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Subaru Forester Tire/Wheel Questions

298 messages,  Last post on Mar 04, 2013 at 6:34 PM

You are in the Subaru Forester Maintenance & Repair Forum.

What is this discussion about? Subaru Forester, Tires, Wheels

Messages Page 29 of 30

#280 of 298 Re: new year-any good tires [daniell] by xwesx

Jan 26, 2011 (7:37 pm)

Replying to: daniell (Jan 26, 2011 5:53 pm)
What bugged and still bugs me is that there is little information available about this issue. My suspicion is that the Subaru AWD can deal with more than the 1/4" circumference difference required, easily. Your own story proves that the Subaru AWD system can take a lot.
 
I completely agree with you. For short periods of time, such as under the heavy load scenario you presented in that same post, it will not cause any significant (lasting) stress. My goal here was simply to provide fair warning that stress will be introduced and it can lead to failure of very expensive systems.

#281 of 298 Re: new year-any good tires [xwesx] by paisan

Jan 27, 2011 (4:01 am)

Replying to: xwesx (Jan 26, 2011 7:37 pm)
Wes, as you and I both said, short (even 1,000 miles) trips won't cause damage, however prolonged (over 1,000 miles) use of mismatched diameter tires will begin to wear down your center differential.
 
This effect is similar to using the wrong offset of wheel, while using the wrong offset won't destroy your wheel bearings instantly, PROLONGED use will lead to premature failure.
 
-mike
Subaru Guru and Track Instructor

#282 of 298 Tires for Forester by chitown21

Feb 09, 2011 (5:35 pm)

Hi,
I just want anyone who is interested to know that I got new tires for my Forester, after being told be the dealer just to put on two new Yokahamas. I went and spent the money on Michelin Primacy tires the day before the two and a half feet of snow hit Chicago. I put on four tires, not two, which was pricey, but well worth it. I am getting great traction and these tires handled the snow and ice pretty well after our monster storm. Good choice! Thanks for all your advice-I appreciate it.
Chitown21

#283 of 298 Just replaced a tire on 2002 Forester by hutch52

Jun 10, 2011 (3:47 pm)

I just replaced one tire on my 2002 Subaru Forester. I have been reading the forum comments about the possible problems with mismatched tires. Three of my tires are Firestone tires with a 55K warranty. Firestone does not make that exact tire anymore, but replaced it with a new model number with a 65K warranty. the tread pattern, and apearance of the tire is virtually identical. I would like to replace all four tires eventually, but am wondering if having replaced one tire with a new one of virtually the same tire is a problem. Any comments from the forum?

#284 of 298 Re: Just replaced a tire on 2002 Forester [hutch52] by laredo13

Jun 10, 2011 (5:40 pm)

Replying to: hutch52 (Jun 10, 2011 3:47 pm)
How many miles are on the original 3? If they will need replacing in the next year I would have replaced all 4 now. Unless your tires are really worn down you shouldn't have any problems as long as you stick with the same exact brand and size. Go to tirerack.com and look up the specifications for your specific tires. Rev per mile, circumference, width etc. Different tires and manufacturers may have slightly different specifications even if they are listed as the same size (ie. 225 75R 15.) A good set of tires that STICK to the road in all weather conditions will probably last only 30K - 35K miles. I would be leery of a tires overall traction ability with a 60+K warranty. A tire that really STICKS to the road will never last 60K miles. Read the tirerack.com reviews, surveys and tests before you buy any more tires. Good luck.

#285 of 298 Re: Just replaced a tire on 2002 Forester [laredo13] by xwesx

Jun 13, 2011 (12:01 am)

Replying to: laredo13 (Jun 10, 2011 5:40 pm)
Even if it is an identical replacement, whether it is "okay" to replace just one all depends on how much wear is on the other three. You need to know the original tread depth and the current tread depth of the used tires. If the used tires are more than about 2/32" worn, you should have the replacement tire shaved to match so that you don't put excessive strain on the car's differentials.

