I've been getting a lot of road noise from the 407, and at particular speeds which made me think it might be a wheel bearing. Everything mechanical checked out OK by the garage who reckon it's the rear tyres. (Sunny SN3970 -- put on by the dealer I might add -- and about 5% over-inflated on the rear (yes, alarm bells are ringing).) Expensive, but as we're off to Edinburgh the week after next it's worth the piece of mind that the wheels aren't about to drop off
I remember here we've seen a few threads over the years where noise has turned out to be tyres.
So what this thread is about is: when noise turns out to be tyres are there any common themes: cheap tyres or particular brands, tread patterns (directional/symmetrical), over/under inflation,...
The Pirelli PZero Rossos that came as standard on the Volvo were shockingly noisy, got worse as they wore down too. Not just general road noise either but a "wub-wub" noise, sounded very much like a knackered bearing. Replaced them with these and it's like a different car, much more comfortable ride and soooo much quieter!
Playtime_Fontayne wrote:"Dai Rees Supplier of Fine Automobilia. Established 2007"
Tyres do vary tremendously, its not necessarily cheap ones that are noisy. If you can get hold of the current 'which?' tyre report they rate them on noise amongst other things.
From the DOT numbers, the one I put on is dated 2012, one from the dealer is dated 2010 and the other two from the dealer don't have numbers. But all of them are just as bad so it can't be that.
First things first, is this cracking dangerous?
Hadn't really expected to buy a full set of tyres within 12 months
I've had a few out of shape tyres over the years and am now convinced that only decent boots will withstand the torque of a remapped, (or twin turbo), DW12.
Hankooks, Kumhos and the like all turn into 3d bits* in time.
*for our younger readers
2002 HDi 2.2 Exec Estate, (2008-12) (wonderful)
2003 HDi 2.2 6-speed Exec Estate (2012-19) (also a gem)
2009 Citroen C5 2.0 HDi VTR+ Estate (godawful heap)
2008 BMW E91 330i touring (great fun - murdered by a reversing SUV)
2007 BMW E91 325i touring (slower smoother quieter)
It amazes me the amount of advice where people say they would never buy a part-worn. Yet the chances are they bought a used car with four of them already fitted!
Personally, I have no problems with them if bought from a decent tyre shop where the people employed know what they are looking at. I will admit though that I have not bought any for many years as I think that new tyres are acceptably priced, and I am now in a position to budget for them without causing me any great financial burden.
FWIW, I was impressed with the low sound levels of RainExpert 2s. I had them on my 306 and they were good in both wet and dry conditions, and the wear rate was good too.
I would normally be quite happy with part worn tyres, obviously have a good look at them first, the real problem is that unless you are very lucky you can end up paying as much per mm of tread as with a cheap new one.
Tyres seem to crack like that quite early, of course we all know that rubber is not like it used to be for environmental reasons hence why we see so many failed rubber bushings etc..
That cracking wouldn't bother me if the tyres were otherwise ok tread-wise (I wouldn't rush into replacing anyway) but if you want to replace them then any good branded make should be ok I guess. I've had lots of trouble with budget makes and mostly with rumbly noises and skittish behavior so avoid them; in any case the premium brands last longer so although a bit eye-watering to begin they do pay back eventually.
Personally I'd go for Pirelli Cinturato P7's I can't recommend them highly enough, perfectly quiet, hard-wearing and very stable cruising.
Cars in my care:
2021 Kia Spottage 1.6 Pez Turbo Dual Clutch Gearbox Trickery
2013 Renner Twingo - donkey work
Just put some Uniroyals on the wife's Fraud Fucus, very nice they are too. We've been on a bit of a road trip over the weekend and done about 500 miles, they're very quiet and comfortable
Playtime_Fontayne wrote:"Dai Rees Supplier of Fine Automobilia. Established 2007"
and it's like a different car, much more comfortable ride and soooo much quieter!
