406oc.co.uk

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,...

Rear tracking, according to my tee shirt collection.

Don't know if 407's have the same rear suspension 'features'.

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!

I fitted a set of budget tyres on my 407 they are very quiet and are wearing nicely

Those Vredestein tyres are excellent

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.

Peter

Tyres now have a noise rating printed on them. Link to explanation: http://www.kwik-fit.com/tyre-labelling.asp

Well here's one of them. They're all as bad.



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

Yes the cracking is dangerous. It is a sign that the rubber is degrading and it could disintegrate.

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

Hankook and Kumho make quality tyres, you must be thinking of Roadstone, Linglong, Maxim and so on.

Here's my pecking order so far. Please feel free to ridicule.

Dunlop SP Sport Maxx RT (EA67)
GoodYear EfficientGrip (CB68)
GoodYear EfficientGrip Performance (BB68)
Michelin Primacy 3 (CA69)
GoodYear Excellence (CC69 or CB69)
GoodYear EfficientGrip (CB68)
Hankook Ventus Prime (BB70)
Michelin Primacy HP (CC70 or EC70)
Falken Ziex ZE-914 Ecorum (BC70)
Toyo ZV5 (CC71)
Pirelli P7 (EB73)

What do we think about part-worns?

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.

Peter

Doggy's 'thrupenny bits' picture disappointed me

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.

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