Tires, tires, tires

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  • jamesbass1jamesbass1 Member Posts: 75
    ruking1,

    Yeah, you're probably right, but how do they find which tire is the defective one? I only say "defective" because I don't know what else could be causing the vibration/shimmy at high speeds if the wheels are supposedly balanced and allignment is correct.
  • ruking1ruking1 Member Posts: 19,826
    Sorry I should have been a tad more technical. The Hunter 9700 is a very good static and load balancer. What the machine does is balance normally and with a load. This of course simulates real stress and it's probable attending distortions such as your vibration/ shimmy. So if you have no alignment or steering product issues, they of course would like to replace ONLY the offending left or right tire or secondarily balance it to compensate for the vibration. You on the other hand should insist on all 4 tires changed and settle for the front two possible offenders.
  • capriracercapriracer Member Posts: 907
    Just to get the right information out there:

    The Hunter GSP9700 does balance in the normal fashion, but the onther thing it does is measure loaded runout using a wheel. This is supposed to simulate the type of deflection seen as the vehicle rides down the road. In some respects this is similar to the type of measurements done in tire factories called uniformity or force variation.

    Unfortunately, the machine has some limitations which might give erroneous results. One of them is that it uses a relatively small diameter wheel, while the road suface is flat.

    What the machine is best used for is trying to figure out which tire might be the one causing the vibration. This is at least an indication of what direction to go.

    Hope this helps.
  • jamesbass1jamesbass1 Member Posts: 75
    Thanks for the replies. Now that I'm in Kansas City for a few days I'll try to go to the local Sears here and get this problem resolved. We'll see...
  • cannell3cannell3 Member Posts: 45
    Well, it looks like I am in the market for a set of tires, again, for my Accord. The oem michelins lasted 45k, the replacement (out of desperation) Yokohamas have lasted 30k. I understand about the H speed rating; but in my town selection is limited. No more yoyo's, thinking about going back to Michelin, but upgrading to the ENERGY Plus exs models at Costco for 125.00 each. I used to run Dunlop A60D2's years ago, and really liked them, but not sure that I can find any around here. My mechanic wanted to sell me Michelin Harmony's, but they are made in my size. Opinions, please? Thanks in advance!

    Chuck
  • sequoiasoonsequoiasoon Member Posts: 223
    If you can't find your choice locally, tirerack will ship direct to your mechanic and give you many choices. Costco can order almost any tire you want and the lifetime balance/rotation/flat repair is an excellent deal (especially since it's included in the price of tire, no extra $$$$) 4 cyl or V6 Accord EX? What do you need from the tires? Pure performance? Blizzard snow conditions? Monsoon rains? Run flat? 80K treadwear warranty? Help us help you. Give us some details of what you need/expect from the tire?
  • jfljfl Member Posts: 1,398
    Even though they are new, have you rotated front-to-back to determine if the vibration changes or moves?

    Jim
  • cannell3cannell3 Member Posts: 45
    Sequoiasoon, I want good gas mileage, good handling, and longetivity. I didn't like the Yokaomas to begin with; handling and mileage weren't as good as with the oem michelins. I want this set to last a long time. I live in NC, and we have some snow, but not blizzards like up north, so snow handling is not as critical to me. Thanks again for listening. My mechanic wants to sell me tires, so I don't think that he would be gung ho to install tires that I had bought elsewhere! But, that is a thought too.
  • knapp3knapp3 Member Posts: 112
    Anyone buy these tires? I'm looking at them for a Maxima. Thanks
  • jamesbass1jamesbass1 Member Posts: 75
    Went to the Kansas City Sears on Saturday to see if they could correct the vibration problem. After a test drive, the mechanic determined it was one of the rear tires. Sure enough, one of the rear tires were WAAAY out of balance. The rest of the tires were OK, except they had the wrong type of weights for my aluminum wheels. All weights were changed, tires re-balanced, test driven and everything seems OK. Hope so. Now, the wife and I are now VERY sensitive to ANY vibrations after having this trouble, but as far as I can tell the tires are all performing as they should. Thanks for everyone's help.
  • edhedh Member Posts: 246
    what kind of weights were the "wrong kind"

    were they put on by sears?
  • edhedh Member Posts: 246
    anyone bought any - sears sells them.

    sumitomo doesnot make tires - contracts with other people to make them i think
  • robr2robr2 Member Posts: 8,805
    I have Sumitomos on my Accord. IMHO they are an excellent value. I got less than 40K on the original Michelin MXV4's. I'm now pushing 36K on the Sumitomos and they will need replacement soon. But at less than 1/2 the price of the Michelins...

