Alloy Wheel Upgrade

[SteveB6404]

I have just fitted a set of genuine Ford 17" alloys onto my 2013 1.0 Ecoboost Fiesta which originally had 15" alloys, the wheels look fantastic, however I instantly could hear much more road noise especially from the rear axle, I appreciate the 17" have lower profile tyres, they don't catch on the arch and there's no problem on full turn but I am concerned that my new alloys don't fit my car. Can anyone please advise me if the rubbling noise is something to be concerned over.

[BigLen]

Hi, 

They look great and there's nothing atall to worry about; 

Two factors which need addressing here and only one is essential, 

It is essential that you take the car to your local tyre shop and have the tracking alignment done, this can cost anything up to 50 pounds and is generally done by appointment, it's purpose is to ensure the full surface of the tyre is in contact with the surface of the road, 

This will also save you money on replacing tyres; because if it's not tracked correctly as is current state since changing to bigger wheels; then the inside area of your rear wheels will wear down faster than the rest of the wheel surface which is clearly uneven wear and premature expiration of the tyre, 

The second factor is; it needs to be lowered as the existing arch gap is huge and reducing your street credit massively; I suggest fitting a set of ford approved Eibach lowering springs which will reduce the ride height by 25mm and look way better aswell as making the drive more stable, predicate and fun also won't scrape on ramps, I say ford approved as ford can provide and fit there sold by ford aswell as eBay but there cheapest on fordpartsuk.com or eBay. 

Here's pumaspeed but shop around, aslong as you choose the Eibach kit for your model year and engine then it's all the same kit. Link: https://pumaspeed.co.uk/product-Focus-Ecoboost-Eibach-Pro-Kit-Lowering-Springs-Pre-Facelift_16604.jsp 

Different set for petrol and diesel models as diesel are heavier, 

If lowering you will need to get tracking alignment done afterwards; so if planning to lower within the next three to four months then I would hold off on the tracking alignment until two weeks after lowering; otherwise you will need to do it twice, 

And I say two weeks after lowering; because after lowering; it takes time for the springs to bed in correctly, 

My focus is lowered six years now on Eibach lowering springs and it's still going great and alot of fun.

[robbyvrs]

The excessive tyre noise could be down to the tyres - budget tyres are usually noisier and worn tyres get noisier

What tyres are fitted?

[BigLen]

I recommend Avon Zv5 great grip and low noise also check pressure and consider tyre pressure sensors as low profile tyres have reinforced side walls; you could have a flat but not see it until the tyre is shredded down the road. 

[robbyvrs]

Standard fitment on 17" and 18" alloys for Fiestas are Michelin PS4 - nice quiet tyre and grippy

[statts]

Hi

Mine has got Continental PremiumContact 5/6 on the front and the same but 2s on the back. There is a little bit of noise coming from them but no more than my dads car which is a Dodge Caliber with 215/60 r17? with the same make of tyre on it.

Just one word of warning with the 17" rims STAY AWAY FROM KERBS AT ALL COSTS!!!!! Even if you look at a kerb you will hit it and mark the wheels, I know this from experience!!!!

Hope this helps

[Bobr]

One thing that everyone has missed.   Don't forget to tell your insurance company.

[MarksST]

22 hours ago, BigLen said:

Hi, 

They look great and there's nothing atall to worry about; 

Two factors which need addressing here and only one is essential, 

It is essential that you take the car to your local tyre shop and have the tracking alignment done, this can cost anything up to 50 pounds and is generally done by appointment, it's purpose is to ensure the full surface of the tyre is in contact with the surface of the road, 

This will also save you money on replacing tyres; because if it's not tracked correctly as is current state since changing to bigger wheels; then the inside area of your rear wheels will wear down faster than the rest of the wheel surface which is clearly uneven wear and premature expiration of the tyre, 

The second factor is; it needs to be lowered as the existing arch gap is huge and reducing your street credit massively; I suggest fitting a set of ford approved eibach lowering springs which will reduce the ride height by 25mm and look way better aswell as making the drive more stable, predicate and fun also won't scrape on ramps, I say ford approved as ford can provide and fit there sold by ford aswell as eBay but there cheapest on fordpartsuk.com or eBay. 

