Hello all,

As some of you may know, I've finally picked up the set of 18" Volks and finally installed them today. I was running 19s before. My steering wheel feels a lot lighter...It feels as if it's not "planted" like before. Before the steering wheel felt a little bit heavier. Why is this? Is this because the tires are now smaller? The steering wheel feels a little bit "loose" i guess you can say.

Before I was running 225/35/19 in the front
265/30/19 in the rear on Nitto Tires

Now I'm running 225/40/18 in the front and 245/40/18 in the rear. Now I'm using Falken Tires.

Is there something wrong with my car?

 

i would assume the decrease in rim weights on each side made steering wheel light.

since our power steering is electronical control, i always wondered if there was a way to make it so that it wasnt as sensitive/powerful ti stiffen up our wheels electronically!

 

I used to own an e46 M3, and with the 19s on there, the steering wheel felt really stiff. Which was a good thing. I like that feeling, now with the 18s on there, it feels soo loosen up, maybe I just need to get use to it....?

Does anyone else have any suggestions?

 

what kind of falkens

 

Put the 19s back on... lol. But really, just give yourself some time to adjust to the new feel and you will be fine. As the other poster stated, the decrease in weight could translate to a lighter steering feel. Also, the decreased width of your rear tire could change your handling and steering characteristics. If I were you, I would run a wider tire in the rear anyway... and a different profile too.

 

another thing that will come into play if all the tires are brand new and inflated correctly the steering wheel should feel lighter aswell .

I wouldn't freak out or take the car to a mechanic, just give it sometime and you wont even notice it anymore