Tires Suck?! (no, maybe) Help please.

**SteveRT** · 06-16-2007, 04:03 PM

Here's the deal. I purchased some American racing wheels 18 x 8.5 hub centric correct 5 x 115 bolt patter.
Installed new Yokaham Advan ST 255/55 front and 2/5/50 rear. These are a suv ultra high performance tire. (they are directional)

I have had some steering wheel ocsillation from day one.
I had them installed at NTB. Regular balancer. Really bad vibration and oscillation.
Then I went to Firestone had them remove the retaining washers and used the Hunter road force balancer. Big improvement.
I still have some oscillation (no vibration any more) at speeds above 60 sometime not untill 70 on 50% of the roads, some roads its fine.
I have played with tire pressures (30 to 40 and everything inbetween), the lower pressure offers some improvement.
Odd thing is on the roads that I have some ocsillation of the steering wheel it will go away at about 90 mph and above, even at 120 the wheel is steady.

I should note the ocsillatoin is about 1/8" each way, nothing that scares me, but the stock wheel tire combo never did this.

So, I am assuming that the the V rating has stiffer sidewall and the directional tread is picking up every wave in the cement road, lots of that here in texas.

That it is as good as its going to get or is it?

I should also note I contacted American racing and they state every wheel is tested for run out and all tolerances checked, they state it has to be the tires or my suspension.

I also should note I have 2005 RT with 15,500 miles bought new, no suspension mods yet.

So any and all suggesions input would be appreciated.

I plan to live with it since cornering is much improved and the ocsillation is just an annoyance, nothing scary but sure would like it like stock.

And will get different tires next time around, unfortuneatly that may take a few years given the low miles I drive.

I bought the tires from tirerack and of course since I have installed them there is no warranty.

Thanks for letting me rant and any help would be appreciated.

Edit. They the wheel/tires and have rebalance using another Hunter Road Force with no change. Also I had the four wheel alignment and everything is set to preferred settings per the TSB.

**LowGo** · 06-16-2007, 05:42 PM

Originally Posted by SteveRT

I have had some steering wheel ocsillation from day one.

I assume that by "ocsillation" you mean that the car wants to follow the ruts in the road and tries to pull because of that? I had that issue with my previous tires on a section of highway I travel daily. When I changed tires, that problem went away. But, I liked the cornering better with my previous tires. I sure wish they would let you try out new tires for a few day until you find the ones that suit you best. It's so difficult to rely on the sales person's word to find what you want!

If your suspension settings all check out, my guess is that you'll have to live with that unless you're willing to shell out the bucks for a new set of tires.

**formerice** · 06-16-2007, 09:00 PM

Please check your inner tie rod, passenger side, it goes into the rack. I am about to get the third one done. First 2 were warantee, this ones on me, $ 500 plus labor. Ok I've got 100,000 miles, but. Plus your front tires will rapidly start to cup if its the tie rod.

**70GT6** · 06-16-2007, 09:10 PM

Originally Posted by LowGo

I assume that by "ocsillation" you mean that the car wants to follow the ruts in the road and tries to pull because of that?

This will get worse with higher tire pressure.
40lbs is too high for normal use, 32lbs should be max cold pressure.
Unless you are racing or trying for better mpg stick to 32.

**Motor** · 06-16-2007, 09:53 PM

Originally Posted by formerice

Please check your inner tie rod, passenger side, it goes into the rack. I am about to get the third one done. First 2 were warantee, this ones on me, $ 500 plus labor. Ok I've got 100,000 miles, but. Plus your front tires will rapidly start to cup if its the tie rod.

had the same thing on my trep, and my mag is starting to due it on the left handside...gotta order it and install it....mine started going when i warped my rotors...as in the trep...

as far as the vibration...i had it from 65 to like 75...when i got the new tires balanced it went away...

**SteveRT** · 06-17-2007, 01:44 AM

I really think its just the tires. The stock tires had perfect wear pattern and no ocsillation. I don't have any vibrations, the steering wheel moves side to side slightly, again about 1/8" both ways. The tires don't grab the ruts and steer themselves, the car runs straight and true with hands off the wheel, just moves side to side on most cement roads, on blacktop surface roads its perfect. Guess I'm just really looking for perfection and its not going to happen with my current set up. I believe its do to the aggressive tread pattern, directional tread and being an suv tire. The fact I've got staggered size tires I can't even switch them to see if any differnce front to rear. All comments and explanations appreciated.

**SteveRT** · 06-18-2007, 12:27 PM

Well I called tirerack and they are sending out two new tires for me to try at no charge once I described the problem, stated it sounded like a tire tolerance problem. So I hope this does the trick....

**NJMagnumGuy** · 07-01-2007, 12:01 AM

Steve -

Did that do the trick?

**SteveRT** · 07-01-2007, 02:11 AM

Nope, same problems. Just had torq thrust 20's put on w/ 245/45 and she's good to go now, no problems at all!! Finally got NTB to take back the 18" wheels and give me a refund. I ordered the new wheels/tires from tire rack already mounted, I have to say the ride is as good if not better then the 18"s, very happy.