Could this be a backspacing issue?

MGTJ321

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Sorry if this is a question that has already been answered but I’m looking to avoid taking the TJ to a shop.

I have a 97 TJ Sahara that was originally running 5x4.5-5x5.5 adapters to run the OEM 2017 17” wheels. I recently switched to the configuration 31x10.5x15 with the original alloy wheels (15x8 5.5 backspacing) During a drive around the block I noticed what seems like a loud steel on steel click noise during every full tire rotation. Prior to this the TJ was running fine and had no noise or issues. I checked my Ujoints and everything seems to be ok.

Could this be a backspacing issue?

Looking for any TJ wisdom I can get before digging deep to possibly find a jeep specialist.

Anything helps! TIA.
 
it's probably your wheels rubbing on the lower control arms. There should be a bolt on the hub you can adjust outward to stop the full movement of the steering.
 
it's probably your wheels rubbing on the lower control arms. There should be a bolt on the hub you can adjust outward to stop the full movement of the steering.

I should have mentioned this noise is only coming from the rear wheels. I don’t know if this changes your answer but I will get under her and if that could be the culprit
 
What size tires were on the 17" wheels?
Any chance the brakes were upgraded to something larger than stock?

245/75R17.
No idea if the brakes were upgraded or not. The jeep is new to me and is my first go around at owning one and wanna get my hands dirty.
 
Appreciate the tag. I read through this and I’ll be checking for this issue Friday morning. I guess my next question would be if this is the issue would a 15x8 with 3.75 backspacing and -19mm offset wheel take care of te problem at hand?
If the PO went to larger brakes when running the 17" wheels, moving to 15x8 with 3.75 backspacing may not do the trick. You probably won't know what's going on until you take a closer look on Friday.
 
If the PO went to larger brakes when running the 17" wheels, moving to 15x8 with 3.75 backspacing may not do the trick. You probably won't know what's going on until you take a closer look on Friday.

Any sure fire way to tell what size the “big brakes” are vs the OEM size? Or leads on a chart? I read there are a few different sizes? Thanks again for the help.
 
Sorry if this is a question that has already been answered but I’m looking to avoid taking the TJ to a shop.

I have a 97 TJ Sahara that was originally running 5x4.5-5x5.5 adapters to run the OEM 2017 17” wheels. I recently switched to the configuration 31x10.5x15 with the original alloy wheels (15x8 5.5 backspacing) During a drive around the block I noticed what seems like a loud steel on steel click noise during every full tire rotation. Prior to this the TJ was running fine and had no noise or issues. I checked my Ujoints and everything seems to be ok.

Could this be a backspacing issue?

Looking for any TJ wisdom I can get before digging deep to possibly find a jeep specialist.

Anything helps! TIA.

Backspacing issue. Your 31x10.5 is wider than a stock tire and it’s rubbing on your control arms. You need 4.5” or less backspacing to clear a 10.5” tire on an 8” rim. The other possible issues are unlikely given your scenario.
 
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Backspacing issue. Your 31x10.5 is wider than a stock tire and it’s rubbing on your control arms. You need 4.5” or less backspacing to clear a 10.5” tire on an 8” rim. The other possible issues are unlikely given your scenario.

He said the noise was coming from the rear wheels.
 
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He said the noise was coming from the rear wheels.

Correct so I know it’s not control arm rub. Definitely going to look into all of these possibilities tomorrow during the day. I guess my last question, would spacers be a “quick fix” until I can gather some cash and get to the bottom of this? If so what size? I know there’s a lot of speculation and I want to avoid spacers but if it means I can drive it for the time being then I’d love to take that route. I already have a set of 15x8 with 3.75 backspacing and -19 offset just waiting on a set of stt’s to come in so the spacers wouldn’t be on for too long per say.
 
Correct so I know it’s not control arm rub. Definitely going to look into all of these possibilities tomorrow during the day. I guess my last question, would spacers be a “quick fix” until I can gather some cash and get to the bottom of this? If so what size? I know there’s a lot of speculation and I want to avoid spacers but if it means I can drive it for the time being then I’d love to take that route. I already have a set of 15x8 with 3.75 backspacing and -19 offset just waiting on a set of stt’s to come in so the spacers wouldn’t be on for too long per say.

That won't fix the issue. Jack up the rear end, spin the wheels and listen.
 
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Rubbing due to a backspace issue could not be easier to diagnose. Just look for shiny spots inside your rims. Any interference will be super obvious. Just look for witness marks inside the rim.
 
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As others have said, get the weight off the rear wheels, spin by hand, and get under there to inspect what's hitting/rubbing. I bet it will be pretty obvious to you.

Could be wheel weights interfering with brakes. I've had sticky wheel weights (mounted on the inside of the wheel) hit the calipers before on my Vanagon. Had to take those wheels back to be balanced using hammer-on weights (mounted on outer rim bead) instead so the wheels would clear the brakes. This would correlate to single contact on every rotation. Good luck!
 
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