Pontiac Grand Prix Tires and Wheels

rayjaygxp

I was wondering if anyone else has pitting on the inside of the rim as a result of the road salt. I clean my wheels once a week (even if I can't wash my entire car due to wet weather) primarily because of the substantial brake dust. After the first snow storm, I noticed areas on the inside of the rim that I just can't get clean and it is slightly pitted holding in the brake dust. I use Westly's Bleach White and have also used Meguires Hot Rims. Neither one do the trick and I am reluctant to try anything harsher so that I don't make a bigger and uglier mess. I have a call into the dealer to see what they recommend. Some call me fastidious, but I like a nice clean wheel.

303hp

I have not used the stock rims in the winter since I bought new winter rims and winter tires for the gxp.
I bought the "American racing" (casino)18" rims they are even more open then stock rims and also collect a fair bit of brake dust. I just take a power washer to them and that keeps the dust/dirt down. It is not perfect by any means but it does help.
I have been looking on this site and cant believe that people will pay this much for a car and then try and cheap out with rubber, slide into a curb once or another car and you just paid for your tires. Then there is always the insurance factor that goes up when you have a crash.
Besides, the tires that come with the car are summer tires, not all season which is why the car slides so much. All season tires lose 30 % of their grip on dry pavement at -10c /14F so forget the part about snow added on.

chats1

I have driven my 2006 GXP in the snow with the original tires and have had no problem whatsoever. I have not slided into any curbs or other cars. The car performed superbly. Also, if you go into the GM website and click on Canada, these tires are considered
All Season Performance (same exact tires), but nothing is specified on the Pontiac.com website other than the tire sizes. Also, GM said that they should have specified on the tire that they are All Season Performance; they admitted it was a mistake not specifying this. Perhaps, it is the driver in the snow!!

rmozol

I couldn't seem to find anything that might have caused the "clanging" noise underneath, but I did find something else. The LF inner wheel is LOADED with grease, like it flung off from somewhere. It used to have a little on it, and I figured since this car sat a few months, it just dripped down. Today, while washing the brake dust off of the inner wheel, I found a LOT more than used to be there. I'll pull the wheel off and see if it might have just been over lubed and it's flinging off. Is there anything up front that might have grease in it and have a bad seal? Thanks.

rmozol

I looked and found a ton of grease on the inner wheel, and brake components. It's not near the rotor yet, so I'll take it in. It almost looks as though a big rubber boot over the U-joint is leaking grease when it spins. I was on the highway a few times last week, so it must have flung it all over.
As far as tire balance, they shouldn't have to settle in at all either. They should be done good initially, and maybe loose balance as the tire wears unevenly. It's possible to have a balanced tire that's out-of-round, since balance is a weight-only thing.

rmozol

I found out today that my CV joint boot has a bad clamp and was leaking since new. They'll have to order it and call me back in when it arrives. I have about 1100 miles on it now.

bubbaman999

All, what do you guys use to keep the wheels on the GXP clean? I have had mine about 2 months and there a few good scratches as well, just from driving around. Any ideas to protect and keep the wheels clean?

Thanks,
Gary

rmozol

I get those towelettes, free after rebate, at Menards. I use one on each front wheel each week, depending upon how much driving I do. Are you getting scratches from curbs, or other things?

eagle75

Anybody know where to get a set of wheel locks actually made for the GXP? My dealer installed a set of GM locks (actually McGard) but all four locks are of the short barrel type while the front wheels need long barrels because of the difference in the front and back wheels. The current front locks are recessed and just look bad. I've been to a local wheel shop-they couldn't help. Also been to McGard website--no help there, either. If I can't find the correct locks, I'll just put the factory lug nuts back on the front and take my chances.

mrmedoes

Why not just put a coat of wax on them? That will protect from more light scratching and make them easier to clean moving forward. If anything, it accentuates the mirrored finish.

bubbaman999

Not getting scratches from curbs. I think I have gotten a few good rocks off of semis on the city freeway. Just wondering if the wheels are very prone to scratches? Are others seeing better "survivability?"

Thanks,
Gary

chats1

I have one small scratch on my passenger rear wheel, I think from when the raccoon was in my tire well. My brother told me I couldn't remove it. It's about an inch long. You can only see it if you get down and look for it. Other than that I haven't seen any scratches on my other wheels. But I drive four highways each way to work and from the cars with wide wheels and trucks get little knicks on my hood but you can't really notice them unless the sun is actually shining on the hood. Also I have little chips in my windshield but really just "dots" --nothing that will expand. Also, from the road. You really can't help this and believe me I am really a fanatic with my cars and always getting the Meguiars Wax out.

