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Archive for March 1st, 2006
Tire Size Change
Posted by Tim on March 1, 2006
My 2005 Toyota Avalon came with 215/55R17 tires. To buy replacement tires when it comes time I can only buy certain brands and types in that size, however I have a much bigger choice of brands and types if I go to a 225/R55R17. My question is can I go to that size on the same rim and not have any problems.
Before changing tire sizes from the original on any vehicle, I strongly suggest checking with the vehicle dealer or manufacturer to see what is and is not recommended. A larger tire may rub something under the fender. Any change in tire diameter will effect gearing and odometer / speedometer readings. Know all the issues before making a change.
Vehicle Vibration Issue
Posted by Tim on March 1, 2006
I have a 1993 International 9300 that vibrates like crazy around 55-65 mph. (feels like its going to hop off the road). I changed and balanced the front tires and the vibration is still there. I also feel the vibration slightly at around 35-37 mph. Does this sound like it could be a bad tire on the back? I noticed that if I have a heavy trailer, the vibration isn’t nearly as bad. But is still there.
It's entirely possible the vibration is coming from the drive axle(s). It could be caused by balance or runout on one or more tires, wheels, hubs, etc. A big flatspot from brake lockup can cause this. The reason it happens only at certain speeds is at that speed the problem component is shaking at just the right frequency to match a natural resonance in the truck. The most common thing we see is high rear runout (from the combination of a tire and wheel) setting off the frame rails' natural tendency to bend in the middle, or "beam". This kind of shaking is supposed to be controlled by the truck's shocks and bushings. But on a high mileage truck, these items are probably pretty worn.
If it was my truck I'd go to a good tire shop and ask them to check rear tire runout ON THE TRUCK. Any up in the 0.100" range are suspicious. If they find one or more high ones, there are tricks they might be able to use besides simply throwing on new tires. They will also be able to check for high runout wheels, which are pretty common, especially steel wheels. If there are no high runout assemblies, they could go for balance. But that would tell me something is wrong with the truck. It would be very unusual to have to balance drive tires that have good runout.