I just recently installed new 18x9 wheels and 275/35/18 tires on the front and now my car pulls to the right. I also had it aligned and it still pulls to the right slightly. Before I put the new wheels and tires on it drove as straight as an arrow. Any suggestions on what it might be or how I can stop it from pulling?? Thanks!!!

 

You might have what is called radial pull. Your source of the pull is likley the tires. If your rims and tires are not directional try swapping the fronts side to side and see if the pull goes the opposite way. If you have directional tires and rims, try rotating front to rear and see if that changes the pull. I have noticed over the years (I am a Ford tech) that the wider the front tread the more sensitive the vehicle is to pulling. You will want to keep close tabs on the air pressure and alignment to keep the car going straight! Hope this helps??

 

Thanks for the advise. I wish I could do some of those things you said but they are directional and I'm running wider tires in the back. I think I'm going to get a second opinion on my alignment.

 

I might be wrong,but wheel alignment settings depend on tire centerline???Wider tires with a factory setting would be off???With the tires on our 'stangs,wider might throw the book settings out the window.Get with a shop that will work with you on different settings(free of X-tra charge) and see what you come up with.The shop and everyone else could gain from something like this.

 

Tire size does not affect alignment specs, but you might try having the alignment shop use 03-04 Cobra specs because they run tires of a similar width on the front??

 

are the wheels balanced?

 

Mike Sweeney, heard you're a Ford Tech, maybe you would be able to help me with my anxiety in getting a new wheel for my '04 GT. Am looking at an American Racing Rebel with the above sizes or the Torque Thrust III's with 18x8F/18x10R. I've heard that w/ the 18x9 in the fronts make the wheel rub your wheel wells. Is this a fact or does it depend on the size of wheels and tires you get. What would you suggest to be on the safe side. Thanks in advance...

 

i have 18x9's all around and their far from rubbing AND i have a drastically lowered suspension. now whats really good with that. :angel3:

 

Thanks for the reply Tony...sure feel a little bit on the safe side now. Just have to decide which wheel to get ...any suggestions between the following:
Torque Thrust III - 18x8F/18x10R
S Saleen - 18x9F/18x10R
American Racing Rebel - 18x9F/18x10R
and last one Ford Racing FR500 - 18x9 Chromes.

Thanks again..