Subaru Forester Owners Forum banner

Wheel aftermarket issues/noise?

1452 Views 5 Replies 5 Participants Last post by  jdac85
OK, I know I can probably get an answer from a Subaru tech at the dealer, but that is 90 miles away and I'm just asking for some opinions in the meantime. Have been told that stock wheels have a 44mm offset. Put on some aftermarket wheels and they are 2.5 lbs lighter per wheel than stock and have a 35mm offset. Would this contribute to more road noise? As in previous posts, I'm having issues with road noise. Just don't like it. I know it's not a Lexus, but I'm just sensitive. (maybe too much?):frown2:
1 - 6 of 6 Posts
I doubt changing the wheels and keeping the same tires would change the road noise at all.
the tires are going to determine the amount of road noise not the wheels. Are you running the stock tires?
the tires are going to determine the amount of road noise not the wheels. Are you running the stock tires?
Yes, the Geolanders. Didn't notice the road noise so much with the stock wheels and tires. But when I changed to Michelins and after market wheels at the same time, that is when the road noise became more noticeable. Took back the Michelins.
Yes, the Geolanders. Didn't notice the road noise so much with the stock wheels and tires. But when I changed to Michelins and after market wheels at the same time, that is when the road noise became more noticeable. Took back the Michelins.
Yes the Michelins were your problem for sure. Michelins are known to last a long time. But it is only because it is an extremely hard tire. All season Michelins sacrifice all performance areas for longer life. That is fine but it is not the best option as you found out.
Could be wind noice as well. If the outer edge of the wheel/tire pokes out past the fender, more wind (higher velocity air) crosses over the face of the wheel and can increase wind noise. This is why basically all OEM fitment of wheels and tires are inside the fender, actually one of the main reasons fenders exist is to reduce wind noice. Also why many electric cars have fancy (quiet / smooth faced) wheels.

This however this would depend greatly on the amount of “poke” present and the face design of the wheel.

All that said, and as it is with most automotive performance questions, it all comes down to tires. A tire designed to be guiet will always have less road noise then a hard A/S or winter tire as well as a super soft track tire. I have found that the Toyo versado noirs I have are a well balanced tire in terms of performance across all categories. No apreable increas in road noise whe I went to method 503s with the above mentioned Toyos
1 - 6 of 6 Posts
Top