.5x15 KO2’s on my stock TJ, and surprise, they rub in a hard turn (e.g. parking lot kind of turns). I’ve read in this forum about adding washers to the steering stop to eliminate the rub. I was told by ‘the jeep expert’ at my local jeep dealer, that it would be better to use 1/4 inch wheel spacers. Logic being they don’t reduce turning radius like washers on the steering lock. Don’t imagine the difference in reduced steering radius is noticeable?

Any one have a strong recommendation one way or the other?
 
Don’t turn that far. The rubbing will stop.

Actually, I have two washers of common thickness on my steering stops, and I can tell. When I get my better backspaced wheels installed I plan to remove them.

If you’re on a stock backspace wheel I don’t think a 1/4” spacer will solve your problem (I have those too on my front wheels). I’d aim for 4” backspace.
 
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Tj Toad said:
I put 31x10.5x15 KO2’s on my stock TJ, and surprise, they rub in a hard turn (e.g. parking lot kind of turns). I’ve read in this forum about adding washers to the steering stop to eliminate the rub. I was told by ‘the jeep expert’ at my local jeep dealer, that it would be better to use 1/4 inch wheel spacers. Logic being they don’t reduce turning radius like washers on the steering lock. Don’t imagine the difference in reduced steering radius is noticeable?

Any one have a strong recommendation one way or the other?
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How do you know they were making contact? That's right, you could hear it. So, when you hear it, turn back ever so slightly until the noise stops and go merrily about your business fully understanding that you are now smarter than your Jeep. The turning radius will be reduced by all of the 3 methods since the hard stop is the tire rubbing. Letting it rub is the tightest turn since that is as far as it can go.
 
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My 235 85 R16 Duratrac are just under 32" tall but just over 9" wide.

I get rubbing when I turn all the way either way. It's been doing that going on 6 years and I either let off the steering wheel a bit or totally ignore the "thump" 'thump" "thump" while turning sharp. Yes, the sound threw me off at first but I've had NO problems whatsoever.
 
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And I'm pretty sure the "thump" 'thump" "thump" is coming from the lower control arm but when I don't hear it I do end up with some nasty rust farther foreward.
IMG_20230519_204012756.jpg
 
Tj Toad said:
Thanks all. I’ll try to be smarter than the jeep. I also have to convince me lovely wife of the same. 👍
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Here's the easy fix that only requires adding a washer (or two) under the two steering stop bolts. The washer(s) go under the nut that is welded to the steering stop bolt. https://4x4xplor.com/steerstop.html
 
I have a 2" lift but 285/75/16 (33") tires on stock Moab wheels. This setup also rubs. i opted to add a washer to each steering stop and it has gone away, and the turning radius loss is very marginal in my opinion. Granted Phoenix has spacious roads and parking lots, but in the dirt i don't see a difference enough to feel the need to remove the spacers to regain steering radius. Maybe 2 spacers would be more intrusive.

YMMV.
 
Arthurius said:
I have a 2" lift but 285/75/16 (33") tires on stock Moab wheels. This setup also rubs. i opted to add a washer to each steering stop and it has gone away, and the turning radius loss is very marginal in my opinion. Granted Phoenix has spacious roads and parking lots, but in the dirt i don't see a difference enough to feel the need to remove the spacers to regain steering radius. Maybe 2 spacers would be more intrusive.

YMMV.
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X2 experience here. I added a washer or two under the steering stop bolts years ago but never bothered to remove them after getting wheels with less backspacing. They didn't affect/increase my turning radius enough for me to even notice it, it still turned on a dime.
 
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Jerry Bransford said:
X2 experience here. I added a washer or two under the steering stop bolts years ago but never bothered to remove them after getting wheels with less backspacing. They didn't affect/increase my turning radius enough for me to even notice it, it still turned on a dime.
Click to expand...

Reminds me of lots of folks I've wheeled with over the years who ran Detroits in the rear axle because they couldn't remember to turn the ARB on to lock it.
 
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