V8 Rear Tire Wear

[joeyo]

I have a question for owners related to their rear tires. I have a 2001 V8 with about 12,250 miles on it. The car has been upgraded by the factory to the 2002 rims and tires (Dunlop Sport SP 9000 285/35ZR18 rear and 235/40ZR17 front). The passenger side rear tire is almost bald on the inner tread (closest to the engine). Is this normal? All the other tires look fine and are wearing normal. I check the air pressure regularly and baby the car (no burning rubber or racing).

Questions:
What is the normal wear mileage for rear tires?

Does the passenger tire wear faster because it does most of the work (my car doesn’t have limited slip)?

If so do most owners only replace the passenger tire or do they replace both rears together?

Thank

JoeyO
2001 Esprit V8


>>> Edited by joeyo on Saturday 5th February 20:07

[GKP]

To get 12k miles out of a set of rear tyres on a V8 is pretty good going. (Try harder next time) The unusaul wear on the inside edge points at the car's geo isn't spot on and would be worth a check from a knowledgeable garage.
I'd always replace Esprit tyres as an axle pair.

[kmaier]

My 2000 V8 came from the factory with Michelin Pilot Sport MXX3 tires. The rears were shot around 20K miles. It was caused by the right rear camber stack shims fell out somewhere between the 1500 mile service and the 6000 mile service as the clamping bolts probably weren't torqued properly. This was corrected at 6000 miles but who knows how much life this took off the tires. Oddly the fronts were just fine and even.

I replaced them around 23k with Dunlop SP 9000 tires and the car now has 47K miles. The rears are still pretty fair but the inside edges are pretty thin. Worse yet, the fronts are pretty wiped... the left tire inside edge is toast and the right tire inside edge is much worse. So new tires on being ordered Monday.

Needless to say you should get more mileage than you're getting. What is your driving style like?

Regards, KM
2000 V8

[ErnestM]

Kevin -

What did you think of the Dunlops? I've heard that they are not quite symetrical (shape). Have you thought about the Goodyear F1's (now that - I believe - we can get them in the right size)?

Just Curious...

ErnestM

[kmaier]

Hey Ernest,

I like Dunlops in general... have been on all my cars for 15+ years. I found source for the SP 9000 online at decent prices. I've also sourced the new Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 in Sport 350 sizes (rear being 295/35-18ZR) for a bit more... hmmm, decisions. Either way, planning on having the wheels refinished by Turbax using the Titanium paint code from the 2000MY Esprit. Be a better match to metallic black, IMHO. In any case, leaning towards the Michelins... after all, you get a chance to do it over every 20K miles or so.

Regards, KM
2000 V8 - now with the left heat shield cracked, AGAIN!

[joeyo]

Thanks everyone for your help.

I baby the car mostly highway miles and no racing or tracking. I think the passenger rear tire is shot; it will have to be replaced. Everyone I asked or saw the wear said it looked like it was out of alignment or control arm bushings are worn out. The car is still under the factory warranty (purchased the car new in Sept 2003 from local dealer). If the shims fell out or the bushings are worn out… maybe it will be covered under the warranty. All services were done at the Local Lotus dealership. Either way the car must get aligned.

The Dunlop SP9000 are wearing fine on the front (more than ½ the tread left) and the right rear a little less than ½. I will probably end up replacing both rears and keep the driver side rear for a spare. I have looked at TireRack.com and they have the rears for under $300 a piece which is not too bad and I can get them mounted for around $30. I also noted that Dunlop does not offer the fronts SP9000 in the 235/40-17 naymore. I usually like to keep my vehicle 100% stock; I guess that will change when I have to replace the fronts.

I like the Dunlop a lot... but why is it every time I find a good tire the manufacture either stops making the size or changes the designs. I can not win!

Thanks

JoeyO
2001 V8

[kmaier]

[redacted]

[joeyo]

Just to update everyone…

The rear bushings were replaced under warranty. But the dealer stated that I would have to pay for the alignment because the bushings do not have anything with the alignment. Is this correct?

I checked the Driver’s side rear tire with a tire gauge and it is only worn about 1/16 of an inch off a new tire based on a comparison from a new identical Dunlop. I’m planning on getting the car aligned to assure myself that it is not an alignment problem so I don’t screw up the new tires.

JoeyO
2001 V8

[mikelr]

I would speak up and say something about having to pay for the alignment.
That would be like having a leaking head gasket under warranty and having the dealer charge you for having to adjust the timing belt after putting it back together.
If there was somthing wrong with the suspension of the car, bushings or what ever, they should do what ever it takes to correct it including the alignment afterwards.
The only thing I would not expect them to pick up the tab on would be the prematurly worn tire.

Good luck

Mike Reed
94' S4

[kmaier]

joeyo said:

Just to update everyone… The rear bushings were replaced under warranty. But the dealer stated that I would have to pay for the alignment because the bushings do not have anything with the alignment. Is this correct? I checked the Driver’s side rear tire with a tire gauge and it is only worn about 1/16 of an inch off a new tire based on a comparison from a new identical Dunlop. I’m planning on getting the car aligned to assure myself that it is not an alignment problem so I don’t screw up the new tires. JoeyO 2001 V8

The rear lower control arm outer bushings should be replaced as part of normal maintenance. Due to the geometry of the rear suspension, they will get torn up from suspension travel and will require frequent replacement if you drive the car regularly. I've already worn out the 3rd set since new. Based on this, I'd say they require replacement every 12-15K miles, and as they say, your mileage may vary based on driving style, road conditions, etc.

Note: replacing the bushings should not require alignment of the rear suspension, provided it wasn't out to begin with.

Regards, KM
2000 V8