225/50R17 on 05 LE ~ Not working right?

[witxp]

Hi everyone,

Did a search but couldnt find an answer.

Currently have 225/50R17 on 17x7 rims on my 05 Camry LE, but it feels unsafe. Steering pulls sometimes, but I think it's due the road; however it doesn't happen on the highway. Also steering takes more effort than before. I'm afraid it will cause my steering rack to fail???

The stock steels 205/65R15 do no pull on uneven road surface and does not feel jumpie when switching lanes at high speeds.

Should I drop down to 205/50R17? Would the 205's make the ride safer? I plan to only switch out the fronts and leave the rear alone.

[touringcamry]

You have wider and probably stickier tires than before which is the cause of increased steering effort. If you upsized the wheels and went with cast aftermarket wheels, you probably increased the weight also which could also be a factor.

I'm not sure what you mean by unsafe. That's not very descriptive.

[Tobeit]

I think he means if the stronger effort to steer will cause premature wear out. I think it will fine and will not have any issues as long as he can accept the tougher steering he as to do (assume their are no other fit issues with that wheel set). But one important note: I would be absolutely against putting 205's on the front only and keep the 225's in the back.

[witxp]

Sorry for being vague. What I meant by being unsafe is sometimes the car would pull to the right pretty hard and I have to correct it. I also get a sudden bounce feeling when I switch lanes at high speeds. Its uncomfortable to feel like the car isn't staying on the ground.

So would going to 205's be the answer to my problem?
So I should change all four tires to 205/50R17, but how come sometimes I hear about cars with wider tires in the rear or is that for rear wheel drive only?

[jermyjerm]

sounds like a tire pressure issue.check tire pressure wth a dial guage.sounds like more than torque steer.

[Eyekutr]

What kind of tires do you have and what kind of treadlife is left.....sounds like cheap tires that may be worn down....

[witxp]

sounds like a tire pressure issue.check tire pressure wth a dial guage.sounds like more than torque steer.

I ran with 29, 33, and 35 and they all do the same.

What kind of tires do you have and what kind of treadlife is left.....sounds like cheap tires that may be worn down....

The tires are brand new Falken Ziex 912. I've put around less than 1000 miles so far.

[isaiah58]

I used to run wider/higher tires on the back then on the front. Old school cars, but for example 50 series on the back and lower profile 60's on the front. Some people would argue that the angle it creats can cause handling problems. I had a rear wheel drive and it made it handle better. Anyone know how this would affect this car?

[ScrooYoo]

try getting your wheels balanced and see if it still pulls. When I put the same size tires on my 03 i was experiencing a little bit of pull and some vibration when i reached high speeds. The place that installed my tires didnt balance the wheels properly. I got the wheels balanced + did an alignment and the pull & vibration went away.

[2k4CamThrilla]

Get an alignment. If your dealer is good as mine have a tech drive in the car with you.