Scraping sound in front wheel wells in tight turns

[mzobian]

I have a 2024 I4 with touring suspension and Goodyear tires, and I hear and feel scraping/clunking when I'm slowly doing a really tight turn in a driveway or parking lot. It seems to come from the front (not sure I feel it in the steering), and is likely a tire(s), though I see no obstruction nor no scrape marks (yet). At speed during normal driving, it never occurs. Does anyone else notice this with their Emira? Is the turning radius a little too tight? Is the rear differential binding up?

 

[miggzy]

If you live in the north east it’s just the tires that rub against the ground because of the cold weather. I have the same setup as you except I have sport suspension, but I had the same problem this week when the temps outside were around 30 degrees F.

 

[mzobian]

If you live in the north east it’s just the tires that rub against the ground because of the cold weather. I have the same setup as you except I have sport suspension, but I had the same problem this week when the temps outside were around 30 degrees F.

Wow, I do live in the Northeast US and you're right, wasn't doing that when I first bought the car two weeks ago. Just noticed it during this recent cold snap. Thought the GY tires were a bit more 'all season', but sure sounds plausible. Thank you!

 

[miggzy]

Wow, I do live in the Northeast US and you're right, wasn't doing that when I first bought the car two weeks ago. Just noticed it during this recent cold snap. Thought the GY tires were a bit more 'all season', but sure sounds plausible. Thank you!

Btw I would consider getting all season tires if you’re driving them this winter. I just put mine away for the cold. The GY tires are not that reliable in freezing temps. There’s not much grip when accelerating fast. Drive safe!

 

[sbproducer]

I have a 2024 I4 with touring suspension and Goodyear tires, and I hear and feel scraping/clunking when I'm slowly doing a really tight turn in a driveway or parking lot. It seems to come from the front (not sure I feel it in the steering), and is likely a tire(s), though I see no obstruction nor no scrape marks (yet). At speed during normal driving, it never occurs. Does anyone else notice this with their Emira? Is the turning radius a little too tight? Is the rear differential binding up?

Before I dropped, I had absolutely no rubbing even at full lock tight U-turns. After the drop, I do get some rubbing during tight U-turns and strange wiggle type movement when taking corners sometimes... probably have to make some adjustments at some point.

 

[Russc]

I`ve felt the same when starting in very cold weather. Guessed it was the Ackerman effect and the tyres being harder because of the weather. Also a I4, in the UK.

Didn`t think about it more until your post so i`m happy that it`s not just me.

Checked good old google and apparently it can be a "thing"


"The Ackermann effect is more noticeable in cold weather because the rubber in summer or performance tires stiffens significantly at low temperatures, leading to a skipping or juddering sensation at low speeds and sharp turning angles.

Explanation of the Phenomenon

• Ackermann Steering Geometry: Most vehicles incorporate Ackermann steering geometry, a design where the inside front wheel turns at a sharper angle than the outside wheel during a turn. This ensures both front wheels follow a common center point, preventing "tire scrub" during normal driving conditions.
• The "Effect" (Juddering): In modern cars with wide, low-profile performance tires (especially with specific suspension setups and sometimes AWD or limited-slip differentials), this geometry can cause an issue at full or near-full steering lock at slow speeds.
• Role of Cold Weather: When temperatures drop (generally below 7°C or 45°F), the soft rubber compound of summer tires hardens and becomes less flexible. This makes it difficult for the tire tread blocks to flex and slide smoothly as they naturally would when warm. Instead, the stiff rubber grips the road surface and then "slips" or "skips" noisily, which is felt as a juddering through the steering wheel. "