Wheels and tires

[h1h0silver]

Has anyone had problems with the factory tires? I had to utilize the tire mobility kit (TMK) last night approximately 60 miles from home and at 930 pm. didn't make it home until 1230.

Tire pressure sensor lit up. At first I couldn't figure out which one w/o pressure gauge. Rode to the next shopping location and was able to determine which one, estimated 20 psi. Did quick shop and came out, est. 10psi. Luckily gas station 3 stores down. Pulled up to air service, sent wife in for change and then I deployed the TMK. Fearing the use of the fixaflat, I only used the compressor and smartly decided against using the station's service air (which may contain water, if worked at all).

Pumped to 35psi no problem, can't find leak. 6-10 miles later, TPMS light. Finally decide to use the TMK. Started it up and the hole was on the bottom and blew 90% of the sealant out...great. Kept pressing up to 35psi every 6-10 miles and driving 55-60 mph.

Finally get to location with superb lighting. Using the brake inspection mirror located with the TMK I finally found the leak. A 1 inch jagged crack on the inside shoulder of pass. rear tire (laterally between tread). No nail, screw, foreign object. No way that could be from debris. I did eventually make it home safely.

Questions are:
1. Has anyone used tire warranty (not necessarily for this car) and how was the experience?
2. Would this failure be covered and possibly replace all due to same wear?
3. Has anyone had to replace the valve stem and TPMS inside the wheel, how much?
4. Cost to replace fixaflat of TMK?
5. How many tires can be replaced at once for AWD to not get affected (had a buddy that got one replaced and it affected the system causing lots of problems on Mercury Mountaineer)
Side question: Also noticed the coating peeling off the wheels...any experiences?

Facts: 23,000 miles. Driven like most here (commuter and some hotrodding). Some hard cornering. Psi kept between 30-35psi. Most tire wear on shoulders. I financially can't afford to replace tires, TPMS etc. Luckily I have some 18" chrome w/ lo-pro tires from my 96 F150 and hopefully they will bolt on.

 

[h1h0silver]

Well, F150 is 5.5 (5.25) pattern as opposed to the required 4.5. So no luck. But upon further investigation with the wheel removed, there is more damage. 2 additional spots on the inner sidewall, surprised there wasn't a blowout. Also a bunch of stress tears all around the inner sidewall. That may be from the flat sitting all night, or running that short distance (maybe 1/4 mile) less than 20psi. The lowest it got the rest of the night was 25psi. Guess it's time to check the rest.

 

[h1h0silver]

Pulled driver rear tire. Wear is different, mostly on outer shoulder to center. Inner shoulder is near new. Only makes sense due to off ramps and such. But on the inner shoulder is a 2" gash that is deeper than the leaky tire. I can't believe it holds air (at 30-32 psi now).

2 yr old car...time to go back to Ford. Luckily they have another SHO on the lot and I'm going to request the wheel/tires from that until a resolution is found.

 

[h1h0silver]

Dealership did a bob, weave and duck the issue based on tire wear. "Oh they won't cover it because not enough tread" WTF. If 24,000 should be 60% and I'm less than 60 and less than 23,000...Isn't there a problem with the tire??? Not to mention all the deterioration and stress. "well, here is the 800 Ford number, give them a call"

 

[mjhpadi]

I'm not surprised, and if they are Michelins, don't expect any support from them. I had Michelin Cross Terrains that wore out with less then 20,000 miles and Michelin refused to do anything, and I mean anything. I would have been happy with an apologize, or even a 5% discount off new tires. I hate Michelin, they don't stand behind their tires and customer support is terrible. I guess what I'm trying to say is don't get to upset if you get NO satisfaction in the tire department...I think it is the normal for this type of stuff.

 

[h1h0silver]

Guess I should have put this in the facts. Goodyear Eagle F1 factory tires. I'm not too hopeful. I knew the day for tires was approaching but not expecting this. Time to look in lightweight stuff.

 

[Retnavy]

Guess I should have put this in the facts. Goodyear Eagle F1 factory tires. I'm not too hopeful. I knew the day for tires was approaching but not expecting this. Time to look in lightweight stuff.

The Eagle are the summer performance tire, so I'm guessing you have the performance package. The mileage is about right for wear and tear on the performance tread. I have the all-season, no performance package, with 25K on them now. They'll be up for repalcement before winter gets here. My favorite Ford tech tells me that 20-24k out of the performance Eagles is par for the course. I can expect to replace the all season betweeen 30-36K. Will be looking for a more senseably priced replacement.......

 

[thebigjimsho]

Every set of Goodyears I've owned in my life wore unevenly. However, they seem to be receptive to replacing tires that have had problems not attributed to normal wear and tear. For the early CTS-V guys, a lot of us were getting under 10,000 miles on F1 Supercar runflats. They were replacing them, early on. Eventually, that stopped.

But what happened to your tires don't sound normal. I'd get out the tire warranty card that comes when you buy the car and call Goodyear directly.

