Technical Rear wheels have different offset?!

[Ancan]

Hi all!
I fitted a couple of wheels from a Coupé yesterday, and I noticed something peculiar. To cut a long story short, the rear wheels on my Mk2b is protruding a different amount on the left and right sides.

The right wheel needs a spacer to run free of the shock absorber mounting bolt, but on the left side there's a 5 mm gap even without spacers. On the other hand, the left wheel touches the wheel arches on bumps while the right is fine.

Is this normal Italian workmanship or is there something really wrong with the car?

 

[flisko]

your rear suspension is bad?

 

[fingers99]

Is this with the Coupe wheels, or the old ones?

In any event, it can only be an offset issue (unless your car has alarmingly serious damage).

Check the ET stamps on the wheels (probably inside on alloys, outside near the centre on steelies. Sounds like you have a staggered set of wheels (different offset front/rear) or have been sold a pup.

 

[MikeSalt]

Also, check there's no spacers stuck to some wheels and not others

 

[Ancan]

Is this with the Coupe wheels, or the old ones?

In any event, it can only be an offset issue (unless your car has alarmingly serious damage).

Check the ET stamps on the wheels (probably inside on alloys, outside near the centre on steelies. Sounds like you have a staggered set of wheels (different offset front/rear) or have been sold a pup.

It's with the Coupe wheels. 16" with 50 profile so it's a tight fit.

I'll verify the ET when I get home today. I checked with a mechanic today, and at least there's no risk running with spacers on one side.

 

[Ziggy122]

Subframes can sometimes be offset a small amount from manufacture, every brand of car is like this

When i've put cars on 4wheel aligners, they often have a 5mm ofset, its just how they are

This may mean you need a spacer on 1 side, but to me that just sounds plain wrong/dodgey

maybe a tap of the frame to realign it? But again you risk knocking tracking out the car's rear toe angles are messed up

Ziggy

 

[s and b]

i had some unfactory wheels on a punto a while back it only needed a spigot on the nearside rear and both fronts i seem to remember


never been a fan of chinese wheels so i always recommend fiats own alloys only
boring i know but you live longer

 

[Ancan]

Checked the offset and all wheels are on ET37. They are Mille Miglia Spyder, 16".

My guess now is normal deviations in the subframe/chassi, but I'm having a wheel alignment soon and let the guys there take a look on it. Running with spacers on all wheels now except left rear.

Thanks for the replies.