    YMMV
  • driftracerdriftracer Member Posts: 2,448
    the tire installer could have had the balancer set up wrong and/or could have installed tape weights in the wrong place - there are at least 3 ways to balance the typical aluminum wheel, and if the weights are installed wrong, or tape weights are used when clip-on weights should be used (depending on what type of balancing the machine is set for), you'll have significant vibrations.
  • buyer777buyer777 Member Posts: 70
    Looking for replacement tires for my 2001 Sienna.
    How are the Michelin HydroEdge for rain and snow. Northern NJ here.

    Want safe secure handling for my wife and kids.

    Thanks!
  • sandman46sandman46 Member Posts: 1,798
    Saw these tires on a used Honda Civic at the dealer while getting an oil change today. Anyone know who makes this brand of tire? It had a very aggressive tread pattern and these particular tires were unidirectional. Is there any added benefits to unidirectional tires?
    Thanks in advance for any help.

    The Sandman :-)
  • bretfrazbretfraz Member Posts: 2,021
    I love a good challenge. I'm still not sure exactly what this is but so far I think its a Bridgestone private label tire for someone.

    BRIDGESTONE SUPER GUARD ASSURETY HR W2-1602

    Don't ask me about this tire because I have no idea..... yet. If I find more info I'll post it here.
  • capriracercapriracer Member Posts: 907
    Clip on weights come in a variety of different configurations to accommodate the different flange contours that wheels have - especially alloy wheels. Get the wrong kind of weight and they don't stay on real well.

    Oh, and Sumitomo is a Japanese tire manufacturer who owned the Dunlop brand, except in the UK. Now add the US, as they sold out to Goodyear. However, I think they kept the Dunlop rights everywhere else.
  • wtd44wtd44 Member Posts: 1,208
    If you are saying that Goodyear now owns the Dunlop name usage rights in America, do you know if that will have any effect on Dunlop motorcycle tires?
  • capriracercapriracer Member Posts: 907
    Good question.

    I suspect not, since I think these tires are made in Asia somewhere.
  • jeberjeber Member Posts: 91
    I did quite a bit of research on this discussion, also other sites, and determined that Goodyear Regatta 2 would be pretty much unbeatable for the $. I appreciate the discussions here.

    Replacing all 4 tires on '01 olds silhouette minivan. Tires being replaced are not very good, finally wore 'em out (some strange off-brand made in Canada?). Goodyear has a new touring tire (Assurance?). But way more money. Considered those and Michelin Harmony, but those would've been way over my budget. So, hopefully Regatta 2's will treat me good, for around $350 with mount/balance/tax.

    After reading here that Sam's Club might have a regatta equivalent for cheaper, I considered that, but decided against it - my local Sam's, last time I had my BF Goodrich TA light truck tires balance/rotated (on Pathfinder, not van), cranked all my lugnuts on (I'm guessing with an air wrench or malfunctioning torque wrench) to probably 150 + ft lbs - I'm a strong guy and I had to get my big cheater bar on my ratchet and it was all I could do to get 'em loosened. I was not happy. If me or my wife had a flat away from home, I doubt I could've got the wheel off to put on spare (in which case, I would've come UNGLUED lol).

    Worse, they cross-threaded one, stripped the stud. They paid the 40 or so dollars for a shop to replace, but it took a couple hours of my valuable time. Could've ended up with warped front rotors, too... although they seem ok. So, word to the wise - check and double check the "discount club's" work asap.