 

[h1h0silver]

These are pictures the night of the incident while adding air at one of many stops. Obviously still on the car. I will get more pics tomorrow. The mirror is about the size of a quarter (it's included with the TMK in the trunk)

 

[h1h0silver]

Dealership can't do anything for me. Tread is far too worn.
Prices:
Tires x4 = 1050 (mount balanced)
pressure sensor = 120
tmk = 220
valve stem = 2.50
Wallet = 0000.00

Car is going to be sitting a while. I thought about selling stock wheels and buy lightweight customs but stock have clearcoat peeling off. Dealer won't consider until entire car is there ( I bet to ensure warranty abuse). So either way I go, gotta spend on 20" tires.

I pulled one more wheel to inspect, another tear. 3 Of 4 so far. but I did slap a pair of sweet 18 x 9 Enkei for measurements. Nice.

 

[steve142857]

Dealership can't do anything for me. Tread is far too worn.
Prices:
Tires x4 = 1050 (mount balanced)
pressure sensor = 120
tmk = 220
valve stem = 2.50
Wallet = 0000.00

Car is going to be sitting a while. I thought about selling stock wheels and buy lightweight customs but stock have clearcoat peeling off. Dealer won't consider until entire car is there ( I bet to ensure warranty abuse). So either way I go, gotta spend on 20" tires.

I pulled one more wheel to inspect, another tear. 3 Of 4 so far. but I did slap a pair of sweet 18 x 9 Enkei for measurements. Nice.

You can get the Hankook like I did and in the US you get them new for 650$ shipped to your place... See the thread on them... G/L!

 

[Billm0066]

I would not buy another set of the f1's. I just replaced mine at 16,000 miles. I also went with the Hancooks and absolutely love them. They are a much better tire and cost a lot less than the f1's.

 

[h1h0silver]

Hankook is what I'm leaning towards. I had a set before and liked them very much on that particular application.

I know buying just one is a bad idea. Is 2 new tires fine for AWD and not having any adverse affects? I can't get all 4 right now.

 

[Billm0066]

Hankook is what I'm leaning towards. I had a set before and liked them very much on that particular application.

I know buying just one is a bad idea. Is 2 new tires fine for AWD and not having any adverse affects? I can't get all 4 right now.

Not sure, but if it were me I would replace two at a time. Either two fronts or two rears.

 

[-DVP-]

Guess I should have put this in the facts. Goodyear Eagle F1 factory tires. I'm not too hopeful. I knew the day for tires was approaching but not expecting this. Time to look in lightweight stuff.

I would start by going to your local Goodyear dealer of choice. Ask them about manufacturer adjustments on OE tires. On the forms I have at work for GY adjustments there is an option for OE tire. Usually first year is free replacement, then prorated on tread depth after that. Although being an OE tire first year replacement *might* not be covered. If one place tells you no try a couple more. I know I can do them here I'm almost positive of it.

 

[markathome]

You can replace two, but, you'll have to always remember which two you replace especially come rotation time. I'd play it safe and replace all four, especially if they are ready to be replaced.
No surprise on the tire tread warranty. I've never had any luck with tread warranty from any company.

 

[EcoBrick Bob]

If you buy 2 tires, be sure and put them on the rear. My son has the Hankooks (max performance summer tires) on his GTO and really likes them. However, the Flex guys that got the A/S touring tires from Hankook, really hate them.

If you are thinking about A/S - I would first consider Conti DWS, if you can get an appropriate size. Like Darreli, I went with Conti DW Summer tires. (on my Brick) but went with new smaller/ lighter 18" wheels, rather than forged 20's. Have in the neighborhood of 15K on the DW's and they will last over 30K, and maybe 40K+.

 

[h1h0silver]

A test fit. Even after imagining a 1.5 - 2 inch lower...I may have to go with 19" wheels













These are 18 x 9 (or 9.5) with 15mm offset. 245/40R18 tires. Says that 275 will fit. About 20lbs per wheel.

I estimate the 275/50R18 is close enough ratio for my stock. Can't remember what the 19" was.

How wide can we go before rubbing is an issue on front/rear with/without lower?

 

[Unknown_Driver]

A test fit. Even after imagining a 1.5 - 2 inch lower...I may have to go with 19" wheels



These are 18 x 9 (or 9.5) with 15mm offset. 245/40R18 tires. Says that 275 will fit. About 20lbs per wheel.

I estimate the 275/50R18 is close enough ratio for my stock. Can't remember what the 19" was.

How wide can we go before rubbing is an issue on front/rear with/without lower?

car looks silly like that i dunno why you'd bother bolting them on

anyways stock 19" size is 255/45/19 which is what i'm using for winter


search online for a tire size calculator that shows the size differences
the one i use is this one http://www.miata.net/garage/tirecalc.html

 

[h1h0silver]

I agree it looks silly, like a roller skate. I was determining difference in width and offset. Also thinking about smaller wheels to save weight but the tire height may add more and cancel out the savings