Also, no vibration in my steering wheel. I have even taken my hands off the wheel while driving and it's fine.

I now have 10,700 miles on the 2006 since August. I am very happy with this car even though I complain about the hissing. Now, I don't even notice it anymore and thank goodness it goes out once I get in the car and does not affect the radio/cd performance. Tell me, what do you use to clean the exhaust pipes. My brother told me that I am going to have to always keep them clean. I wipe them all the time but see little spots. Should I use a chrome cleaner? I was told to. I just had an express wax done and get a free detailing and free loaner car from the dealer (for one of my many complaints), so I thought I would use that in August since I don't work in August. Maybe the detailing job will get the scratch on that rear wheel out. Well see.

erichthecatt

On cleaning those exhaust tips of yours, just take some of your Meguiars Wax, and some 00 steel wool. Just put pleanty of wax on the steel wool. That works great for taking water stains off the glass too.

chats1

Thanks alot. I appreciate it. Will try that.

bubbaman999

Thanks,
I have used zaino, http://www.zainostore.com/, on the car, I got a starter kit, it was expensive, it took most of a friday and saturday, but the car looked great. It really helps it keep clean after rain and dust. I hadn't thought about waxing the wheels, will give it a try. Anybody else tried the zaino stuff?

Cheers,
Gary

eagle75

I have used Zaino products for several years on several black cars. I have not found anything to beat Zaino for streak-free looks, no white residue powder, ability to last (especially ability to last).

Bill

ocmike3

Bought Zaino a couple of years back and it is number 1 in my book. I've tried a lot of car "waxes" over the last 35-40 years and Zaino is no more work, but a lot better results.
Just make sure you have a good paint job. The Zaino really improves the shine, but optically seems to magnify the flaws.( I noticed this especially on metallic paint) Looks like a coating of glass over the paint after 3/4 coats.

rmozol

I contacted McGard to try and get some longer front wheel locks for those that got them from GM. I was told that they don't make anything longer, with that thread, for that car. It's hard to grab that thing insdie the front lug hole! Oh well.......

eagle75

I got the same answer from a local wheel shop. They have longer locks, but they are for trucks and the threads won't work on the GXP. So I took my GM/McGard locks off and will take my chances. I just didn't like the look of the front wheel locks being so deep in the hole. From mmost angles it looked like a lug nut was missing.

mmstidham

I've got a line on a new set of GXP wheels and I like the way they look. My Torque star wheels have been bent by the Indiana pot holes so I need to replace them regardless. I know they will fit clearance wise but I'm not sure the bolt pattern is the same. Has anyone tried this yet? Thanks.

chats1

I have a 2006 GXP, but sorry cannot answer your question. I have no idea, but I would think no. All the engineering put into this car has to do with the the wheels/tires, etc. Could you please tell me the price of the four wheels? Are they forged alloy? Are you sure that they are genuine GXP wheels? The GXP is not your standard Grand Prix. Chats1

mmstidham

I know they are genuine because I am taking them off the car personally. It was totalled by the insurance company. They are the Chrome 5 spoke with the socket head cap screws on either side of every spoke. I'm paying $100 for the set with tires.

chats1

that's cheap because each tire runs about $250 plus because I just checked, and the wheels alone are about $1,000 each.

icantfly591

Hey im thinking about geting a new grand prix gxp. I want to put at least 3000$ into, but i dont want to waste my money, on it and only get like 10hp, i want to get at least 20, or 25hp gain's. What do you think i sould get?

gxpjoeyp

Well first if your gonna spend 3k on upgrades to the motor you will definitely get a whole lot more than 25 hp,you could probably get 25 hp by adding a cold air intake for under 500.00,maybe a chip for another 10-25 hp or throw on a supercharger for 3-4k and get up to 125 more hp,your options are not limited.smaller pulley is another choice.,but with the way the torque steer is now,huh, good luck keepin that gxp goin straight.

gxpjoeyp....2700 miles and lovin it...so far i hit 105 with a lot more to go.....

blckthree

Good luck pushing another 50 or more hp out of the GXP, the transmission and differential will be pretty much at their limits. The engine has the potential, but not without somehow increasing the strenght of the rest of the drivetrain.

Mike

rayainsw

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/CompareTireResults.jsp?search=true&pagelen=20&page- num=1&pagemark=1&startIndex=0&frontWidth=255%2F&frontRatio=45&frontDiameter=18&r- earWidth=225%2F&rearRatio=50&rearDiameter=18&width=&ratio=&diameter=&manufacture- r=Bridgestone&speed_rating=HR&speed_rating=VR&speed_rating=ZR&speed_rating=WR&sp- eed_rating=YR&RunFlat=All

chats1

I didn't think Tire Rack had these exact tires. When I looked at their website a while ago, I couldn't find them. Also, I don't think I would want tires delivered to my home. It's much easier for the dealer to get them, if needed, and mount them. I'll be sure of getting the exact tire. I know my brother gets his through Tire Rack for his 95 Impala SS. I do have their catalog.

rayainsw

"It's much easier for the dealer to get them"

Just offering info.

