major rim/wheel problem

[hendrix016]

i just installed 17 inch american racing wheels but the car drasticly pulls to the right and sometimes makes a grinding noise only on the left front side tho, so i took them off and put my stock 16s back on, no pulling or grinding so it cant b an allignment problem.. right? what should i do, the rims are used... off my uncles corvette could it b a tire problem

thanks jon
2000 trans am

[Philo]

Here is what I would do:

First, make sure the American Racing wheels are approved for your car by American Racing. A phone call will tell you. By approved, I mean they will fit properly and tighten up correctly with the lug nuts.

Put the 17" front wheels back on. Jack the front of the car up by placing small jacks under each A-arm. Raise it just off the ground so the tires will turn. Check for out of round/wobbles when you turn each wheel by hand. If they seem ok, check the tires for out of round/wobbles while turning each wheel by hand. If you have this situation, it should be very easy to see.

Next, because the tires/wheels are probably larger, have someone assist you, turn each wheel by hand and have your assistant turn the steering wheel as far as it will go in both directions, looking/listening for sounds that tell you the tires are hitting the undercarrage or fenders. My assumption here is that when it was making the noise you were driving normally, not compressing the suspension with dips or bumps.

If you don't find anything, but still want to use the wheels, I suggest you get to a tire dealer, have them throw the 17" wheels on, give it a drive and then let them solve it.