Wheel problem

[GHEN]

Hi all,

I put a set of Boxster wheels with P02 tires (stock setup for the 1999 Boxster) on my '87 944.

After mounting I noticed some steering wheel vibration between 40 - 60 mph, so I took it to be alanced.

After balancing I still have the same problem; a fair amount of vibration in the steering wheel.

The car tracks straight when I let go of the wheel, and remains straight under braking.

I am thinking of just going back to the phone dials unless anyone can offer a solution.

[Brando]

Maybe a rim is bent?

[SoCal Driver]

Wheels are not seating on the hubs.

Or they are bent. Reason for selling them?

[GHEN]

Originally posted by SoCal Driver
Wheels are not seating on the hubs.

Or they are bent. Reason for selling them?

They were a leave behind from a Boxster owner who upgraded to 18"s. I believe they are true (otherwise, would they have balanced?)

How do I check seating on hubs? They look fine and were mounted at the place they were balanced (National Discount Tire).

Thanks,

GHEN

[mambodave]

could be bent, also could be a bad tire. Check for bubbles, flatspots or uneven wear. Make sure you check to make sure all the lugs are tight and none are missing. Could be Also be a warped rotor or caliper sticking.


Just me 2 cents

[TCMdocs944]

I just went through the same problem last week. Upgraded to 1999 boxter 16" and over 45mph vibration. Got it back home and fixed the problem.


Now, bear in mind that this may be a little different as yours is a 87 and mine is an 83.


The rear wheels fit fine. Bolted right on over the stock spacers.

The front, however miss clearance of the dustcaps by 1-3mm. Just enough to screw things up. You can tell with the wheels on by putting a fingernail between the hub and wheel at each lug.

Pulled out my trusty grinder.....
Ground down the entire circumferance of the dustcaps with them on the car.
30 minutes later........

Vibration gone!


I, too, thought they were a direct bolt on.....they are....almost.

Good luck and let us know.

[GHEN]

Originally posted by TCMdocs944


The front, however miss clearance of the dustcaps by 1-3mm. Just enough to screw things up. You can tell with the wheels on by putting a fingernail between the hub and wheel at each lug.
Good luck and let us know.

I really appreciate the info, now here is where my newbiness shines like a beacon...what is a dustcap?

Thanks,

GHEN

[TCMdocs944]

The "cap" that covers the wheel bearings. You know, the part that sits under the wheel centercap. The rear of the earlies has no dustcap (really more like a raincap). The fronts do. There was the problem.


Here is my post from a few weeks ago when I got the first two wheels in.
Just got the boxter rims Before/After

Did you get the same ones?

I am trying to get used to them look wise. Cookies are so big/angry/agressive looking. These are much more refined.

I will probably space the rear out another inch or so and give the front one inch as well. How bout you?

[SoCal Driver]

A later 944 owner, like yours, had the same problem. He had to get 1/4" spacers from a local Kragen or Pep Boys to keep the wheel from hitting the dust/grease cap.

[TCMdocs944]

Yup, spacers would solve the problem...I couldn't wait though.....Just had to try it out.

A little impetuous I know, but my spacers are going to take 3 weeks or so.

I am moving my rear stock spacers and lugs to the front.

Moving front lugs to the back.

Installing hubcentric 2" spacers in the rear.

Unless there is a better idea?

[GHEN]

Yes, I have the same wheels as you TCM. I like them a lot (also they were FREE ). I hand painted my centercaps and they look sweet with the Boxster wheels.

So I will get 1/4" spacers, do I need to space the rears as well?

My thoughts are do 1/4" all around to keep everything even...thoughts?

GHEN

[TCMdocs944]

Free Wheels!!! You Bastard!!!!

Amazing what people just get rid of.


I got mine almost free....365. including shipping w/ good yokos. Just got three centercaps for 10 on ebay. Need fix blemishes on on side, other perfect.


I don't think you actually NEED spacers at (unless you dont want to grind the front).

For me the spacers are for looks only. Fillin out the wheel wells.

I think you can space 7mm max before changing lugs. Nuts must go a full 9 turns.


Sounds like you will be rolling in no time.

[robthe54]

if there is play in your steering wheel, also check the ball joints in the a-arms...

the PO of my car put new a-arms on the car... yet i get a shake 40-60 plus play in the wheel... after a week of driving i started getting a single CLICK when i got on the brakes...

some investigation revealed broken ball joint bushings... cracked, like someone hit a curb or something
:/

i'll be doing the rennbay ball joint kit repair soon...

[Dave L]

I spoke to a porsche mechanic yesterday and he told me that with spacers and boxter rims on my 86 944 I will "probably" get a high speed shimmy. I see the logic but I also think that if a good quality spacer is straight and true it shouldnt be a problem. Anyone with boxter rims on a pre '87 car want to comment. I dont want to spend the money and create a problem.

On a related note Tiremag in Toronto can do a custom wheel to what ever offset you need. I havent checked yet but I am hoping they might cost less than what a 944 is worth.

Dave

[GHEN]

It is just that the thought of grinding makes me shudder. Did you use a Dremel or something else?

Has anyone had a spacer induce shimmy?

GHEN

[TCMdocs944]

I think that cheapo spacers may do the shimmy..Hubcentric is what you are after. The rear of our cars have stock spacers...never had a problem with that. Also, all of the upgrade salons (gemballa, techart. etc) space their wheels out.

So how bout it...


Any of you guys with boxter rims and spacers having a high speed problem?

[SoCal Driver]

There is a geometry "problem" that can occure with certain rims and spacers. The center of the tire has to remain located at the same place when wider tires are installed. If the whole tire/rim changes this then yes it's possible to get some higher speed shimmy feed back. A slight change in alignment can cure most of it.

[TCMdocs944]

Thats interesting Socal..
Get everything spaced and on then take to a shop for balancing and alignment?


This spacer thing is new to me soooo..

If the wheel/hub stays centered, what are the limits that it can be pushed out?
Looks says to the edge of the well or inside.

Could there be any problem with that?

[mambodave]

I was always told that if you use spacers it can really wear out the bearings fast.?? Especialy on an older car whose bearings may be getting old anyway.


Heard it a few times, but I ve never used spacers. Is this true?

[unclebilly]

Whell spacers can lead to premature bearing failure because they put essentually extend the leverage of your wheel and tire on the spindle so it can lead to permature bearing wear, and excessive wear on your ball joints and tie rod ends. Wider wheels do the same thing because them move the center of force outward on your car's tires.