I got 6 new tires last year about this time at Discount Tires here in Minn. they have been ok especially inthe winter.

I went on a 900 mile round trip to Chicago and Milwaukee and on the way backlate at night I noticed that the truck was wandering and handling different than usual. I stopped at a gas station and checked the tires and both inside duals were flat. Nothing in the area was open and the tires were on the rims and not hot so I elected to drive home with them. Everything was ok untill I went to the tire store the next day.

Since it was time to rotate anyway I had them balance and rotate (free) and repair the 2 flats. Turns out that the valve stem extensions ripped out and the tires went flat. I only drive 65 max so I wasn't trying for land speed records.

As soon as I got up to 30 mph or so I noticed a buzzing vibration. It seemed like it was from the front end. I went out on the highway and got up to 65 and it got really noticable. Not death wobble but a definite buzz and vibration. I had a short trip of about 200 miles and it left my arms nearly numb by the time I got to the destination.

I went back and Discount Tire dismounted and rebalanced the front tires again. Same thing no real change. We also checked the tire runout and it is pretty good, no flat spots or cupping, they all are wearing nice and flat. So I went back again and they switched the tires around again. Now the whole truck has a buzzing vibration. It's not as bad but still very tiring to drive for any distance.

I took the truck to the shop and jacked it up and went over the driveshaft and rear end. I don't see any real looseness in the drive shaft other than very small movement at the hanger bearing. No weights seem to be missing off the DS. The pinion seal is leaking a little but it has been for a long time. The rear end was ok on oil level and not leaking out on the wheel bearings. The yoke is tight on the rear end. The u-joints are tight and not showing rust or signs of leakage.

I also looked at the front end (2wd) and it seems tight. The wheel bearings seem good , I didn't take it apart but the wheels turn nice and easy and don't wobble. I just put some Lubegard in the PS pump a couple months ago and it is full.

So what do you think has happened??? It was fine before I had the tires rotated.

 

It is possible that the belts shifted in the 2 flats from running them while flat. I would suspect that since they had to be repaired, that went back on the truck last. Being last, they probable went on the front. When you had the fronts checked, they probably went from front to outside rear. That would account for the entire truck "buzzing".

 

They did go on the front same side as original. They are now on the inside rear.

I too suspect the belts. I asked about it the last time I was at the tire shop. They didn't seem to think that was the problem. We did look inside the tire for problems and they looked like new with no cracks or bulges.

He mentioned replacing the tires, all 6 but after a year and 15k I don't think they will, at least not free. I think there will be better warantee if I throw a tread off. Unfortunately it would probably make a mess out of a fender.

I think the next step will be to take the 2 suspect tires off and try a road test.

 

I've always subscribed to the theory that more than 3 ounces of weight in one spot was a no sale. After a year it'll be a tough sale but in the future you might want to consider it. Additionally, I purchased a set of Centramatics and won't be without them ever again. That was probably the best investment I made in my truck.

 

Bentwings, My best bet would be you are having some issues with the belts also. Let me know if I can be a hand. Ill be in town here for the next week or so.

 

Belt vote here too. You should be able to run just 1 tire in back and eliminate them. You'll never be able to peer inside the guts of the tires and see for sure. My next bet, is if you keep them, at least one will have big belt failure soon. And bet #3 is, it will not be in the parking lot of a tire store.

 

Well I got under the truck again today and check the entire drive line. Looks ok to me. the DS is a bit rusty but no weights seem to be missing. The Drive line shop says it is the tires for sure.

The 1 tire idea seems good to me. I would think it would isolate the 2 suspect tires.

Looks like Fri is the soonest day as the race car guys are out of town so I'll have the shop to myself. I have a short tow Thurs and my daughter is getting married this week end so Sat is out too.

Hey Lovin nice to hear from you. check your PM.

Well thanks for the ideas guys. Maybe a tread will come off at low speed thurs then I'll have a problem to fix. haha