Here's pumaspeed but shop around, aslong as you choose the eibach kit for your model year and engine then it's all the same kit. Link: https://pumaspeed.co.uk/product-Focus-Ecoboost-Eibach-Pro-Kit-Lowering-Springs-Pre-Facelift_16604.jsp 

Different set for petrol and diesel models as diesel are heavier, 

If lowering you will need to get tracking alignment done afterwards; so if planning to lower within the next three to four months then I would hold off on the tracking alignment until two weeks after lowering; otherwise you will need to do it twice, 

And I say two weeks after lowering; because after lowering; it takes time for the springs to bed in correctly, 

My focus is lowered six years now on eibach lowering springs and it's still going great and alot of fun.

Why would new wheels affect the tracking?

[MarksST]

21 hours ago, FiestaForever said:

Silly question but do you have the spigot rings inside the alloy centre section. This could also throw the wheels out of balance.

Genuine alloys wouldn’t  need spigot rings, the centre bore is the same.

[BigLen]

1 hour ago, MarksST said:

Why would new wheels affect the tracking?

From experience fitting bigger wheels which are generally also wider than smaller rims, causes the centre of the wheel in contact with the road to be put out; causing increased wear on the inner surface compared to the rest of the tyre surface, as result alignment is required for optimum tyre wear. 

[TomsFocus]

The tyres aren't just low profile, they're also XL (extra load) which means much firmer sidewalls which also causes noise.  As long as there's no actual rubbing on the arches then it's not a fault.

On a slightly different note, you should fit steering rack limiters when fitting 17s, otherwise you may find the front wheels catch on full lock.  Some people never use full lock so don't bother, others have to drive multi-storey car parks every day so need them.

[williamweb]

30 minutes ago, TomsFocus said:

The tyres aren't just low profile, they're also XL (extra load) which means much firmer sidewalls which also causes noise.  As long as there's no actual rubbing on the arches then it's not a fault.

On a slightly different note, you should fit steering rack limiters when fitting 17s, otherwise you may find the front wheels catch on full lock.  Some people never use full lock so don't bother, others have to drive multi-storey car parks every day so need them.

I agree with your comment on steering rack limiters👍

[DAN@ADRIAN FLUX]

Hi.

If anyone ever needs any help with insurance for a change of wheels then please feel free to drop me a line.

Regards,

Dan.

[Tommolufc]

On 1/31/2021 at 9:17 PM, SteveB6404 said:

I have just fitted a set of genuine Ford 17" alloys onto my 2013 1.0 Ecoboost Fiesta which originally had 15" Alloys, the wheels look fantastic, however I instantly could hear much more road noise especially from the rear axle, I appreciate the 17" have lower profile tyres, they don't catch on the arch and there's no problem on full turn but I am concerned that my new alloys don't fit my car. Can anyone please advise me if the rubbling noise is something to be concerned over.

Hi all I’m also looking at doing this firstly have you had any problems noticed this post was awhile ago.. 

also can you fit 17 inch wheels to the 1.0 eco boost engine / model. 
most fiestas with the 17inch allloys are the zetec s or st line models so more BHP surely must be a reason ??? 

[TomsFocus]

31 minutes ago, Tommolufc said:

also can you fit 17 inch wheels to the 1.0 eco boost engine / model. 
most fiestas with the 17inch allloys are the zetec s or st line models so more BHP surely must be a reason ??? 

ST Line still has the same 1.0 engine with either 100, 125 or 140bhp. 

The bigger wheels are for looks only (sacrificing some performance, economy and comfort).  You can fit them with any engine.

