Hyundai Azera Tires and Wheels

steds54

I took my '06 Azera (30,000 miles on clock) to our local NTB dealer yesterday , and expressed my concerns about the pick-up truck, off-road tire-like noise, and, after running his hands over a tire or two, announced that I didn't have a tire problem, even though you could FEEL abnormal wear. He said my STRUTS were the cause of the tire-wear, which led to the noise, and he would be happy to replace them with KYB's for a ball-park figure of $1200.00. Needless to say, in the words of Queen Victoria, "We were not impressed" ! Any thoughts out there, Gentlemen ?

Oh, I almost forgot....I was told that replacing struts was to be expected at 30,000, and other new cars require the same thing....

A quick internet search determined that KYB's for all four corners could be had for about $300-$350, so this would have me looking at a labor cost of about $850 to $900.

Maybe I'm living back in the 50's again, but I think THAT labor estimate was a complete hose job!

airforcechief

Thanks for the info. I'm waiting on my cracked dash (on order) to be replaced under warranty before I explore new tires for my 2008. The strut issue seems to be shared by many. I had my struts checked by the dealer (at least I asked for an entire front check and bounce test on the struts), and I was told all was okay and that I needed new tires. Like others, I have my wheels routinely rotated, tire pressure checked, and aligned and I have the cupping issue.

richardcot

That is way to much for strut replacement. I had mine done for about $400.00 for labor. I think the struts on 06 and 07 azera wear out far quicker than 30000 miles. More like about 300 miles. My struts have been shot for more than 20000 miles and my tires are wearing evenly with no excess wear. Try looking at how your tires are worn and see if they are wearing unevenly. You may just need an alignment.

cobrazera

We have over 40K miles on our '06 Azera. We have absolutely atrocious roads around here and our struts are still OK. They were never great, but I detect very little change from new. Sounds like someone is attempting a major ripoff.

Many Azera owners have replaced their struts in an attempt to get rid of the "clunk". I don't recall anyone on these boards stating that new struts have proven to be a longterm solution to the Azera suspension problem.

If you're still running the original Michelins, get some new tires. We replaced our Michelins a few months ago even though they still had lots of tread left. Our winter changeover tires were quieter than the Michelins. Now that the new Cooper CS4s have broken in, they've become even more quiet. Ride is much better, too. Clunk still there, tho.

3gencat

I bought an 06 with 20,000 miles back in 08. Had a lot of road noise from OEM tires, but they had never been rotated by original leasee. I drove them to 40,000 miles, then replaced with Altimax HPs. Road noise and handling increased significantly. At about 65,000 miles, I started experiencing road noise again (rotated tires every 5000-6000 miles). A local alignment shop said struts are weak and need to be replaced. Total cost for new Monroe strusts and alignment is about $550. Local dealership said cost of new struts, before labor, was about $290. I would buy the Altimax again, but these still have lots of tread left so will replace both struts and tires at same time, if I can stand the noise.

I know there have been lots of issues with suspension, but I would have others look at suspension before I spend that kind of $$$$ on struts.

airforcechief

I think the issue is with the struts too, but my dealer in Waldorf MD said the struts were good. I'll plan to get the tires replaced soon, but I'm interested in how the replaced shocks work for you and others.

penzfan1

I have 51k on my 06 Azera with original struts that perform great. I noticed my OEM Michelins getting loud @ 30k and replaced them with a set of Yoko AS530's that I still have now @ 51k. Very quiet and over 50% tread remaining.

oskidunker1

They still look great and make no noise. I have been rotating every 7k. I am hoping I may have finally found a tire that will last on this car. Will update after rotation. Normally by 25 k I have to replace tires due to noise and unevern wear. I have not been check pressure as frequently as I used to as I tend to get wear in the middle. Just going to let the tire shop do it when they rotate. 32psi may be a little too much.

airforcechief

I have the 17 inch tires (2008 Azera Limited) and am looking for Yoko tires. Please let me know what brands you tried so I can steer clear of them. I know about the Michelin's; they're on my car.

Thanks

penzfan1

The Yoko AS 530's are great tires

airforcechief

AS 530s not available for my car; recommended Yokohama tire is AVID ENVigor. My tire size 235 55 17 V. I wonder if the ENVigor will be as good as the AS 530s on the Azera.

penzfan1

Hmmm. I've got 235 55 17 AS 530's on my 06 Azera and they look great

cobrazera

Try another source - someone else may carry it, or perhaps your store can order the size you need even tho they don't stock it. Had the same problem with tires for my other car.

airforcechief

Will do. Tried Yoko website and TireRack

jamazera

u can always go a few mm's wider......keep the 55 wall aspect

cobrazera

Going wider and keeping the same aspect ratio will result in a taller tire that will make the speedometer read wrong. I don't know where you live, but if you ever drive in snow, the last thing you want is a wider tire.
There are many options for good tires in the very popular 235/55-17 size. We are quite pleased with the Cooper CS4 tires that replaced our OEM Michelins. Many other good tires are mentioned on this blog. It appears that just about anything is better than the OEM tires. Our Michelins still had lots of tread left, but we could no longer stand the rough ride and noise.