And Tirerack will drop ship directly to a dealer for mounting.
- Ray

chats1

Thanks for the info. Chats1

mbissonnette

Hi,
I have a GP GT 2003 (3800) - (P225 60R 16) wheels and I'd like to buy winter rims for my winter tires, therefore I could do the switch myself in the spring and the fall.

I would like to do this the right way and make sure that I do not damage my rotors (e.g. if improperly tightened), etc...

As far, what I know:
- Tighten wheel nuts in a crisscross sequence.
- Wheel torque (100 ft lb), from my car manual/guide.
- Rotation, from my car manual/guide.

Questions:
i) The work (rims switch) will occur on the ground. Should it be done when the car is elevated (hoist) ??

Reason: I read (somewhere) that it made a difference for special rims, like chrome rims.

ii) The Tires/Rims will be balanced initially, and I'd like to know if I should have them balanced every time I put them on (once a year), or for example every 2 or 3 years is good enought ??

Thanks in advance,
Mike.

mmstidham

rmozol

I just saw this post. Did you guys get your questions answered? I need some winter wheels FOR my 2006 GXP.

punchit

I'm ordering tires today for my wife's GXP. Tire Rack has a special $194 for the front tires. They currently offer Bridgestone Blizzak tires in the same (rare) combination of 255/45/18 front and 225/50/18 rear for winter driving, although most posters on this site say they drive fine with the regular (summer max performance) Bridgestone RE050A.
I'm sticking with the summer tires year round, as we live in Atlanta, and snow is rare.

rmozol

I live in WI, so I KNOW we'll get snow. I'm going to wait and see myself. I also have two Conti M&S, in the same size, that I had on the back of my Infiniti for the winter. I'll put those on if the stockers are too bad, otherwise, I'll use them for the dragstrip!

sc0rnypoo

i got a decent set of winter tires (i live in MI) but i want rims.. i will need to buy new tires in 2 years if i drive on them until then.. so i was thinkin that i buy a new set of rims and tires and change em before winter.. so i want some 18" maybe 19" black machined rims for my car but im not exactly sure how big i can go without messing with the suspenion or anything. any ideas?

rmozol

Depending how good or bad the stockers are, I'll actually go smaller for winter wheels and tires. Tire Rack shows that 17" will fit, plus, there's a LOT better tire selection, winter wise, for 17" as opposed to 18". As far as geometry, as long as you stay close to the diameter, and offset, you won't notice a thing. I'll drop down to a 215 width, so it will bite all the better. I know I'll lose some traction on dry, but in snow, it will dig a lot better.

aritzie

Sorry guys, random gal question... my manual does not specify what psi my tires should be at... They are 17inch firestones... i drive a gt... any info please email me at luvon01@yahoo.com

Ciao!

capriracer

Aritzie,

Every vehicle sold in the US has a vehicle placrad that lists the original tire size and the proper pressure for that size. The placard is usually located on a doorpost or in the glovebox.

I happen to have a book that summarizes this info by vehicle, and a 2000 Grand Prix didn't come with 17" tires, only 15" and 16". I can only assume the rims are from a later model. This changes everything and the pressure needs to be recalculated. Assuming you are using a P225/55R17's, the size the later models used, then the pressure would be 30 psi.

If the size is different, then I'll need to know what the size is.

mike189

i have a 2001 gtp special edition coupe,the special edition package comes with chrome wells,on day i noticed my car not riding like it usually does,i work for a bmw car dealer here in new jersey so i put the vehicle up in the air removed the rim ,i figured a bad tire valve,,,,,,,,,wrong the rim had corrosion on the inside of the valve seat,amazingly all four rims had damage ,i was pissed,my car is cleaner then some people houses,i never use acid to clean them ,so i called gm ,they advised me that i do have a gmpp ,xtended warranty,which covers all with no deductible,i didnt think rims would be covered,i had to bring the car to a dealer of my choice and they would send a rep to see it ,the rep couldnt believe it ,he took pictures and gave approval ,btw eac rim was $450.00 within 4 days i had new rims,my car has low mileage and is well taken care of as the rep commneted ,good thing i had the gmpp ,btw i wax the rims when i have the wheels off,it does help keeping them clean ,so if you see you start loosing air pressure in your tires ,check the rims ,according to a friend its common with chrome rims

