Hi Scotty,
I have a 1989 Honda Civic DX Hatchback, 154k miles, automatic, 1.5L 4 cyl. Yesterday I noticed that the outside rim of my rear passenger tire is torn up all the way around and that pieces of the rubber were embedded on the car's inner fender. I noticed the same thing on the rear driver's side tire but it wasn't as bad as the passenger side. I don't notice any noises or clunks or changes while driving, but I looked up what might be causing it and read that it could be I'm cornering too hard on right turns, but I personally know I'm not hit turns like a race car driver (Haha!).
I just had the tires replaced so they're basically brand new. Also recently took the car to a Pepboy's for the new tires, they also fixed a tie rod end on the front passenger suspension and gave me an alignment too. I think the previous owner may have put some kind of suspension kit on the back to make the wheels stick out a little further from the car. Any idea what I can do? Thank you.
get a mechanic to remove the modifications
Obviously your car has been alter, somehow, and now negative results rear their ugly head.
I suspect previous owner(s) installed some incorrect suspension components, or incorrect rims, … or combination of both, since clearly, you are having an interference between your tires and the body parts as you drive, … and that just destroyed your new tires! Also, there is a possibility that your car was in accident, and was never repaired correctly. Don’t know, …
Best thing now, I suggest, is to take your car to a knowledgeable shop ( … not Pepboy's!), and have them sort it all out!
And, btw, I wouldn’t drive with those torn tires, … those need replacing!
F.S.
Thank you! The previous owner put on these hideous silver BBS wheels where the rim of the wheel sits over the edge of tire. I think the vehicle has also been in an accident too as that same side is smashed in a little, but from what I can tell the frame of the vehicle is still okay. I can tell that it's just surface damage to the tire, but I'm definitely taking the car to a Honda/Acura V-TEC Shop near me to have all the stupid suspension modifications taken off and get that tire replaced. Just another question related to this topic, would putting coilovers the lower the height of the car also do any damage like this to the tires? Or does it depend on how low the car is? Thanks again!
Depending on the manufacturer, or type of coil-overs usually have provisions for height adjustment. Some can only be adjusted at installation time. Some are adjustable once installed. Some have a dial adjustment settings. Some are pre-set. So, yes, coil-overs can lower height, rise height, … and yes, do a damage to a body if car is lowered and clearance between the tire and the body is reduced to the point of interference as car is being driven. FYI, here is an example (but not a recommendation) of suspension parts that would fit your car, and probably not caused any technical problems:
Anyway, … I would remove all the current modifications to start with and reinstall OEM or equivalent components. And be done with it!
Best,
F.S.