penzfan1

cobra, never heard of a wider tire resulting in a taller tire. if you go from a 55 aspect to a 65 aspect the tire will be taller, but a wider 55 aspect tire will usuallybe the same height as a narrower 55 aspect tire. peace

cobrazera

To compute the height of any tire, multiply the section width by the aspect ratio ( as a percentage ) times 2. The result is in millimeters. Divide by 25.4 to convert to inches, and add the wheel diameter - that's the height. For a 235/55-17, standard Azera Limited tire:

235 x .55 x 2 = 258.5mm, divide by 25.4 = 10.177 inches + 17" wheel, gives a height of 27.177". Tire Rack lists a 235/55-17 as 27.2"

Now that you're bored to death, keep the aspect ratio and wheel diameter the same, and increase the section width and the answer ( height ) will increase.

Tire Rack lists a 245/55-17 as having a height of 27.6"

jamazera

speedo error not significant with these differences

cobrazera

Speedo difference of 1-2 MPH at 70MPH...but since the 235/55-17 is a lot of tire to start with, IMO, there's no reason to get a larger size which would cost more, weigh more, and reduce acceleration due to the added weight and the effectively taller gearing.

penzfan1

cool. thanks for the lesson

jamazera

weight diff is not significant, cost is same or less , acceleration may be better with larger contact patch on the road......are u more concerened with acceleration (drag racer) or fuel economy (taller gearing) get some of the extra weight you're hauling around in the trunk out and avoid "jack rabbit starts" enjoy the better handling and smoother ride of the wider tires....

cobrazera

Here's an article from C&D magazine concerning larger and heavier wheel and tire assemblies.

http://www.caranddriver.com/features/effects-of-upsized-wheels-and-tires-tested

Please note acceleration and fuel economy are reduced as tire sizes go up...comparing prices at TireRack, larger tires of the same brand and model almost always cost more unless there's a sale going on....transient handling response is poorer with a taller sidewall. Isn't America great: we're all free to have a preference and buy what we like.

jamazera

key take away here is "extremely low profile tires and heavy aftermarket wheels" I don't think this is an issue with OEM or similar replacement tires that the original thread dealt with

manohar

My 2007 Azera now with 145,000 miles has developed a jerky shifting problem (automatic shift). It occurs after highway driving and slowing down at a tollgate, without coming to a halt (EZ pass gate). Upon acceleration there is a moderately serious jerk in shifting from gear 3 to gear 4.

Dealer service people did not detect any faults and reset the defaults in shift-values. the problem did not go away.

any suggestions you have are very welcome!

manohar

airforcechief

I had my Yoko AS530s installed. I found them at Merchants (was told that the AS530 were made for Merchants and affiliates, like tires are made for SAMs or COSTCO. The Yoko Avid Envigor and is what comes up at the Yoko site for the Azera; this tire is similar to the AS530 and is available at Mr Tire. However, the AS530 has slightly better specs. So far, so good. The ride is smooth and the noise is gone. Thanks for the advice.

penzfan

Bought my AS530's @ Tire Kingdom 3 years ago for my '06 Azera and they are GREAT tires.

oskidunker1

I have noticed Discount tires direct has some rebate offers which expire in about a week. I would imagine they don't want to give rebates once the winter tire buying starts. fyi. My altimax hp have about 34,000 nut the inner edge is bald so I may replace them now and save $50.00. Tires direct has 4 Altimax hp's for about $500 with free shipping and the rebates.

garym1j

On some 2007-2011 Hyundai Azeras produced between Dec 1, 2007 and December 31, 2010
According to a letter received yesterday, November 20, 2013 from Hyundai Motor Company in
CA. Problem: Stop light switch in some vehicles may malfunction resulting in intermittent operations. The NHTSA Campaign Number is 13V-113. The letter listed my Vin Number. The goes on to stat that owners go to www.HyundaiUSA.com/Campaign110, insert their VIN number to verify that their vehicle is affected by this recall.

3gencat

Just replaces tires for a second time. 1st replacement was Altimax HPs. They were a decent tire for the price and lasted 62,000 miles. Had some wear/noise issues after about 35,000, but that was corrected by new KYB struts and new upper control arms that got very noisy in the winter. I would recommend these tires again for the price.

I wanted to find something that might provide better handling. After reading and hearing some good things about Goodyear Eagle Sport, I decided to try them (never been a big Goodyear fan exempt for Wranglers). Total cost was about $800. I only have a few hundred miles on them, but they have improved grip on both dry and wet conditions (will report back on snow this winter). Ride and noise level is about the same as when Alimaxes were new. My only concern at this time is tread life as warranty is 50,000 on Eagle vs. 55,000 on Alimax, but tread ware rating is higher at 560 compared to 440, so we will see.