Toyota Avalon Tires and Wheels
My AVY has the 16-inch Michelin tires on alloy wheels. Yesterday, I increased the tire pressure to 33 psi from the factory recommended 32. However, there is a noticeable improvement (smile!) in handling but ride quality has degraded to a rather harsh and noisy experience.
I read something in the owners manual about cold tire pressure which can be very different from normal tire pressure.
My question: -- since I inflated the tires to 33 psi after about 10 miles of driving, would that raise the tire temperature to such a level that the true tire pressure is really much higher than 33 psi reading? If it's higher, how much higher? And why such a severe degradation of riding comfort?
I read something in the owners manual about cold tire pressure which can be very different from normal tire pressure.
My question: -- since I inflated the tires to 33 psi after about 10 miles of driving, would that raise the tire temperature to such a level that the true tire pressure is really much higher than 33 psi reading? If it's higher, how much higher? And why such a severe degradation of riding comfort?
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So how is the ride with such highly inflated tires? Did you compare the 35 psi to the manufacurer recommended 32? Are you in the snow belt, if so how is the driving characterics in moderate to heavy snow?
Regarding remarks above. I flip snow tires on its own wheels and rotate tires at most oil changes, every 5K. Disagree somewhat with comments above. More important at 5K intervals, than to change air filter once a year, although this is done too. 5hp ain't going to make or break an Avalon. See what happens to the 3.3L and if the available increase in torque makes the car better prepared to climb hills without downshifting. That, in my opinion(not the gospel) is where it is needed, not at 4000RPM, which is attained once and awhile while passing. Rather, the question is how many of you take the AValon past 4000RPM more than once a day??? Then how important is the hp versus torque?? Not much I bet.
Relatively, easy fix for the steering column. Mine did the same in cold weather. Dealership that cares can deal with it. Use of lubricant spray at bottomof column where it comes closeto the floor, at joint, is I believe where they addressed it. No more noise.
"Feed the forum"
abfisch
"We are now filling tires with pure NITROGEN and not just compressed air (78% nitrogen). Your tires will last longer, hold air better, steel wheels won't rust and you can check the pressure every 90 days because the tires won't deflate slowly. Even the ride quality is better......etc. The cost is $7.50 per tire for a "lifetime" of free nitrogen refills if they ever leak or get a flat."
In 40 years of driving, THIS is truly a new one on me. So, to all those who read and post on these boards:
1. Have anyone ever tried this?
2. Does it make a difference?
3. Is it worth the price?
All comments and suggestions are welcome....
Nitrogen leaks out at about one third the rate of regular air so tires hold inflation longer. In theory this can mean better tread life and better mpg if one does not regularly check tire pressure.
The advantages are more stable tire pressure, slower pressure loss, and less internal oxidation. From a safety point of view nitrogen is inert and does not burn.
Chances are one will not notice any difference in normal driving if nitrogen is used instead of regular air. The amount of increased tire life will most like be very small, if any. Having to go to a specific place every now and then to add nitrogen costs time and money (fuel as well as wear and tear). Probably not cost effective, especially if you place a value on your time.
To gain the full benefit of nitrogen the regular air must be removed and the nitrogen must be very dry.
I've seen a lot of impressive diagnostics here. Maybe someone can help me. Bought a used 96 XLS about 19months back. Have driven it from 62k to 110k miles, almost all highway. Now on 3rd set of tires! I get it aligned, but within a couple months I notice a feel like tire "rubbing" down the road. Just aligned again friday and notice the car drifting to right very slightly when putting power to wheels, not when coasting downhill. Tire center rotated right tire (directional)again. Still drifting. Does anyone have any thoughts or experience with similar problem? Thx.
There are no adjustments for caster or camber as the car came from Toyota. These (mostly camber) determine pulling. The only adjustment is toe and that can effect tire wear, but not pulling. Too much or too little and tires wear faster, You can tell by rubbing your hand across the tire tread. If the tread feels sharp in one direction only an adjustment is needed.
Suggestion: If you usually drive alone consider having alignment checked with you in the driver's seat.
Comment. If one front tire is bigger than than the other (one has more tread wear) the car will tend to drift towards the side with the smaller tire during acceleration or heavy braking.
abfisch
If you have replaced the tires, and it still hums, then you know it is not the tires. Not sure who "check it out" but I would bet it is something that goes round and round, and most likely the ball joint or similar.
abfisch
Thanks for that correction. My bad.
abfisch
Is that a misprint, 190,000 miles? I dive my 2000 XLS every day and yesterday I reached 40,000 miles with a tire change at 37K miles. Otherwise, no problems (knock on wood).
100,000. It's worth the expense. Keeps the car feeling solid and new. Liked it so much boughht a 2003 XLS with 50,000 miles in December for $21K + tax.
Thanks members for the heads-up on the tire pressures!
The Toyota Dealer reset it one time, assume they disconnected the battery, but I still have problem. Any ideas as how to fix?
Ummmm, Sandy, my guess is that you can expect 34,000 miles if you rotate 'em; 17,000 miles if not. What do you think, bud?
Groza
coming from right rear tire area. It's only when I run over a bump and never when I am
on a level surface. Sounds like a bottle rolling or like a loose window pane, but I've
check for that. Any ideas as to problem?
coming from right rear tire area. It's only when I run over a bump and never when I am
on a level surface. Sounds like a bottle rolling or like a loose window pane, but I've
check for that. Any ideas as to problem? "
Have you had the wheel bearing(s) checked? Are the struts original or been a long time since replaced?
MikeS.
Thanks
replaced. One mechanic said it might be some part that has worn down that is
on the back wheels. Don't know what it part it is but he was trying to order them
through Toyota. Must not be one stocked.
