I am getting a kind of popping noise from the front end when backing out or going forward at full lock. Now I'm pretty sure most of you will say it is the ball joints, but I don't think so. I am running stock sized 245/50 Mich Sport XGT V tires. I had my dad drive the car while I watched the front tire. When it made the noise the sidewall would bloat then the tire would skip along the ground a little then the process would repeat. The tire gets very close to the font of the wheel well but it doesn't seem to touch, the whole bloat process is very fast so it could touch it and I just didn't see it. Could it be rubbing in the back out of sight? Or is it just the balljoints?
Thanks
JP

 

Does anybody have any problems with the 245/50's?

 

IF YOUR TIRES RUB.THERE WILL BE BARE METAL ON THE FRAME IN FRONT & BEHIND THE WHEEL.IF THE MEATL IS CLEAN ITs BEACAUSE THE TIRES ARE CONSTANTLY RUBBING.IF THERE IS SOME RUST ON THE EXPOSED METAL .THEN TIRES PROBABLY DONT RUB THAT OFTEN.THEY COULD ALSO BE RUBBING ON THE PLASTIC GAURD THAT ATTACHES TO THE FENDER.AGAIN CHECK DIRECTLY IN FRONT & BEHIND THE WHEEL.

 

I'm using the original 245/55/16 all around and they rub bad too. How can it be fixed? by using smaller tires like 235 or even 225's?

Thanks.

 

These cars all do that. It's because the suspension is designed to hold the tires in the proper attitude for cornering at speed, and sacrifices optimum geometry at low speeds and very sharp cornering.

They all rub too; mostly on the "frame" to the rear of the struts, and on the end of the sway bar; and sometimes on the very outer corner of the front fender. Again, not much you can do about it; pretty normal, and not harmful.

It doesn't mean there's something wrong with your car.

 

Man, thanks a lot! That brings some peace to my soul

I aligned it about a month ago and it all feels good but that rub, now I understand it's normal. Thanks again.