OK, this has been discussed in the past but the experience was mixed; some people running 235/40x18s on the front had no problems with rubbing while others had rubbing on the plastic fender liner. What about 235/45x17s on the front?

I want a tad wider tire on the front for more protection of the rim and I want a little more sidewall height to maybe improve ride a little. I know, going to a 235 width tire will only increase sidewall height by a 1/4" at the most, but every little bit helps!

 

just get whatever you want. if it rubs. geta heat gun and heat the fender linner and push it in a little bit. rubbing will go away forever!!!
dont get something you dont want just because a piece of plastic wont allow you

 

what are you lowered on

 

MikeZ: Not lowered - standard suspension.

Juice14: I'm hoping some people can answer my question based on having 235s on their car.

 

most importantly.. what type of wheels? Do you have the specs? IE. oem 2IS fronts are 18x8 +45MM offset.

 

Yea I have 235's on my car. I have 235/35/19 which is slightly bigger diameter than the 235/40/18 and also larger diameter than the 235/45/17.
I had to do the heat gun thing with mine though. I dont think you will have to do it with 235/45/17.
Off course wait until you hear it with someone with your same wheels, just to make sure, then get them

 

^Juice, what offset are you running your 235 with? I want to go to a 235 for my next tire, but I'm not sure I can fit it. I'm almost maxxed out. Right now I'm running a 225/35/19 8.5in wheel with a 23 offset. No rubbing, did the heat gun.
I really want to bump up to the 235 but think I'll start rubbing like crazy.

 

I have 235/40/18 A/S on the front of my 350. I experience slight rubbing while turning at near full lock. (Sport Pack)

 

WOW. my offsets are 8.5 with a +36 offset on the front. maybe a 235/30 you wont rub, but thats way too skinny IMO. 235/35/19 might be fine, maybe youll rub on the fenders instead of the fender liner. dont take my opinion, im not 100% sure.

 

Yeah.. I'll just wind up sticking w/ 225's... to much of a headache for a trial and error type of thing.

 

Yeah, stock wheels - 17x8 or 18x8, 45mm offset.

 

I have 225's and they only rub under very odd circumstances, mostly when I'm going slow and have the front tires turned about 45 degrees.

 

I am on the stock wheels and not lowered. (Non sport)

I have 235/40 -18 on the front and here is my experience.

With the Nitto invos I would rub slightly at full lock and coming to a stop while moving forward. Strangely it did not rub while reversing at full lock. It did this from day 1 till about 6000 miles were put on the tire. After that it stopped.

I just put on 4 Sumitomo HTR Z III tires with the 235/40 -18 up front. They have not rubbed once.

Hope this helps others.

 

225s (stock) or 235s? And are you running stock 18" wheels?

 

235 is not any better than 225, for the front, do not bother.