Tapping from the rear after installing aftermarket rims

[bladerunner]

I recently tried putting on fifteen52’s tarmac evo rims in 17x7.5 et35 on my 1993 400e on a squared setup on 225x45x17. while the fronts seem fine I noticed that the rears had a cylindrical tapping noise and I quickly parked the car to see what the problem was. I read online that in similar cases the provided lug bolts were too long and hit the dust shield and required to be shortned/buy shorter lugs. I’m wondering if a 3mm spacer can solve this problem?

Super Touring Tarmac EVO - Speed Silver | Fifteen52 | Cast Wheels

Tarmac EVO is a classic six spoke wheel that builds upon the original Tarmac design language. This silver wheel is currently available in 17", 18" and 19" with bolt patterns such as: 4x100, 4x108, 5x100, 5x108, 5x112, 5x114.3 and 5x120. Also available in our White and Gold color options.

fifteen52.com

wheel attached - I ordered off tirerack and the b27 lugs and required hub rings came with the rims.

 

[bladerunner]

Want to add that the provided lug bolts look exactly like these: https://ebay.io/m/CfxIgQ

 

[gsxr]

I recently tried putting on fifteen52’s tarmac evo rims in 17x7.5 et35 on my 1993 400e on a squared setup on 225x45x17. while the fronts seem fine I noticed that the rears had a cylindrical tapping noise and I quickly parked the car to see what the problem was. I read online that in similar cases the provided lug bolts were too long and hit the dust shield and required to be shortned/buy shorter lugs. I’m wondering if a 3mm spacer can solve this problem?

It does sound like bolts may be a hair too long for the rear hub, and are touching the parking brake internals. Measure the bolt protrusion by holding a bolt in place and using a vernier caliper (if possible) to see how far the bolt sticks out the back of the wheel. A bit more info is in this thread.

For a 400E with stock rear brakes and 4.5mm rotor hat, I believe up to about 18-19mm protrusion should be ok, but protrusion of ~20mm or more may cause the noise you are hearing. If the bolts are way too long the wheel won't turn (or, will damage the parking brake internals if you try to drive the car). (On a 500E, or rear brakes with 6.5mm thick rotor hat, the protrusion can be up to about ~20mm due to the thicker hat.)

If this is what you are dealing with - then yes, a 3mm spacer may cure the problem, but ONLY as long as there is enough of the hub left to center the wheel. This is critical... if the wheel isn't being solidly located by the center, you'll have vibration problems even with a perfectly balanced wheel/tire.

Another option is to grind down the lug bolts by 1-2mm which should be plenty to cure the interference. This only affects the rear wheels, btw... long bolts don't cause any problems up front.

 

[gsxr]

Want to add that the provided lug bolts look exactly like these: https://ebay.io/m/CfxIgQ

That eBay ad is funny... those bolts are neither Genuine MB, nor ball seat!! They also don't appear to be NOS either.