Iv got the same problem mate..

Look..

http://forums.mg-rover.org/showthread.php?t=481040

I lowered mine 30mm on AVO lowering springs and after like 2000 miles its ruined my tyres.. Its because I didnt get it tracked up after lowering it :lol:

By the way 205/45/17 is the standard size for 17"

What do you mean gap between the tyres and suspension guard? Do you mean the bottom of the susension strut??

Thats always close, but it never touches..

If it does.. Youve got problems :lol:

Lower it 30mm, stick on 215/40/17 tyres and get the tracking done afterwards and it will be spot on!

 

Yeah I'd need to check size to be sure.. haha

Cheers.. its getting 4-wheel laser tracking on Friday so can see what they say.

And yeah I think I probably mean the strut.. will take a look at your post

Cheers

 

The bottom cup on the strut (below the spring) is fixed in length as it is solid to that point.

 

As Stu says. The movement in the suspension is in the spring above the point that you're speaking about. You sure your friend is a mechanic? :S

Changing wheel size won't make the gap bigger. As the wheel gets smaller, the profile of the tyre gets bigger. So the wheel + tyre = the same circumference.

Doesn't sound like you need 4 wheel alignments, but it can't hurt. Most likely just basic tracking, which would cost £20 maybe .