Well have a 2010 LT, 2.2L.. Got flat this morning and put the spare tire on (it is a T115/70D15). I noticed once lug nuts where on that it looked like there was still about a 1/4" gap between rim and where it should sit flush with the rear brake drum. Ive changed flat tires before but thought it didnt look right. Even with the lug nuts tight, still had a small gap between rim and drum.

 

Sounds like somebody put the wrong spare in the car.

Did it just look that way, did you try to shake it. Did the center hole fit over the center of the drum hub?

 

If the rim didn't tighten up snug against the drum, then you may have the wrong lug nuts.
Any chance you have aftermarket rims ? You or the previous owner may have replaced the stock lug nuts when new rims were put on the car.

And if the rim won't snug up to the drum, DO NOT DRIVE IT. Seriously damage or accident could occur.

 

I tried to shake it but nothing. I had no choice but to drive it to work to get tire repaired. Drove fine and didnt feel any shaking at all. I do have aftermarket rims but I still have the stock lug nuts (which I used on spare tire). Went around 4 to 5 times to get lug nuts tight enough before I drove it. Will now look for a full size spare tire. The center hole looked like it fit.

 

Sometimes the rim has a raised area where it meets the drum at each stud. This might make it look like it was spaced away from the drum, depending on where you looked.

If it really was 1/4" away, you WOULD have noticed it right away as soon as you started driving it.

Steve

 

Especially when you are chasing the wheel down the highway. However; I have driven many miles on a flat and never noticed until I hit the brakes, I have seen people obliviously driving down the interstate with 3 wheels at 65 MPH.

Final statement to St. Peter at the Pearly Gate:
"Well I had no choice but to drive it to work with only 3 wheels, I don't care that I killed a family of 4. Really, I had to get to work."

I know what you mean, just extending.

 

Full size spare won't fit in the well for the spare tire.

 

Do the aftermarket rims use a concentric ring to center them? If so it is most likely still on the hub and acting as a spacer,