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Toyota Sienna Tires/Wheels/Run-flats

351 messages,  Last post on Jan 22, 2011 at 5:33 PM

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What is this discussion about? Toyota Sienna, Tires, Wheels, Van

Messages Page 32 of 36

#304 of 351 tire/wheel loading recall by kenabr

Dec 06, 2011 (8:44 am)

I have a 2011 Sienna SE. My dealer tells me that the tire loading notice on the door frame is subject to a recall because the vehicle loading information is wrong. Overloading of the wheels and tires could result. A new decal is being mailed to me. Does anyone know if this related to the design of the wheels or the Dunlop SP Sport 7000 tires which are 235/50-19. Only a few companies make this size and I wondered if going with Michelin Primacy MXN4 tires would have better load capacity.

#305 of 351 Re: tire/wheel loading recall [kenabr] by ateixeira

Dec 06, 2011 (11:16 am)

Replying to: kenabr (Dec 06, 2011 8:44 am)
Nope, just a sticker, that's all. Nothing wrong with the van.

#306 of 351 2011 Toyota Sienna SE by kenabr

Apr 01, 2012 (6:45 pm)

My Sienna SE has 235/50-19 Dunlop SP Sport 7000 high performance-all season tires. I find the ride somewhat harsh especially on rough pavement. Has anyone upgraded to the Michelin Primacy MXV4 which is a grand touring all season ? Would they ride better or be a problem with the fact they aren't high performance.

#307 of 351 Re: RFT - Run Flat Tires [fdemetz] by rickrazz

Apr 12, 2012 (7:43 pm)

Replying to: fdemetz (Jul 30, 2011 7:28 am)
How are your tires holding up so far? Was Toyota able to tilt your tires back in? My 2005 AWD has exactly the same problem. The outside to middle of the tires has good tread left on the non-flat tires that I put on. While rotating them, the Toyota technician noticed the inside of the tires are bald. The serviceman at Toyota doesn't seem to be aware of this being a common problem. He seems to think his experienced alignment specialist can fix whatever is happening, though I'm a bit skeptical seeing all the posts here.

#308 of 351 Re: RFT - Run Flat Tires [rickrazz] by fdemetz

Apr 12, 2012 (8:00 pm)

Replying to: rickrazz (Apr 12, 2012 7:43 pm)
Rick,
After the replacement "free" set of run flats provided by Toyota due to class action suit also failed (tread separation and bubble on side wall) within 20,000 miles , I bought a set of standard Cooper tires, and a spare wheel and space saver tire from Toyota for the luggage area.
 
They are wearing well and the ride and handling is much smoother than the run flats. The non-Toyota tire shop (GoodYear) said there was no way to set the real wheel camber to avoid the reported inside rear tire wear. I didn't check this with the Toyota dealer yet, because with 50,000 total on my 2005 AWD Sienna I haven't had that problem yet.
 
All-in-all the Toyota has been the most trouble free car I've owned, and the only item (that was fortunately covered by my maintenance policy at purchase) that failed was the radar speed control sensor (which would have cost $1500), and a recalled seat belt latch. They build great minivans, they just screwed up big time with the run fats. The new Sienna's come with standard tires and a covered place for the space saver spare in the luggage area.
Good luck,
Fred

#309 of 351 Re: RFT - Run Flat Tires [fdemetz] by mnrep2

Apr 13, 2012 (3:35 am)

Replying to: fdemetz (Apr 12, 2012 8:00 pm)
My 2011 AWD Sienna still has run flat tires. In fact since these are 18 inch vs. my 2006's 17 inch diameter tires, the mini spare probably will not even sit flat in the driver side rear seat well anymore
 
I still have my 2006 with a 102,000 miles and getting rid of the run flats is a GREAT idea as the van drives so much better without them. I currently have 11K on the 2011 and haven't had to replace the tires yet but will be going to standard tires when they wear out.
 
