Stock tires rubbing contral arm?

reardiff · August 13, 2018

Anyone here have issues with STOCK tires/wheels rubbing the UCA? I was rotating the tires yesterday and noticed what pretty clearly looked to be like tire rub marks on the UCA. This seems odd considering everything is completely stock with no modifications. Anyone else notice this ever? This is with a 2017 with the stamped steel control arms.

I didn't think to get any pictures but next time I have the wheel off I'll snap a few pics. Not sure what else this could be.

Edited August 13, 2018 by reardiff

ray2005 · August 13, 2018

Do you have 18" or 20" wheels? I have a 1.5" level and it rubs pretty good on the control arms, I didn't pay attention to whether it did before the level.

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johnnykinsler43 · August 13, 2018

Anyone here have issues with STOCK tires/wheels rubbing the UCA? I was rotating the tires yesterday and noticed what pretty clearly looked to be like tire rub marks on the UCA. This seems odd considering everything is completely stock with no modifications. Anyone else notice this ever? This is with a 2017 with the stamped steel control arms.

I didn't think to get any pictures but next time I have the wheel off I'll snap a few pics. Not sure what else this could be.

Johnny01: I had this problem on my 2016 chevy Silverado 1500 after I installed a 2.5" leveling kit. But not before. I ended up installing Borla wheel spacers to solve the issue.

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reardiff · August 13, 2018

Stock 20 inch wheels with 275/55/20 stock tires, no level or any other modifications. Just seems really odd being it's 100% bone stock truck. It's been since April since it has been in for an oil change and last time the wheels were off so seems unlikely it could be anything else. Now I am very hesitant to go up to a 275/60/20 with a 2 inch level if it rubs already I'm guessing it will even then but worse.

SierraBear · August 13, 2018

Stock 20 inch wheels with 275/55/20 stock tires, no level or any other modifications. Just seems really odd being it's 100% bone stock truck. It's been since April since it has been in for an oil change and last time the wheels were off so seems unlikely it could be anything else. Now I am very hesitant to go up to a 275/60/20 with a 2 inch level if it rubs already I'm guessing it will even then but worse.

I have r65's on a 2014 sierra 1500 and the 2.5 lift kit. Barley rubs when the wheels are cranked all the way.

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Largely Unknown · August 13, 2018

1 hour ago, reardiff said:

Stock 20 inch wheels with 275/55/20 stock tires, no level or any other modifications. Just seems really odd being it's 100% bone stock truck. It's been since April since it has been in for an oil change and last time the wheels were off so seems unlikely it could be anything else. Now I am very hesitant to go up to a 275/60/20 with a 2 inch level if it rubs already I'm guessing it will even then but worse.

I have then same wheels/tires on my 2017. I installed a RC 2" level and began to experience UCA rubbing at full lock and plus it rode like shat (stiff on the front). So, I removed the level. The level kit helped at some kids' sporting events I had to go to, where there's never enough parking, and allowed me to park up on the curb side along with all the other trucks. However, this is my DD so I just decided out of practicality to put it back and keep it stock for now. I'm getting great gas mileage and its a comfortable ride.

Botmzup · October 25, 2019

Yes, the stock 2018 chevy and gmc models that I have checked (5) have slight rub marks on the UCA and the sway bar. I noticed before I put my level kit. now of course it rubs a bit more.

reardiff · October 25, 2019

Curious why it would rub more with a level kit, one would think that would make it rub less? I wonder if replacement UCA's would be any different?

Taildragger · April 1, 2020

I went to replace the standard stock tires on my 2018 GMC Sierra yesterday after 42,000 miles. Yup, guess what, I too have rubbing on both sides. Put original tires back on and drove to GMC dealership where I purchased the vehicle. Service shop wanted to blame it on my alignment being out when looking at the tire tread was pretty even. He wanted to charge me $100 to re-align the truck. I told him the only way I would pay for alignment was if it corrected the issue...... tire rubbing on the upper A frame. I said; " you align the front end and if the tires do not touch afterwards..... I pay and problem fixed. However, if tire is still rubbing I'm not paying". He declined.

I left and found my salesman in his office. He was floored that his Service manager did not take my offer to pay if the problem was fixed! Salesman agreed to pay for the alignment to determine if it actually would fix the issue. After re-alignment......... tires still rubbing.

They (GMC) are negligent in design and not wanting to fix their design flaw. Now, I have to purchase new tires ($1100-$1200) that will run the inside of there tire........ dangerous!

Is there any litigation going???

OH Bear · April 13, 2020

Yup, my '17 with 20" factory wheels and tires rubbed on the UCA. I just put a 1.5" leveling kit on, don't know if it will make it worse or not. If it becomes a problem, I will look into spacers.

steve76t · April 15, 2020

with a level kit, tire rub will increase ever so slightly. Especially if you go with a wider tire. For me I did a 2" level kit and changed to 285/55r20 tires. This change did increase the tire rub on the upper control arms slightly over stock. 1 1/2" wheel spacers fixed that right up & stance is so much nicer now.

Waffle34 · April 16, 2020

anyone have a 17" work truck rim to see how it rubs with a leveling kit? Now you guys want to make me look at my 18 haha. I never hear anything weird when turning even full lock...

Waffle34 · April 17, 2020

checked my 18 today, stock 18" rims and tires with a ZONE 2.25" leveling kit. pics are at full lock and both sides are equal. Looks like it has plenty of space but maybe at full lock it comes close - its a bit over 1/2" space-3/4"

dont mind the dirt

johnboy105 · April 17, 2020

On 4/15/2020 at 5:33 PM, steve76t said:

with a level kit, tire rub will increase ever so slightly. Especially if you go with a wider tire. For me I did a 2" level kit and changed to 285/55r20 tires. This change did increase the tire rub on the upper control arms slightly over stock. 1 1/2" wheel spacers fixed that right up & stance is so much nicer now.

I've got 2.25" level up front, and 275/60/20's now and i'm rubbing the UCA's as well, and looking at wheel spacers - Steve, what brand of spacers did you get?