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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 30 of 31

#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

#290 of 298 2002 Forester 16" wheels on 2013 Forester Limited. by daniell

Feb 24, 2013 (10:55 am)

Hello Subaru experts.
 
I recently bought a 2013 Forester Limited with the 17" wheels. I have an extra set of OEM 16" tires and wheels from my 2002 Forester S with all season tires. Bolt pattern and offset match. So today I installed the old wheels + tires 215/60-16 instead of the 225/55-17 the 2013 came with (as those old tires still have a lot of life in them). I realize my odometer is about 2% off, and the TPMS light came on as the old tires had no TPMS in them. My question however is about the front brakes - they only have 3/8" or so clearance with the 16" wheels. Wheels rotate freely, and a test drive including highway showed no problem. Is there any scenario in which this tight clearance could be a problem?
 
--Daniel

#291 of 298 Re: 2002 Forester 16" wheels on 2013 Forester Limited. [daniell] by ateixeira

Feb 24, 2013 (11:15 am)

Replying to: daniell (Feb 24, 2013 10:55 am)
I don't think so...the brakes move with the wheels.
 
You lose a tiny bit of ground clearance, right? I would just get taller tires when (if) you replace them.

#292 of 298 Re: 2002 Forester 16" wheels on 2013 Forester Limited. [ateixeira] by daniell

Feb 24, 2013 (1:53 pm)

Replying to: ateixeira (Feb 24, 2013 11:15 am)
Thanks Juice!
 
Yes, I am losing 0.5" of ground clearance. The plan is once I use these old tires to put snows on in the OEM size (for lower trims) 215/65-16.
 
Daniel

#293 of 298 Re: 2002 Forester 16" wheels on 2013 Forester Limited. [daniell] by daniell

Feb 24, 2013 (4:12 pm)

Replying to: daniell (Feb 24, 2013 1:53 pm)
Meant 0.25", not 0.5"...
 
--Daniel

#294 of 298 Re: 2002 Forester 16" wheels on 2013 Forester Limited. [daniell] by ateixeira

Feb 24, 2013 (5:38 pm)

Replying to: daniell (Feb 24, 2013 4:12 pm)
Yeah, half inch diameter. So not a big loss in clearance.

Messages Page 30 of 31

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