Would 205x55x16s cause ABS issues?
 

After reading all the info on these threads, I was getting ready to go ahead and replace my tires with 205x55x16s, but the guy at my local Kauffman recommended that I stick with the OEM size, claiming that the wider tires could cause the ABS light to go off, if not right away, sometime down the line when the tires have worn some. Is there any truth to this or is the guy just covering his a$$? I have the stock steel 16" rims and I'm not planning to get new wheels.

I don't know a lot about brakes and ABS, but I can't come up with any reason a different size tire (or wheel) could cause the ABS light to go off.

I think that ABS measures each wheel's speed and compares them against each other. If that is the case, then as long as the sizes are the same, it wouldn't matter what size you have.

No, it's not going to cause issue. The only thing that you'll see with a different overall diameter than stock is speedometer accuracy.

Use this tool to tell you exactly how off it will be.
http://www.miata.net/garage/tirecalc.html

Thanks for the replies, that's what I thought, but I wanted to confirm. I'm going to go ahead with the 205/55s.

i know im reviving a thread here but it goes with my current issue. would 205/40/16 make the abs light come on? its like a 10% from oem size, so im just checking before i look into my wires and sensors.

Old thread, but NO: As long as you use the same size tire on both sides (which it'd be kinda crazy not to do anyway) it will not mess with your ABS no matter what size it is.

I use 205 60 16's, a lot of people use 205 55 16's, and I've seen a lot of people move to 17 or even 18 inch rims. The important points are:
- Don't get something big enough to rub
- If you get new rims, make sure the offset is right so you don't hit the brakes
- As mentioned above, be aware of what effect it will have on your speedometer

I am about 5 months late but just for future reference.
Most abs systems have a "gear" on the axel. A sensor checks the gap between the teeth on the "gear". Lets say you lock up, the gear wont be moving and abs would see that and kick in
So long story short, rim size does not affect abs.
Now i havnt axtually looked at the xD abs system as i just got mine but i would assume it is the same.

-kaname

He is correct I have 215/35/18 zr on my rs2 and no problems The cool thing about these sizes is you can put a stock rim with the stock 15 and ther the same tire higth so i don't have to correct my speedo