    So, I'll stick with Discount Tire - where I've bought many, many tires over the years. They seem, overall, fairly competent.
  • alkanxalkanx Member Posts: 69
    Here is my experience with road-force balancing:
    I used to own a Nissan Pathfinder 2001, that vehicle was infested with vibration-shimmy issues. We could read about them, there were/are service bulletins to address this. Nissan technician was fairly bright fellow, he performed the service bulletin that makes some adjustment in the steering links. Remaining part of the service bulletin was to get the road-force balance. Anyhow, it did not state in the bulletin but this technician said to keep the road force reading under 10 pounds, this information apparently had come to him from Nissan Eng’g, anything over 10 would cause shimmy.

    On my Acura I had Bridgestone Turanzas size 235/45/17, these were terrible tires, I had got them re-balanced 3 different times within 1st 3k miles, and still these caused shimmy. I had a Discount Tires road force them as well, but still there was vibration. The Discount tire tech told me that the road-force numbers were over 30 pounds. He was not able to get them under that number. Anyhow, I have got Turanzas traded with new set of Michelin Pilots & had road-force’d all new Michelins. I insisted on getting the minimum road-force number on each of them. All came under 10 pounds, some were even 4 & 5, it seems a LOT better now. I have found that BMWs can take a higher road-force reading & still no vibration, whereas Japanese built cars need to be more on the low side to quiet down the steering. But then again it might not bother some people…
  • edhedh Member Posts: 246
    let us know how the regatta purchase goes.
    GY is having financial problems. some dealers heredropped them (either due to supply or quality issues).
    let us know if the tires balance OK etc
  • tireracktirerack Member Posts: 44
    The Tire Rack team is very excited to sponsor the Edmunds Tires Tires Tires Forum. We know how important a role tires, wheels, brakes and suspension play in helping us enjoy our cars and view this as a fantastic opportunity to support other driving enthusiasts. As moderator, I hope to guide the discussion by reducing inaccuracies and providing helpful information. My years of experience in the industry make me uniquely qualified for this role. I will do my best to answer questions and address concerns in the forum in a timely manner. If you are looking for an immediate response, please feel free to call our toll-free number (877-522-8473) or email me, connor@tirerack.com.
    Thank you and enjoy the forum.

    Connor at The Tire Rack
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    It's really great to have a company rep from Tire Rack here on Town Hall. Let Tidester or me know if you any help navigating around!

    Steve, Host
  • tireracktirerack Member Posts: 44
    connor@tirerack.com
    Tire & Wheel Specialist
    The Tire Rack
    877-522-8473 ext 269
  • tidestertidester Member Posts: 10,059
    Welcome aboard! Your presence here is much appreciated and our members have a wonderful opportunity to have their questions addressed authoritatively.

    tidester, host
  • stubborn1stubborn1 Member Posts: 85
    I've been doing a bit of research for replacement tires for our 2000 Grand Prix. Right now, I've narrowed it down to either the Goodyear Eagle GT or the Bridgestone Turanza LS.

    I know the Goodyear is a high performance tire versus the Bridgestone being a standard touring tire. My wife typically drives the car. The vehicle is your typical family grocery getter and I'm really not that interested in performance - I would just like long tread life and a quiet ride. The only reason I'm considering the Goodyear is from the recommendation of a friend.

    Any idea which tire would be better for my situation? Thanks for the help.
  • ldbrickerldbricker Member Posts: 140
    I have a 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer RalliArt Sportback. The stock tires are 205/50-16 Goodyear RS-A. When I replace them I'd like to go to 225/45-16. How do I find out if those will fit on the stock wheel and also confirm they won't rub? Thank you and also thank you for taking the time to join the forum and provide a valuable resource to us.
  • sandman46sandman46 Member Posts: 1,798
    I just put these on my '03 Sentra and they are in a word...amazing! I had an alignment problem with the car and I ended up wearing 2 of the tires down, and had the other 2 patched from nails we picked up on the interstate. The oem Potenza RE 92's were a performance tire, and these new Turanzas are a touring tire, which I prefer. The difference in ride is incredible in dry weather, and was quite nice in the heavy rains we had here in the beginning of the week.
    I'm quite satisfied and can really feel a difference in the way the car drives, really seems to grip the road much better!

