RE71RS in 215/45r16 rubbing?

[foodtruck]

It's been slowly progressing for a while but I finally did it, I rubbed a hole in my front driver's side wheel well liner where it has that small ledge. Happens under full or close to full lock and it looks like the slant of the the slightly stretched OEM fit was instrumental to clearing it under full corner load and anything wider than that doesn't quite. Happened with Meisters, B14s, and I'm pretty sure with OEM shocks/springs as well. Passenger side has some marks as well but not nearly as bad (I guess because nobody is sitting on that side?)

Anyone else had the same happen?

 

[M-Sport fan]

I am kind of surprised, (especially if your suspension is not 'slammed') since the RE71Rs have one of the narrowest tread widths of any of the 200 TW stickies, in any given size.

 

[SteveS]

The Fiesta was designed for 185s in pedestrian form. 205 is pretty much the limit for worry-tree fitment. It's the disadvantage the FiST carries into autocross.

 

[M-Sport fan]

You can put a 215/40-17 on a 42ET 17x8 under them without rubbing at all, ever, at least at factory ride height, or not lowered more than 0.25"- 0.5".

Since a 215/45-16 is at least a slight bit shorter than the above setup (depending on tire chosen), there is no way it should ever rub, in any way shape or form at factory ride height, unless one is using a <ET35, 16x8 with an exceptionally wide tread width tire (like a Nankang NS-2R, or the like, in that 215/45-16 size).

 

[Dialcaliper]

I had 215/45R16’s first BFG Rivals, then the same RE71RS you’re running, with a variety of spring setups (stock, “rally” and coilovers) and haven’t had any rubbing issues. I occasionally have issues with my 195/55R16 snow tires, but that generally occurs when I have mud buildup behind the fender liners in the rear where my mudflaps are installed, which pushes them forward toward the tire. Once I clean that out, no issues. I do have stiffer sway bars both front and rear though, so that helps a bit

Check that your fender liners are properly attached and no clips have fallen out. Also check the tab where the fender and the front bumper cover attach as that can sometimes be a rub point that needs to be cut back.

 

[foodtruck]

Interesting, okay.... Just to be clear, they haven't ever rubbed on the street, only at autocross when taking very sharp corners.

All clips seem to be in place... Sorry for the crap picture, but you can see where the spot is there. Its vaguely concave in shape so it's definitely made by the edge of the tire as it sweeps the radius during the turn. Doesn't _look_ like the liner is sagging or anything...