rubbing sound when backing up with wheel turned in either direction????

[rothschild]

Hi Guys! Absolutely fantastic forum you've got going, I'm new to the board and have been having a blast with my newly acquired 66 912...never ending series of projects, my wife is getting into fixing her up just as much as I!

Has anyone encountered this problem that I've stumbled into? When backing up, If I back up with the wheel perfectly centered (in a straight line while reversing), everything is smooth as silk, no clunks, rattles, squeeks or other annoying sounds. However, turning the wheel to the right or left (even slightly) produces this horrible rubbing, moaning noise (almost sounds like the tires are rubbing against the inside of the wheel wells). Already checked every square inch inside the fenders and there is plenty of clearance all the way around, nothing to rub up against. Also, shifting into first and rolling forward does not produce this sound regardless of how hard the wheel is cranked in either direction.

Any ideas what may be causing this and how to correct? The PO had lowered the front suspension dangerously low so I've adjusted them back to appr. 1" below the US Spec. dramatic (closer to euro spec.) improvement in both handling and elimination of previous bump steer problem, although I haven't had a chance to get the alignment redone yet. Other than that have made no modification to the front suspension setup. tie rod bushings, and other steering related components appear dirty but in solid condition, although there's an excessive amount of play (probably 3/4 - 1" of free play in wheel before any impact on steering)

[craign]

Rothschild,

I understand that tire rubbing on 912's is a very common issue when people try to put on slightly larger tires than the wells can accomodate. They do this to try and squeeze better handling out of the car and do get some rubbing in the wheel wells.

I run 195/hr60 15 all the way around on my 69 and have no trouble at all and love the way it handles.

Craig

[rothschild]

Thanks Craig for the wise advice, the PO did in fact mount a pair of obnoxiusly large tires on the rear 215/75-15s that had in fact managed to leave about 1/8" clearance between the fender and rubber (I crossed my fingers and prayed over each bump that the rear shocks would prevent the sharp inner edge of that fender from coming into contact with the outside sidewall of those tires) and upon removing those I found a 1/2" deep circular gouge carved into the inner sidewall of both tires (they had been rubbing against the rear trailing arm ride hieght set bolt nut!!)

Have since replaced so now I'm running 185/70-15s all the way around???could these be too large based on the specs. for the 66 912 coupe? There appears to be plenty of clearance and I've actually observed carefully to see if they are in fact rubbing against any part of the front suspension while reversing? also, the noise doesn't appear while moving forward....thanks for the response and any additional guidance would be greatly appreciated!