AboutBarry Smith Expertise I have over 30 years experience in the design, manufacturing, and
testing of tires. I have served as the technical advisor to the "800"
number. I have authored or co-authored many publications - usually
without credit. I can answer almost any technical question, but
please don`t ask me to compare brands. I probably have prejudices because of
my work experience.
Experience Member SAE (Society of Automotive
Engineers)
Member Tire Society (Tire Technical Organization)
SCCA Regional Competiton License holder
Authored many training manuals on tires, their care and use.
Expert: Barry Smith Date: 7/10/2008 Subject: Michelin Tires
Question I recently purchased a set of LT265/70R17 tires for my Dodge 2500 Diesel truck. Original set was taken off which I got 83,000 miles out of with horse trailer pulling and all. Now within 2 weeks I have gone through 2 tires being taken off due to over vibration, and just learned about Road Force Balancing.............one tire was a 46 and another was 70. I am still getting vibration, alignment has been checked, u joints and all are fine but now I have a set of tires that have 6-22-25 and 16 on road force test. I have heard that anything over a 5 is not good for a tire..............I have no clue what to think and trying to find someone that knows about this. I have talked to Michelin, and get the typical person over the phone, and just now sent them an email. I would appreciate any advice that you could give.
Thanks!
Kyle Allred
Lorena,Texas
Answer Kyle,
The problem here is that the Hunter GSP9700 uses a relatively small diameter wheel, while the road surface is flat, so it tends to develop large values for large tires in comparison to a small tire.
But whoever told you above 5 is not good does not know what he is talking about. 5 pounds is considered "creampuff" range.
On a large heavy tire like yours all the current values 6, 22, 25, and 16 are more than acceptable. I think you need to start doing some diagnostics.
Is the vibration in the steering wheel or in the seat? Stuff rotating in the front (tires, rims, brake rotors, etc) will be felt in the steering wheel, while, the same stuff in the rear will be felt in the seat. Try moving the tires to a different position. If it is a tire or rim problem, the vibration should move. If it doesn't, it's not the tires or rims.
But my expertise ends at tires, so if it's not tires, I'm not up to speed on where to go after that.
