Wheel vibes

[chris986]

Have recently fitted 18" rims and Bridgestone Potenza 225/40ZR18 front and 265/35 rear.

Car is a 2002 Boxster S.

For the first 10 minutes or so of driving there is a noticeable vibration in the cars steering at about 45 to 55 mph.

This disappears completely after a while.

I can guess that the problem lies with the new tires - but I would like to ask the forum:

Has anyone else experienced this?

Does it disappear after the tires become more worn?

Is it specifically a Bridgestone problem, or is it more a function of low profile tires in general?

any comments/tips would be much appreciated

Chris

[rsfeller]

Chris, I put new Kumhos on two summers ago, lots of tread left.

I noted that whenever I take the car out (one or twice a week) the first 10 minutes there is a wobble that can be felt even through steering. I honestly have to say I think it's a combination of rear calipers that need attention and rust on the rotors that needs scrubbed off.

I've had my share of cars over the years and enver felt a slight steering shudder that goes away shortly after warming. My only guess is to do with rotors/calipers...as odd as it may be.

I know I have something in the rear that may need attention as I can hear light rubbing on sweeping turns.

Shawn

[White987S]

Sounds like classis tire flat spotting but I usually don't hear these complaints from Bridgestone tires. This is usually more associated to the Pirelli tires.

My car regularly sits for 5-7 days between drives, and I do not have issues with flat spotting (PS2's). I don't even have this issue wafter +5 months of winter storage.

[rsfeller]

Sounds like classis tire flat spotting but I usually don't hear these complaints from Bridgestone tires. This is usually more associated to the Pirelli tires.

My car regularly sits for 5-7 days between drives, and I do not have issues with flat spotting (PS2's). I don't even have this issue wafter +5 months of winter storage.

Makes good sense. I figured flat spots were a more permanent issue but they can obviously work themselves out when the tire warms and the centrifical force pushes things back into shape? I would say mine sits up to two weeks at a time when the weather is poor.

[EZ Aire]

I agree with the "Flat Spots" scenario.

[greerj1]

I agree as well. my Pcar sits for a week at a time and for the first several miles at highway speed there is a vibe. I feel it mostly in the rear.

J. Greer

[Sputter]

225 in front? I'm fairly certain it should be 235. Though this may not be related to your issue.

Have recently fitted 18" rims and Bridgestone Potenza 225/40ZR18 front and 265/35 rear.

Car is a 2002 Boxster S.

For the first 10 minutes or so of driving there is a noticeable vibration in the cars steering at about 45 to 55 mph.

This disappears completely after a while.

I can guess that the problem lies with the new tires - but I would like to ask the forum:

Has anyone else experienced this?

Does it disappear after the tires become more worn?

Is it specifically a Bridgestone problem, or is it more a function of low profile tires in general?

any comments/tips would be much appreciated

Chris

[gandrade1]

225 in front? I'm fairly certain it should be 235. Though this may not be related to your issue.

Have recently fitted 18" rims and Bridgestone Potenza 225/40ZR18 front and 265/35 rear.

Car is a 2002 Boxster S.

For the first 10 minutes or so of driving there is a noticeable vibration in the cars steering at about 45 to 55 mph.

This disappears completely after a while.

I can guess that the problem lies with the new tires - but I would like to ask the forum:

Has anyone else experienced this?

Does it disappear after the tires become more worn?

Is it specifically a Bridgestone problem, or is it more a function of low profile tires in general?

any comments/tips would be much appreciated

Chris

Hi Sputter,

The suggest width of the front tires on 18's for the 986 are in fact 225!

Chris is running all the 'approved' dimensions.

All the best,

Gus

Edited July 11, 2008 by gandrade1

[Sputter]

Gus, you're right. I had a senior moment. Bad enough infact, I went out to the garage to look. :D

Jim

225 in front? I'm fairly certain it should be 235. Though this may not be related to your issue.

Have recently fitted 18" rims and Bridgestone Potenza 225/40ZR18 front and 265/35 rear.

Car is a 2002 Boxster S.

For the first 10 minutes or so of driving there is a noticeable vibration in the cars steering at about 45 to 55 mph.

This disappears completely after a while.

I can guess that the problem lies with the new tires - but I would like to ask the forum:

Has anyone else experienced this?

Does it disappear after the tires become more worn?

Is it specifically a Bridgestone problem, or is it more a function of low profile tires in general?

any comments/tips would be much appreciated

Chris

Hi Sputter,

The suggest width of the front tires on 18's for the 986 are in fact 225!

Chris is running all the 'approved' dimensions.

All the best,

Gus

[chris986]

Thanks everybody - the flat-spot scenario sounds like good sense. Guess I'll just have to get the car out more often!!

have a good summer

best regards

Chris

[White987S]

Thanks everybody - the flat-spot scenario sounds like good sense. Guess I'll just have to get the car out more often!!

have a good summer

best regards

Chris

Chris, if you know you can't drive it for an extended period, just move the car (by hand) about 6-12 inches, to help prevent the potential flat-spot.

When my car is in winter storage, the first Saturday of each month, I move the car about 12 inches. I also park it on hard/dense rubber matting.

[70Sixter]

This kind of garage flat spotting is generally short lived.

Track flat spotting where you lock'em up and ride the slide either is permanent or sometimes can be reduced by shaving the tread if there is enuf of it.

[chris986]

Thanks everybody - the flat-spot scenario sounds like good sense. Guess I'll just have to get the car out more often!!

have a good summer

best regards

Chris

Chris, if you know you can't drive it for an extended period, just move the car (by hand) about 6-12 inches, to help prevent the potential flat-spot.

When my car is in winter storage, the first Saturday of each month, I move the car about 12 inches. I also park it on hard/dense rubber matting.

[chris986]

Thanks everybody - the flat-spot scenario sounds like good sense. Guess I'll just have to get the car out more often!!

have a good summer

best regards

Chris

Chris, if you know you can't drive it for an extended period, just move the car (by hand) about 6-12 inches, to help prevent the potential flat-spot.

When my car is in winter storage, the first Saturday of each month, I move the car about 12 inches. I also park it on hard/dense rubber matting.

Good tips - thanks