Quote:
Originally Posted by Chikubi
ok, so I understand what offset is, how it's measured, how it relates to the rim, but what I want to know is this -- the Fit's standard rim is 15x6 +55 offset, but the average offset for aftermarket rims is always much lower, i.e. the WedsSport SA90's on your site are a 16x7 +45. I've always been told that if you stray from the stock offset you have issues like bearing wear, torque steer, heavier steering, rubbing, etc., none of which I want. What I want to know is, how can you be using a lower offset wheel and not have these problems? Why are there no rims w/ a +55 offset like the stocks? If you go to a lower offset the centerline of the wheel is in a different place than stock, regardless of wheel width, so how does this not cause damage/handling issues? I really want to get some rims for my Fit, but not if it's going to ruin the handling, or even worse, cause damage. Can anyone clarify this for me? Thanks!
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Based on the 8 Fits we have equipped with aftermarket wheels we say 42 is the lowest offset allowed if you don't drop the Fit; 45 mm if you do.Some of these were complete wheel replacements for offsets below 42 mm. Expensive.
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The key to avoiding wheel bearing and other engineering issues is to keep the back space equal to the original. The OEM Fit alloy is 15x6 with 55 mm (2.16") offset so the back space is 6/2 + 2.16 = 3 + 2.16 = 5.16"
A 7" rim on a wheel with 42 mm (1.65") offset has a backspace of 7/2 +1.65 = 3.5 + 1.65 = 5.15" so the wheel bearings are not realy stressed out of spec limits.
The reason for the 45 mm offset when dropped is merely to avoid rubbing problems, at least for tires up to 205 section. (We think the 17x7/205x17 conversion looks best.)
There is a possible way to avoid rubbing on dropped Fits with 42 mm offset wheels by making the shocks or springs so stiff there isn't really compression of the rear suspension. The best in my opinion is using Monroe AirLift MA-811 rear shocks (see the suspension posts). Stiffer springs will have an unpleasant ride.
Good luck.