    The Sandman :-)
  • ldbrickerldbricker Member Posts: 140
  • tidestertidester Member Posts: 10,059
    Apparently, the author(s) had second thoughts and deleted them.

    tidester, host
  • ldbrickerldbricker Member Posts: 140
    and I wanted to make sure messages weren't falling out of the computer on their way to the screen. (No, I don't really believe that can happen but thought some form of gremlin might be plaguing me.)
  • corvettecorvette Member Posts: 11,339
    Check out the specifications of the tires you are interested in and compare the allowable rim width to the width of the rims on your car. You will not get a definite answer on rubbing without finding another owner who has plus-zeroed the tires. You could lock the wheels to each side (perhaps on a lift) and visually inspect the clearances.
  • tireracktirerack Member Posts: 44
    Thank you, i appreciate the warm welcome. Hopefully i can help straighten out a few questions and help get people on the right path. If there is anyone who needs direct assistance and is in a hurry for a reply i can be reched at Connor@tirerack.com or you can always give me a call directly at 800-428-8355 X269.

    connor@tirerack.com
    Tire & Wheel Specialist
    The Tire Rack
    877-522-8473 ext 269
  • tireracktirerack Member Posts: 44
    you also need to take into consideration which model 2000 Grand prix you have. Is it an SE, GT, GTP, or GTX. The SE only requires an "S" speed rating, however, the GT, GTP, and GTX require a minimum of an "H" speed rating. General motors had placed these requirements on the different models due to the fact they are each slightly different wieght, suspesions, and speed and handling capabilities. If you do have the GT or higher model i would strongly recommend using at least the minimum requirements of an "H" speed rating. The Goodyear Eagle GT has a T or S speed rating depending on the size and the Bridgestone Turanza LS comes with an T, H, V, Z speed rating.
    Personally i would recommend the Bridgestone Turanza LS-H. this tire offers an excellent ride quality with great traction and handling.

    connor@tirerack.com
    Tire & Wheel Specialist
    The Tire Rack
    877-522-8473 ext 269
  • tireracktirerack Member Posts: 44
    The Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart comes with a 16X6.5" wheel. a 225/45/16 would need a wheel at least 7" wide to mount safely. also i am pretty sure they would end up rubbign on your fender and the frame when turned lock to lock. the over all doameter is almost identical but the 225/45/16 are about .75" wider. the widest i could recomemnd using on your lancer would be 215/50/16. this si slightly taller and wider than the stock but will fit according to Mitsubishi specifications.

    205/50/16
    Rim Width Range...... 5.50 to 7.50
    Measure Rim Width.... 6.50
    Section Width........ 8.4
    Tread Width.......... 7.6
    Overall Diameter..... 24.1
    Revs. Per Mile....... 864

    225/45/16
    Rim Width Range...... 7.00 to 8.50
    Measure Rim Width.... 7.50
    Section Width........ 9.0
    Tread Width.......... 8.4
    Overall Diameter..... 23.9
    Revs. Per Mile....... 872

    connor@tirerack.com
    Tire & Wheel Specialist
    The Tire Rack
    877-522-8473 ext 269
  • 95mushroom95mushroom Member Posts: 230
    Tirerack, I've read all the comments about the GY Eagle F1 GS-D3s. The reviews themselves are almost convincing enough for me to buy the tires. Does anyone think GY's recent quality problems would effect their top-of-the-line tire? Also has anyone here had experience with them?
  • ldbrickerldbricker Member Posts: 140
    accurate? Doesn't the suspension drop down since the weight of the car isn't compressing it? Would it not possibly clear on the lift but rub in actual use? I guess the only options are limit width to 215 or buy rims and try out the 225's. Based on tirerack's input that 215 is the limit I think the economically sensible thing is just stick with 215 and maybe go /45 to give it a slightly more aggressive look than 215/50.
  • corvettecorvette Member Posts: 11,339
    No, testing for clearance on a lift is not accurate, but may give you an idea of any potential rubbing points.
  • bigdadi118bigdadi118 Member Posts: 1,207
    Living in the NorthEast, I want to buy a good set of snow tires for '03 Mazda MPV LX 16" alloy wheels with the best bang for the bucks. Which one will you recommend? Just a plan for next snow season.

