I just installed a new set of sumitomo's (stock size) up front to replace my worn advans. I still have the stock tires in the back because they have fairly good tread on them. With my new tires I got a 4 wheel alignment. Now when I am on the highway going about 70-80 I have a vibration in the steering wheel that happens in a long interval. You would think if it was the tires that the vibration would be fast as you are going at a high rate of speed but it is not. This is the best I can descripe it.

You would think it would go ugh, ugh, ugh, ugh

But it goes ugh..........ugh...........ugh............ugh..... .........

LOL That is the only way I can explain it.

 

Sounds like you have a flat spot.

 

Would getting rear tires solve this problem?

 

how much difference in tire diameter? The owners manual warns against haveing a difference in tire diameter. Maybe you are getting something funky from the drivetrain.

 

I would try having the tires rebalanced.

 

They are exactly the same size tires 235/45/17

The only difference is the rear tires are warn and the fronts are brand new other then that they are exactly the same size tire...

 

I have the same dam type of vibration, had the tires balanced twice, still there Maybe bent wheel?

 

Everything was fine until I got these new tires installed. Not to mention they scratched the **** out of my rims.

 

The owners manual recommends frequent tire rotation to avoid ANY difference in rolling diameter. You get what you pay for with advice on message boards. I'm just brainstorming on what could cause the problem you are discribing.

The same size tire from different brands can have signifigant variation in rolling diameter. Also, rotate the tires front to rear and see what happens to the problem.

 

Yah but it's not like I have an 18" rim in the rear and 17" in the front. We are talking the same exact size tire... Yes different manufacturers have different specs. But is the rotational diameter of a warn tire that much different then the rotational diameter of a new tire?

 

check it and see, I'm kinda wondering myself. Make a mark on the front and rear tire at the ground. Roll the car one wheel revolution and compair where the marks end up.


You try rotating the tires yet?

 

Many times when I first drive off I have just a slight bump, bump, but this is after my car sits awhile in the hot sun. I am on my third set right now.

First was the advant
Second was the e100 series yokohama (yuck)
Now I have the Bridgestone s03 pole position (good stuff so far)

I rotate my tires with no excuse every time I change my oil. And if you buy new tires, I would always buy all new tires. This car is high maintenance and you have to treat it as such. Dont take chances on a 30k car, esecially if you plan on keeping it for awhile, dish out the money for the extra and check into selling your tires to a local shop. You would be suprised at what you might get for them.

My question is, how did your front tires wear out so quickly with the back ones having a lot of tread. How often do you rotate them. Like I said, this is the third set for me, and I have not had that tread wear problem.

 

Get it high speed balanced with hidden balance weights. I changed my tires and it does the same. It comes and goes at various high speed. I got them balanced twice but Costco don't have a high speed tire balancers. I'm going ask if they have the hidden balance weights instead of the tap weights that go on the the lip of the rims.

 

But are they the exact same size as the worn rear tires? I don't think so. Even 1% - 2% difference in rolling diameters is enough to mess with the center diff and the gear lash in the drive train.

Do your transfer case a favor and buy a set of tires for the rear.

 

you might have warped rotors.

ben