another 17" tire/wheel question

[Dkennel]

I have 17" Fikse wheels with 215/45 zr 17 michelin PS on front and PO replaced rear with 255/40 zr 17 yokohama AVS100(?).
I seem to get a lot of road noise from the rear.
I am looking to replace the rear tires, Michelin in 255/40/17 are very expensive. I am considering to replace the whole set as the front ones are probably also several years old.
One choice I looked at are ContiExtremeContact. They rate pretty high with tirerack and don't break the bank.
I have seen several size recommendations. Can I run 205/50/17 in front instead of 215/45/17? Would steering be easier?
Does anybody have the noise issue with 255/40/17 on rear? The Yokohamas are rated as very noisy tires.
Can I run smaller tires on the rear wheels?
I appreciate any input...
Oh yes, I don't track the care, just street use, would prefer all season tires...

[rnln]

The model of each brand also make the diff. You might have bad experience regarding noise with a model of Yokohama but you might not with another model. I didn't have good exp. with both Yokohama and Michelin, too bad I don't remember the model. Funny, I had good experience with Kumho, and Y and M are both more expensive then kumho.
PS: I don't race but I do get 100+ once in a while when the road is empty.

[Jeff Alton]

Run a 205/50 or prefferably a 225/45 in the front.

Cheers