dstettner

dstettner

I had to replact two of the Goodyear tires on my 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix after 18, 200 miles. They were rotated, balanced, and alligned. I think GM and Pontiac Division are using substandard tires. The car was driven by a middle age woman who does not abuse the vehicle. Let the buyer beware. Dan

jlego

I have a 2003 Grand Prix SE. I purchased new 70000 mile tires for the car 42000 miles ago. I have a shop do all the work needed so I was taking the car in for rotation every 6-10K miles. Recently I had some break issues (worn pads only) and while looking at them I notices the inside treads of the tires were worn down pretty good. I took the car in for another rotation and asked them to look at it. They said that the Grand Prix's and Grand Am's have a built in negative camber in the rear wheels which causes excess wear on the inside treads. I'm not one to argue much, especially when thrown a curve ball like that so I had them finish the rotation and left. Does anyone have any idea if this is true? I'm deciding if I need to go to a new tire place or if these guys are ok. :confuse:

christnsteve

Check your front tires especially if you have over 15,000 mils on the vehicle. Look for excessive wear on the inside tread. Due to the condition of my vehicle I suspect a problem with front strut bushings. I need to know of similar problems. I know of another GXP in my area and it has the same problem as mine.

dblduce

Your's isnt the only one. My 2005 just had to have the tie rod ends replaced a few months ago. I only had 16,500 miles on it, and when I got it inspected, they showed me the front passenger had the belts showing on the inside tread. They also showed me how loose the tie rods were by grabbing one of the front tires, and rocking it back and forth. After taking it to the dealer, they told me the tie rod ends were bad, and covered everything under warranty. They even paid me $290 for one of the bad front tires. At that point though, I ordered 4 new tires all around (NOT original Bridgestones) for $595, so the money the dealer paid me went towards that. That's sad that at 16,000 miles something like that would go bad. I guess thats what happens on new cars when they first come out, and dont have years and years to work out the "bugs".

msmish

Has anyone had trouble with the O2 sensors on your car? I fix one then the other goes out! What kind of nonsense is that?!

bond007mgm

I was wondering if Wheel Bearing Inc (WBI), Federal-Mogul and/or BCA/National wheel bub assemblies are good? There made in the USA and they sell cheap on ebay! I believe WBI makes hub assemblies for all those companies it says they do on their website. Any suggestions maybe on a better brand except AC Delco (there way too expensive).
Thanks

seethru231982

hello
i have a 2000 grand prix gtp.i recently put on some 20 inch chrome rims (u2 007). i did not drop or raise the car at all.the rims fit almost perfectly,a little scrub scrub in the back on speed bumps but thats about it. today i walked out of the store and noticed that my back wheels are not cambered straight. the tops of the rear tires are in farther then the bottoms looks like this /----\ . well not that bad at all but you get the idea.the front tires are cambered perfectly,so no need to worry about those. my question: is the rear camber adjustable,(factory)with out buying a camber kit? because with a camber like this i am going to go through some $150 a piece tires quick like,and i don't like that idea. any help you can give me will be great!! thanks!

clackout

I bought a 2004 gtp comp g and have just fouond that all four tires - kuhmo - have no tread and are showing belt on the inside hafl of the tires only, the outsides look great. I have only had the car for about 8months. Is this normal and does anyone know what the normal camber set up is? thanks very much
Cody

chats1

I have a 2006 GXP. I think that this car will be an expensive car to maintain. I am neither hard on brakes nor tires. I traded my 2002 40th Anniversary GTP with 51,000 miles on it and never had to replace the tires or brakes!!! I had two other GTP's before the 2002 and never replaced either brakes or tires. Well, at 23,000 I had to replace the front brake pads and rotors had to be turned, and then at 25,000 I took the car in for a general inspection and oil change, and I was shocked to find out my tie rods they said were loose and had to be replaced and my two rear tires were badly worn on the inside and cupping!!! Tire rods were under the warranty. I had to pay for the two new tires which were replaced with the exact tires originally on the car. The price they gave me for two new tires including labor, etc., was $528.11, which I thought was a good price. But I really was shocked because I am not hard on tires or brakes. Just thought I would send this little message because of reading others with the same problem. chats1

mgargan

I dont think it is normal wear... maybe for the Grand Prix it seems. I have 106,000 miles on my 20004 GTP comp G and I getting ready for my 3rd set of tires. I drive about 150 miles on the express way each day round trip to work, so not much hot rodding done on them.
I also found out today that my tie rods ends have to be replaced and my left CV joint too. I am not to impressed with the newer GP's reliability!