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Subaru Outback/Legacy Tires and Wheels

124 messages,  Last post on Feb 23, 2012 at 5:42 PM

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What is this discussion about? Subaru Legacy, Subaru Outback, Tires, Wheels, Wagon

Messages Page 11 of 13

#95 of 124 another tire question by steve_ HOST

Aug 11, 2010 (9:42 pm)

Can I put 215/70R15s on my '97 Outback Limited on the stock wheels?
 
Stock is 205/70R15.
 
The tire size calculators indicate that the sidewall and circumference aren't much different. You'd think they'd be the same since the first number indicates section width but go figure.
 
My all-seasons are getting older and I can score a deal on some almost new Yokos. But I may want to stick with a skinnier tire for my snowboard trips -- maybe I won't notice the half inch extra (ok, .393 inch wider).
 
thanks, Steve, visiting host

#96 of 124 Re: another tire question [steve_] by dcm61

Aug 12, 2010 (5:15 am)

Replying to: steve_ (Aug 11, 2010 9:42 pm)
Can I put 215/70R15s on my '97 Outback Limited on the stock wheels?
  
Stock is 205/70R15.
 
215/70 may rub the rear struts. IIRC, there is very little clearance between the tire and rear strut w/ the stock 205/70. It's basically YMMV since the same size tire can vary across manufacturers.
 
P.S. Pretty sure it's OK to put 215/70 on the stock wheels.

#97 of 124 Re: another tire question [steve_] by xwesx

Aug 12, 2010 (9:50 am)

Replying to: steve_ (Aug 11, 2010 9:42 pm)
Steve, the first number indicates the section width, but the second number is a percentage of the width. So, 70% of 205 is less than 70% of 215.... 26.29921" (total diameter) versus 26.85039" to be (nearly) exact. That results in about a quarter inch greater radius, which should not be a problem.
 
I agree that it is *possible* that the strut towers might rub, but the increased width is less than 0.2" on each side of the rim, so there is a good chance you will have sufficient clearance. You should probably measure the current clearance to verify that, though!
 
I also agree that the tire will fit on the rims themselves with no problem. Even a 225 would fit just fine on the rims.

#98 of 124 Re: another tire question [xwesx] by steve_ HOST

Aug 13, 2010 (9:28 pm)

Replying to: xwesx (Aug 12, 2010 9:50 am)
Ah, thanks for the explanation of the width percentage. I wondered what the deal was there.
 
Yeah, not much clearance in the wheel wells. It iced up bad the one trip I did with studs.
 

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#99 of 124 What all terrain tires are best for a 2005 Subaru Legacy Outback wagon? by monalea

Oct 16, 2010 (11:46 am)

Hi there! We bought a 2005 outback wagon, and wish to know what replacement tires would be best for all terrain? Our daughter is a senior now, and will take this, her car, off to college here in Colorado! We don't want to buy separate snow tires, so just wondering what all terrain tires to buy: 225 60 R16.
 
My husband and neighbors love the TOYO open country A/T tires, but I only see the size 225 70R16 in these. Will this work?
Thanks for any help!

#100 of 124 Re: tires [dougb10] by gizzer777

Oct 16, 2010 (1:45 pm)

Replying to: dougb10 (Aug 11, 2007 4:53 am)
.I purchased a VERY cherry 2008 Outback 2.5i, last year, loaded, (live in Reno Nevada) and part of the deal was new tires (AFTER settling on the price!)., and he also had the battery replaced + pollen filter, after I was going to "walk" (only had 21000 miles on the odo last year!) BTW: I would not have walked at that price for that car!!! It was also certified and still under factory warranty!!!
 
I really like the OB and this is my 1st Subaru!!
 
. Anyway they put on a set of H rated 17" FUZION all season radials. They have an aggressive tread, but are really quiet on the road....Not bad in the snow either! They give a very smooth ride, especially for a "cheap" tire"!
 
My tire dealer told me they are "back door Firestones") and they seem to be wearing very well at factory recommended PSI, especially for a "cheap tire" (under $100 each) w/o mounting and balancing or tax. He buys them from Tirerack when he gets calls for them, which apparently have been increasing.
 
So far I would recommend them for all season! I have also heard good things about Hancock brand" if one is not out to spend a bunch of Moolah!
JMHO.

#101 of 124 Re: What all terrain tires are best for a 2005 Subaru Legacy Outback wagon? [monalea] by somainer

Oct 17, 2010 (7:13 pm)

Replying to: monalea (Oct 16, 2010 11:46 am)
Re the best tires for a 2005 Subaru Outback Wagon, I posted a question like this when we first bought out 2005 Subaru Outback Wagon about 3 + years ago. We live in Maine and have pretty hairy driving conditions. We're using the Pirelli Centurato P5 225 60R16 and have been very pleased. The key is also to ensure your daughter knows that if there's a reason to replace a tire, Subaru urges all 4 tires be replaced at the same time once there's any real wear, or it may affect the AWD system. You might also check whether a slightly narrower tire (such as a 215) can fit, since this may work better in snow. Good luck.

#102 of 124 Re: What all terrain tires are best for a 2005 Subaru Legacy Outback wagon? [monalea] by xwesx

Oct 18, 2010 (1:10 pm)

Replying to: monalea (Oct 16, 2010 11:46 am)
The trick with tire sizes is to know that the first number (225) is the section/tread width, and the second number (60) is the sidewall height as a ratio of the section width. So, 225*0.60 = 135mm. The second tire you listed is the same width, but the section height is 70%, or 225*.70 =157.5 mm. That's close to 7% larger (greater diameter) than the stock tire and it's going to be too large.
 
Going with a narrower tire is not a bad idea at all (such as a 215 as was suggested above). A 215/65R16 is as close to an exact match as you're going to find, and that size will fit the stock rim no problem.
 
I use this same size tire on my '10 Forester with some Goodyear Ultra Grip Ice (winter, not all-season) tires, and they're simply unstoppable - really fantastic tires for ice, snow, mud, etc. The stock size on that car is 225/55R17 - of course, I use a 16" rim for the winter tires!
 
Here's a link to an easy-to-use tire calculator: http://www.miata.net/garage/tirecalc.html
 
In general, keep any alternate tire size to within 3% of the stock size and you should be fine. I wouldn't go wider (such as 235) than stock.

#103 of 124 Re: What all terrain tires are best for a 2005 Subaru Legacy Outback wagon? [somainer] by monalea

Nov 05, 2010 (5:48 pm)

Replying to: somainer (Oct 17, 2010 7:13 pm)
Thank you so much for your help! I will definately check into it now. It is time!

#104 of 124 Re: What all terrain tires are best for a 2005 Subaru Legacy Outback wagon? [xwesx] by monalea

Nov 05, 2010 (5:50 pm)

Replying to: xwesx (Oct 18, 2010 1:10 pm)
Thank you so much for your help. It was quite comprehensive and I appreciate you taking the time. We are looking now!

Messages Page 11 of 13

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