I have an '05 Limited, and it is not Bluetooth savvy. I have a Motorola V710 Bluetooth phone and added an aftermarket Motorola Bluetooth Hands Free Kit. About $300 with installation. Inobtrusive, and it works fine.
Bakeroid
MikeS.
Other issue is front rotors. Recently have felt a slight vibration on light braking. Dealer tells me that the front rotors and pads need to be replaced, but they will do it on warranty. Anyone else with experience with rotors going so soon?
Thanks
Ken
As for the rotors, I have not heard problems that early with a Toyota. I had purchased a Dodge product brand new and within the first 5000 miles there was vibration in the steering and brake pedal. I took back to the dealer and they said I need to replace the pads and the rotors needed to be turned and not replaced. No charge because it was under warranty. After that I didn't have any problems. It is very possible to have issues with brakes with only a few thousand miles. But definitely take them up on replacing under warranty. I don't think you really need to worry about it too much. Only if it seriously happens again that I may ask if there is a problem. And again, I honestly not heard about typical brake problems with Toyotas. However, in a competitive market of cars, trying to keep costs down and needing to make some sacrifices maybe the parts are not as high quality as they once were. Just an observation and side note. Good luck on your vehicle and hope you have a good experience and not a negative one.
I have the slight vibration but mine is a 2001. I think its time for new rotors and pads
I had already put struts on at about 100,000. Now have 209,000. As matter of infor-
mation, I also had to put ball joints not long ago after I heard a loud noise in the rear
of the car.
Thank you
I have Bridgestone Turanza LS-V on my new 2005 Avalon but disappointingly the LS-V is NOT as good a tire as the LS-H. It is quiet but harder riding and has been difficult to balance. The LS-H is much softer riding and less expensive. You don't need the V-rated tire on your Avalon. Don't get any other Bridgestone other than the Turanza LS series if you are looking for a smooth and quiet ride. The new Turanza EL400 is a very noisy tire, even though Bridgestone promotes it otherwise, and so are other Bridgestone models. Read the reviews on http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?tireMake=Bridgestone&tireModel=Turanza+LS-H&partnu- - - - - m=065HR5TLS&vehicleSearch=false&fromCompare1=yes&place=4
Bridgestone offer a 30 day ride guarantee. I am confident you won't be disappointed. Tip: Bridgestone corporate stores sometimes have a "hidden" offer - 4 tires for the price of 3, but you have to know about it and ask for it. I'm not sure which regions are still running the promotion but it is worth a try...
Alternatively the new Goodyear Assurance Comfortred has good reviews by Camry owners for being quiet and smooth, but I have not had first hand experience.
A final note on Michelins: They are engineered to be light and conserve energy. Most vehicles will use less gas running the MXV4 Energy series, but they are expensive and tend to be noisy - depending on model. The newest MXV4 model is the MXV4 S8 which is standard on some of the new Avalon grades.
I can make some recommendations, but these are not the gospel. Others may give a different and important real world assessment. I have 4 sets of 4 rims for my Avalon 02. Long story. Consumer Reports last year had an excellent article comparing tires on the same cars, both a Honda and BMW. They further broke it down in two catergories, and then a decision matrix spaning dry traction, wet traction, cornering, dry braking, wet braking, noise and snow traction I believe.
Let me preface the rest, by telling you that we are in Northern NY state and run winter tires, so snow traction is not important in an AS tire. I do remember there were three outstanding tires, but I picked the Falken Ziex ZE512(??). Not sure of the number now. There also was a Bridgestone Turanza LH, and I believe a Michelin. Better get the article though, cause my memory is getting bad. All were good and come in OUR size. The Falken were much more inexpensive, and run quite sporty in handling although they have a distinctive whine secondary to the tread design I believe. The wet weather traction is particularly a standout. The car never hydroplanes at even high speeds. They are made in Japan.
I do believe the 16" wheels are 32PSI while the 15" wheels are 31PSI per the Toyota manual.
abfisch
I am not a fan of Goodyear or Michelin, as I find comparable tires much less experience or the aforementioned overpriced. However, that being said, they sound like a good tire, especially for those who like it whisper quiet.
How much were they and what size?? That would be welcome info for all of us.
abfisch
I forgot to mention another unique (?) feature of both these tires. They come with a permanent gloss on the sidewall, so they always look clean and relatively attractive (are tires supposed to be attractive?). I'm always favorably impressed when I compare their appearance with most other tires.
Abfisch, you may have already told us, but what is your "summer" tire?
The new tires started shimmying immediately. After 4 rotations and rebalancing of the tires, and after talking with NTB management, the problems still exists.
The manager of the store where I bought the tires said that the problem is inherent in the Avalon. He says the Michelin tires were excellent at masking the problem. He says nothing is wrong with my new tires, which he said were perfectly balanced. It sounds like a bunch of crap to me. I am asking if any Avalon owners have had similar experiences Could there be a problem with the suspension, like struts, sway bars, etc ?? I am at a loss and would appreciate a suggestion. Thanks.
Norman
If the shimmy existed on the Michelin MXV4's and is still there with the new Yokohamas then the tires are not the problem. Are the tire pressures at Toyota factory spec? (31-32psi). Too high or too low pressure can cause a vibration. Were the lug nuts tightened to factory spec torque of 76 ft lbs? If they were overtightened they can cause a wheel vibration, and eventually warp your brake rotors.
Did you have your rims checked out to make sure they are running true? Try replacing the front right wheel with the spare wheel. Road test. If the shimmy is still there, replace original front right wheel and switch the spare to the front left. Road test. If the shimmy has gone, then it was the wheel you just took off. You could have your wheels balanced using a Hunter GSP 9700 Roadforce which will check your wheels too, but it doesn't sound like wheel balance is the issue.
Otherwise time to visit your unfriendly Toyota dealer to check out the suspension for wear or damage.