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Someone please assist. This is urgent. With the offset of the rims I have on my clk500, the back of the tire is sitting on the strut base/cup. If i were to swap the suspension for coilover suspension, would that be enough to free up space for clearance. I notice the coilovers do not have a strut base/cup like the stock struts. Im new to mercedes so i just want to make sure i do this right.
No space between tire and cup. Thinking coilover would gain space since they do not same base as stock. Space behind tire and strut from front end of tire. Space between wheel and strut from back end of tire.
Last edited by CLKAMG500; May 10, 2020 at 06:29 PM.
Someone please assist. This is urgent. With the offset of the rims I have on my clk500, the back of the tire is sitting on the strut base/cup. If i were to swap the suspension for coilover suspension, would that be enough to free up space for clearance. I notice the coilovers do not have a strut base/cup like the stock struts. Im new to mercedes so i just want to make sure i do this right.
No space between tire and cup. Thinking coilover would gain space since they do not same base as stock. Space behind tire and strut from front end of tire. Space between wheel and strut from back end of tire.
It looks more like the wrong tire size... From the pics, it doesn’t look like your tire is rubbing against the strut tube, so I don’t think the offset is driving the problem, but please post all tire sizes and wheel offsets (incl. original).
I checked on a tire site . On a 19 they recommend a 235/35 size tire . On a 20" It will have to be 225/30 . Every inch you go up the side wall of the tire has to get smaller. Honestly 20" is overkill for a clk but its up to you . Please also post the offset it can be both causing the issue .
ok. so here are the specs on the front rims. as stated earlier, the current tire size is 235/35/20. im not sure what number on the rim dictates the offset but i believe it is the 15. Perhaps you guys are much better at interpretting these numbers. you can probably expand to see all info on rim
i believe this one shows the offset with wheel size.
Some other odd numbers.
What i thought i could probably do is go with a 215/30/20 and shave down the fins located on the bottom of the strut base. What is your suggestion. It would be nice not to have to invest in new rims.
Last edited by CLKAMG500; May 11, 2020 at 09:55 PM.
You seem to have an 8.5” wide rim which is too wide for a 205 tire... do you have the same wheels front and rear (width)? My (personal) recommendation would be to go with staggered 18” wheels (7.5 front & 8.5 rear) and 225/40 (front) and 255/35 (rear) tires... hopefully, that is still possible for you. Also, you need to make sure the offset is close to the original values front/rear (# after ET marking).
the rims in the back are 20x 10, You mentioned that i shouldnt change the struts to coilovers. why is that?
the rear wheels sit just fine. i believe they are 275/35.
One last question. As long as there is space in between the strut base/cup and the tire, even if its 1/16 of an inch, the tire can never make contact with the base correct? Doesnt just the spring and frame move up and down?
OR CLK 350 its not rubbing against the strut tube. theres plenty of space. i think it has to do with either the rim size or the offset. if im correct it has low negative offset of 15. (rims were not for this car and i knew nothing about staggered rim offsets till now.) the top of tire is either sitting or is going to rub against the fins of the lower strut cup.
15 is way to close If I am not mistaken the correct offset on these ars are 32. You need hub centric spacers . What they will do is move your wheel towards the outside and clear the strut . I put a link below so you have an idea . Call a company like that and see if they can help .
You have to also see if its going to rub the fender . You will have to roll the fenders . Also like i mentioned the tire are a bit to tall .
If I was you I would get rid of them and buy either 18" or 19" wheels that fit . The only CLK that you can get away with a 20" wheels was the black series that had a wide stance and you needed wide wheels for the wide fender flares .
thanks ... thats what i needed to know. but from what im guessing, i think i shoiuld also go with a 215/30 as opposed to keeping the 225/35 tires. the 215/30 will give me less tire and more ability to swing the tires left to right. as well, that will probably, and hopefully, eliminate the possbility to shave the fins underneath the strut cup. i will go and purchase the 10mm spacers, but i will do for the front and the back. i will roll the fenders as well
the 225 isnt the problem . The reason why your tire it touching is because of the offset . once you move the wheel out it will clear. You second issue is the height of the tire . You should be running a 30 no 35 which again affects it touching . Before you buy anything take off the wheel and put a peice of wood or metal that measures 10 mm . Out the wheel back on and check if its good . If you need more then go for 15mm . Just see how far you can go before you hit the fender with wheel . This way your not spending money on spacers . Just FYI you will need larger bolts and use anti seize on the face and back of spacer so they come off easily .
Your right, it is the offset. I was looking at size difference in a 225/35 and a 215/30 and there's quite a difference in height. I will add a 10mm wood spacer and see if it still runs against the cup ( which I think it will)..
What lowering spring would your recommend. I'm probably going to roll the Fenders as well.
Great I am glad you figured it out. Make sure you measure the spacer needed before ordering .
As for the lowering springs I dont think its a good idea. Most springs lower you 1.2" you have to see after you fix the offset issue if you have that spacer .It will create rubbing issues when turning because your tire is taller being a 35 . The best thing for you to do is get adjustable coil-overs this way you can adjust the height accordingly . But I dont think its worth it. I would keep it as is .
im going to hold off on the coilovers. my 215/30 tires are coming so im going to fit those on the rims and see how the clearance is between the top of the tire and the cup of the strut. if it still looks like it will rub, then i will have to go with a spacer or coilovers.
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