[Tommolufc]

19 hours ago, TomsFocus said:

ST Line still has the same 1.0 engine with either 100, 125 or 140bhp. 

The bigger wheels are for looks only (sacrificing some performance, economy and comfort).  You can fit them with any engine.

Thanks for the quick reply ! 
tbh I dunno weather to put the 17s on my car ecoboost 1.0 not sure Bhp guessing the lowest ? When I type in to tyre places my reg it doesn’t even give the opinion for the 17inch wheels and tyres. Where other fiestas do ?

not sure if it’s worth the hassle getting the alloys refurb and tyres for like u say a harsher ride worst fuel and performance let’s b Honest it hasn’t got any performance to spare it it noticed? 
asked afew people but most of the posts are years old 😞

[Ian Lanc]

On 2/1/2021 at 9:34 AM, Bobr said:

One thing that everyone has missed.   Don't forget to tell your insurance company.

Some years ago a good friend of mine had the Escort MK3 Ghia, whilst visiting a scrap yard he came across a white RS Turbo which still had the wheels fitted, he had to have them and changed his original wheels for the alloys at the scrapyard, his car looked well and indeed he told his insurance company what wheels are now fitted, some six months on he went to his car only to see his car sat on bricks, he phoned the police and notified his insurance company, being fully comp' he knew the theft of wheels was in the policy.

His car was on bricks for a week, but then a Ford dealership pulled up outside his house and said they've got new wheels & tyres to fit to his car, my friend was dead happy about it, right up until he saw the first wheel being fitted, it was the normal flashy steel Ghia wheel with the chrome parts, he went mad telling them to ''STOP'' chap who was fitting them said this is what the contract shows on his paperwork.......Four complete new Ford Ghia steel wheelset with chrome trim.

He wasn't a happy guy that day and his insurance company wouldn't budge, even though he'd got it in writing about the Ford alloys being fitted.

[TomsFocus]

2 hours ago, Tommolufc said:

Thanks for the quick reply ! 
tbh I dunno weather to put the 17s on my car ecoboost 1.0 not sure Bhp guessing the lowest ? When I type in to tyre places my reg it doesn’t even give the opinion for the 17inch wheels and tyres. Where other fiestas do ?

not sure if it’s worth the hassle getting the alloys refurb and tyres for like u say a harsher ride worst fuel and performance let’s b Honest it hasn’t got any performance to spare it it noticed? 
asked afew people but most of the posts are years old 😞

The BHP should be written on the sticker in your drivers door.  If not, send me the reg number and I'll check.

Personally I'd say there are plenty of good looking 16's for the Fiesta which might be a better compromise.

[Eric Bloodaxe]

On 11/29/2023 at 12:08 PM, Tommolufc said:

also can you fit 17 inch wheels to the 1.0 eco boost engine / model. 
most fiestas with the 17inch allloys are the zetec s or st line models so more BHP surely must be a reason ??? 

Firstly, have to make the obvious comment that a 2013 Ecoboost is due a cambelt change - have you had this done? 

In 2013 only the ST got 17s as standard, the Zetec S was on 16s, with 17s an option on much of the range.

I've had Fiestas on 15, 16, 17 and 18" and provided you have good quality tyres** there's not a huge amount of difference in terms of outright grip, the lower profiles may give slightly better response at the expense of ride and are more susceptible to "tramlining" and pothole damage, kerbing etc. 

So an expensive exercise mainly for looks, unless the larger diameter are needed to clear uprated  brakes with larger discs and calipers.

(** You do see cars with tasty looking alloys where they've fitted one of those cheap brands of tyre you've never heard of and probably ended up with worse grip and steering than they started with!)

 

[unofix]

5 hours ago, Eric Bloodaxe said:

Firstly, have to make the obvious comment that a 2013 Ecoboost is due a cambelt change - have you had this done? 

Are you taking bets on this ? 🤣