Tire Problems

[clark searle]

There's been many comments about tires and tire pressure. It's also been said
that many tire failures are on the rear tires. That's interesting considering
that the rears carry less static load than the fronts. I would suggest that
there's more to this situation than tire rating and pressure. For one, we have
four independently suspended wheels. If they don't track straight and true to
each other, there could be a constant scrubbing action. It's possible that one
effect of carrying more tire pressure is to reduce the size of its footprint on
the road and make it more forgiving of any alignment errors. I, for one, have
become more concerned about the effect of alignment on handling as well as tire
performance. Unfortunately, it's difficult to measure and correct alignment of
the bogeys and I doubt that many shops are well versed and equipped for our
non-standard arrangement. I'm still working (on paper) on a quick and easy
fixture to accurately check bogey alignment. One other member had an idea about
that too. It would be nice to know if we have a problem. Then fixing it is
another issue.

Just my opinion- NFI (no facts included).
Clark Searle
Mt. Pleasant, MI

 

[clark searle]

Interesting comment, but I'm wondering why. Do you suppose it's because of the
camber setting? Or could it be related to the less inflated position of the air
bags? Has anyone else experienced this?
Clark

> Clark, regarding the alignment part of your post, I'd like to comment on the
> importance of correct ride height. Someone a couple months ago had
> discovered the differnce rear ride height makes in handling. I've never had
> that problem because mine is at proper height and correctly aligned. However
> recently I had it in the shop and they had tinkered around with raising and
> lowering the suspension. The thing was all over the road on the way home and
> I thought I was going to lose it on a curve when I took it at my normal speed
> for it. When I got home, I found the rear an inch and a half low.! Ride
> height is not a cure all, but should be checked first.
> Justin