#286 of 298 Nail in the sidewall woes by crashdavisfm

Aug 13, 2011 (5:10 am)

Hi guys,
 
I had my '09 Forester XT Limited at the dealership for some routine maintenance yesterday. They found a roofing nail in the interior sidewall of one of the tires. The dealer quoted me a price for 4 tires including alignment, and I opted to go home, research on tirerack instead. I ended up buying the Kumho Ecsta LX Platinum tires, which should be delivered Mon or Tues next week.
 
Dumb girl question 1: why would I need wheel alignment after replacing the tires if I don't need wheel alignment before replacing the tires? The service guy at the dealer was insistent that I compare prices including wheel alignment. I don't get it. Are they going to knock my alignment out while installing the tires?
 
Dumb girl question 2: my tire sensor light came on 2-3 weeks ago. I added air to all four tires (can't remember if one was significantly lower than the others, but I think so), so I assume that's when I picked up the nail. However, the light had not been on since. I drove home from the dealer, and then an hour later went back out to run a short distance errand. The tire light came on almost immediately. I stopped for air and the bad tire was at 10 psi. Sorry, but WTF? So now what do I do? Not drive at all for three days? Carry a portable air pump with me and only drive short distances if necessary? Can I put a can of fix a flat in there for the interim (I read that can damage the TPMS).
 
BTW, I hate hate hate the Geolanders, so although I am pissed about having to replace 4 tires at 21K miles, I'm not sad to see them go. That 's why I didn't even consider the option of shaving a tire down to match.
 
aj

#287 of 298 Re: Nail in the sidewall woes [crashdavisfm] by ateixeira

Aug 13, 2011 (7:23 am)

Replying to: crashdavisfm (Aug 13, 2011 5:10 am)
I would ask the tire shop that installs the new Kumhos if they think an alignment is necessary.
 
Did the old tires wear evenly? If so I'd be tempted to pass.

#288 of 298 Re: Nail in the sidewall woes [crashdavisfm] by xwesx

Aug 15, 2011 (9:25 am)

Replying to: crashdavisfm (Aug 13, 2011 5:10 am)
I think it is far preferable to do one's own research and make a decision based on that versus taking the recommendation of a shop on faith. I couldn't agree more regarding the Geolandars, plus the cost of a single tire (at least at my location) is north of $200, which is just insulting considering the quality of the tire. I'm facing a similar situation to yours due to a sidewall puncture.
 
As far as your questions go, you wouldn't "need" an alignment when replacing the tires. The benefit, if you did opt to have one, could be two fold: 1. you would ensure (presumably) the new tires would wear evenly, and 2. you would put some extra profit in the shop's pocket. As AJ suggested, unless you see uneven wear on the current tires or the car is not tracking true, I wouldn't bother with it.
 
The shop may (probably?) fiddled with the nail when they were inspecting, which may have caused the leak to worsen. Since you don't plan to keep the tires, I would just opt for the refill often option. Or, you could get a tire repair kit (pretty cheap, $5-10), pull the tire off and put a plug in it (absolutely an extremely short-term fix) and hope it holds for the day or two you need. if nothing else, you do have your spare on-hand should you need it. I'd recommend making sure it is at full pressure (60 psi) now, just in case.

#289 of 298 Re: Nail in the sidewall woes [xwesx] by once_for_all

Aug 15, 2011 (3:03 pm)

Replying to: xwesx (Aug 15, 2011 9:25 am)
I've had several nail flats fixed by the plug method. I'd always been taught that the only proper way to fix a flat was to dismount the tire and patch the inside. Come to find out that "Discount Tires" aka "Americas Tires" has been fixing them with plugs for many years, and I've never had a problem with them so far.
 
I've been using the Kumho KR21 Solus for several years, they are great tires (quiet, good riding, long lasting) at about $60-$80 (price has really been going up on these).
 
John

Messages Page 29 of 30

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