Tyre noise and size on Leon ST

[POIDH]

New to me 2017 Leon ST FR 1.4tsi dsg here. Wearing 225/45/17 tyres.

We're 3k miles into owning it, and it's pretty good.

However, the tyre noise above 60mph, particularly on the motorway is very noticeable. This is mentioned in a few reviews. It's currently wearing cheap tyres and I'm going to replace them.

I also note that the move from 55 sidewall tyres on the old car is very noticeable. It thumps into potholes and similar much more. I know some of this is the -15mm FR suspension too.

1. Has anyone added some more sound insulation to the arches with success? I've a half box of the heavy rubber stuff left from a van conversion.

2. I'm wondering about fitting one of the other standard Leon FR wheel sizes - dropping to 16" rim for more sidewall. These are option fit from factory at 205/55/16. Will this be slightly more comfortable and quieter? They are £30 a tyre less and should be slightly better mpg? Thoughts please.

[SteBrown91]

Id personally just switch to a better tyre - something like a Goodyear eagle F1 Assemtric 5 is quite soft on the sidewall. Only issue I've had with these is that they can get a little noisy as they are getting low on tread.

[The Cardinal]

One thing to consider is the insulation. Some tyres can have foam inserts (e.g. Pirelli PNCS) and, more widely, insulation material can be found in wheel wells, bonnets etc of many cars.

I've found my 8V RS3 markedly quieter than its S3 predecessor, despite larger arches and bigger wheels. I put this down to the P Zeros having said PNCS inserts, plus visibly more insulation in the front arches.

I am not sure you'd find much variation between models in the Leon range, but I know different grades of VW Transporter come with more insulation that can be retrofitted for example.

[Drive Blind]

I'd get some decent new tyres on it first.

I had a Leon FR on 18's and the bridgestones on it were very noisy. Goodyears and Michelins were a vast improvment.

[Glosphil]

When I bought my 2018 Leon FR with 18" wheels in 2019 it was on the original Bridgestones which were noisy. Last October I changed to Michelin Crossclimate 2s (same 225/40 size) - much quieter.

[POIDH]

Thanks all - sounds like same size but quieter it is.

[M11rph]

They are a bit light on the sound insulation compared to the Golf, might feel a little less posh but also it's not quite as disconnected as others on the same platform.

You've got the right wheels imo, the 18s on the non-independent rear suspension variants do nothing for the handling or ride, 16s are a bit spongey.

Better tyres might well help. Michelin P4 on my 3 door 1.4FR, and experiment with tyre pressures. The recommended settings are high to help with the fuel economy figures. Start at the Comfort setting, you should find them quieter and the ride & handling significantly improved.

Adding sound insulation does add some refinement but to do it properly is a bit of an expensive faff frankly. Load space and front doors in the ST would give most benefit.

I just turn up the toons when it gets intrusive, which is only on the lovely concrete sections of our Motorway system.

Edited by M11rph on Monday 18th July 08:36