    Come with car are Dunlop P215/60R16 all season tires.
  • tireracktirerack Member Posts: 44
    The Goodyear Eagle F1 GS-D3 is an excellent tire and has more than proven itself in the performance world. Using the testing that we have done here at the tire rack as a basis i would have to say the the F1 GS-D3 is within the top two Ultra high performance tires. The other being the Bridgestoen Potenza S03 Pole Position. Personally i like the S03 better becuase it last a little longer and is quieter. most people go with the F1 GS-D3 because it is cheaper.
  • tireracktirerack Member Posts: 44
    Using a lift rack is a good way to start but it is not accurate for complete fitment information. the problem is that a lift rack will not give you an accurate live load. Most people look at there car when it is sitting in there drive way at a stand still and don't take into account the added wieght of the driver and passengers as well as all the "luggage" they bring with them. Every pound you put in a vehicle lowers it a little more. you also need to take into account how a vehicles body moves over the chassis while the car is in motion. As you go around a corner the you get whats called body roll. Body roll is when the chassis is parrallel to the ground but the body vertical plain is angled the opposite direction you are turning. when this happen you have to make sure the the tire and wheel do not come into contact with the fender or liner. there is also the occasion when you are working on higher end vehicles with electronic suspension that lower slightly at certain speed's for better handling. We do actually use an alignment rack that has been modified to pull a vehicle down while checking clearances. this is how we start our fitment process for preliminary elimination.
  • tireracktirerack Member Posts: 44
    If you wanted to stay with the stock size 215/60/16 i would recomemend the Bridgestone Blizzack WS-50 for the best overall ice and snow traction. Throughout the years of testing that we have done here at the tire rack this tire has still taken the #1 spot for overall traction.
    i would recommend dropping down to a 15" snow tire and using an economic steel wheel. the added sidewall hieght will give the tire a little more flexibility. the extra flex in the tire give the tire more time to react in wet or slippery conditions. we normally carry the steel wheels in the winter time specifically for winter packages and they usually run 36.00 each. i would still recommend using the Blizzack WS-50 in a 205/65/15. by going to a narrower tire you will have less rolling resistance in snow less rolling resistance will translate into better control while driving.
  • ldbrickerldbricker Member Posts: 140
    alignment system you do the testing on? If someone wanted to volunteer a vehicle you haven't gotten to yet and bring it to you would you test it?
  • bigdadi118bigdadi118 Member Posts: 1,207
    Connor

    I was at tirerack site and saw some 15" Alloy Wheels fit for my 03 MPV LX. What are their difference in color and size?

    color as :
    Silver painted
    Silver w/Machined Lip

    Size as :
    15x6, 15x6.5, 15x7
  • ken2ken2 Member Posts: 5
    I own a '99 Lexus RX300. I am interested in purchasing a '04 RX330 which comes with 18" performance tires. (235/55HR18). The 17" tires are standard but not available on the AWD units.

    I am not interested in performance at the expense of ride or tire mileage. Consumer Reports have had two recent articles which state that performance tires have a harsher ride, wear faster and are more subject to road hazards.

    The tires are holding up the purchase of this vehicle. Thanks for any input regarding my concern.
  • capriracercapriracer Member Posts: 907
    As a general rule, CR is right. However, I'll bet the differnce between the 17" and 18" isn't as much as you may think. You've already figured out that the car dealer is having problems resolving this and is using the tactic of "pooh,poohing" the info to get you to close the deal. And they have a point as well.
  • capriracercapriracer Member Posts: 907
    The way to do this is by taking the spring out and running the suspension up and down to discover the interference points. Usually this occurs when the suspension is fully compressed and the steering is fully turned.

    I saw one OEM who mocked up a wheel with a cardboard section of a tire taped to it. Easy to see where the potential interference points are.

    And don't forget, you need to leave some clearance as both the tire and the wheel bend in reaction to cornering forces (especially the tire).

    Hope this helps.
  • edhedh Member Posts: 246
    What is the Sumitomo company like?
    I thought I read that they did not make passenger tires, but only contracted with other companies to have the tires made.
    Sears told me they were German made (sirixon 4) someone on the forum said they were Japanese.
    What who are they?
    thanks
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