Inflating the tires to around 40K and making sure the wheels are aligned will give you the most mileage on any set of tires with these cars.

#310 of 351 Bridgestone Dueler H/L 422 Eco by indydriver

Apr 14, 2012 (7:45 am)

Is anyone running this tire? I am buying a new 2012 XLE FWD that comes with OE Firestone FR710s and I'm thinking about replacing them with the tire above which is Bridgestone's top option now for FWD Siennas. It is rated 2-3 grades higher in nearly every category. Of course, it also costs about 50% more but, good tires (as we see by this thread) mean a lot.

#311 of 351 Re: Hi - anyone looked at 2011 [inspectoring] by mskwk48

May 01, 2012 (8:49 pm)

Replying to: inspectoring (Apr 11, 2010 8:23 pm)
Hi, I have a 2011 Toyota Sienna for almost 2 years and 30K miles. The tires are terrible- poor handling and completely worm with tier belt comming thru: Rotates every 6 yo 7K, Kept High air PSI at about 39 all around. Could se the insode and outside edge wear at 20K. This will my last Toyota. I am replacing with A 660 Treadwear rating, 100V. I believe the tires and the suspension are way over loaded for the vehicle's weight. Based on the forum I wouldn't trust the RFT for any didstance. I will try to get some dounut spare rigged up or a cheaper steel rim and tire that I can carry for long distances. If enough people don't buy the car maybe they will change the very poor design - especially if oth auto Mfg's start offering an AWD with real tires.

#312 of 351 Why don't people think? by indydriver

May 02, 2012 (6:38 am)

We test drove AWD vs FWD and noticed the difference in ride and handling immediately. You'd have to be numb not to notice. Then, if you do your homework, you will discover that for $2300 Toyota gives you a low tech FWD biased AWD system, 230 extra pounds to drive around every day, which results in a loss of 2 mpg each and every drive. A little more homework would reveal that RFTs cost $300 each--twice a decent grand Touring tire--and most importantly, weigh 25% more. In the Sienna's case, that's 7 additional pounds of unsprung weight hung on each corner which (as we see) makes a very noticeable difference in ride and handling. Ever wonder why no one else offers an AWD minivan?
 
If you are concerned about winter traction, the vast majority of drivers will be much better served by a FWD van with a second set of wheels and Blizzaks for half the price of AWD. It is not Toyota's fault that they offered this design compromise and ill-informed buyers don't understand what they are trading away to get AWD. So, blame yourself.
 
OK, so you made a poor decision. Now what? Go to your local Firestone Complete Auto Care Center and have them rotate your Bridgestone RFTs for no charge. Then, have them check the alignment for no charge. If the alignment needs adjustment, pay them 2x for lifetime alignment an get it checked every time you rotate your tires. Check air pressure at least monthly and fill to the recommended pressure, which is 35 on my van. If you switch to non-RFTs, you must carry a spare somehow. Do not compound your mistake by subjecting your family to a vehicle that can get stranded. BTW-The Bridgestone Tire Advisor currently recommends the new Dueler H/L 422 Ecopia as its top-of-the-line for FWD Sienna. This new tire incorporates the latest LRR technology into their premium SUV/light truck tire and looks like a fantastic choice for Sienna. Just do not drive without a spare, please.

#313 of 351 Re: Why don't people think? [indydriver] by ateixeira

May 02, 2012 (10:09 am)

Replying to: indydriver (May 02, 2012 6:38 am)
Good advice - I got a flat tire in Bridgeville, DE, right in the middle of a 2.5 hour trip. I was more than an hour from home/beach condo. It was late at night with 2 kids sleeping in the back.
 
Thankfully the (full-sized) spare was good. I check pressures even on the spare.
 
Would have been a total nightmare without it.
 
My Miata has no spare, a can of fix-a-flat instead, and I refuse to drive out of town with that car.

Messages Page 32 of 36

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