Sagey Posted August 17, 2011 Share Posted August 17, 2011 Dear forum I have recently had 2 new Potenza RE05A's fitted to the rear with the same on the front, albeit they are quite worn (need changing in 2-3 months). Driving on the motorway last couple of times I have noticed the tendancy for the car to tramline quite a bit but also like the back end is twitching/snaking a little from side to side (sometimes doesnt feel that safe to be honest). Maybe I am being over sensitive but this has only started happening since I bought new tyres. Has anyone else felt this happening? maybe its because the front and back tyres are not worn evenly which effects how they behave? Appreciate any assistance Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AK350Z Posted August 17, 2011 Share Posted August 17, 2011 Back end twitch/weave sounds like you have a soft tire or puncture, have you checked pressures all round recently? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sagey Posted August 17, 2011 Author Share Posted August 17, 2011 yes I check that pretty often...it is a bit odd Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Peter10 Posted August 17, 2011 Share Posted August 17, 2011 Road have been really greasy around my area with the short, sharp showers bringing the oil out o the tarmac. Could it be that? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ekona Posted August 17, 2011 Share Posted August 17, 2011 How recently? How many miles have you done? Did you get the alignment done at the same time? How worn are the fronts? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sagey Posted August 17, 2011 Author Share Posted August 17, 2011 it seems to have happened since I had the rear tyres fitted 2 months ago by a recommeded local garage in Bristol. Had a wheel geometry check also by Nissan main dealer as though it was this and now thats sorted it hasnt changed anything.. Maybe its the dodgy road surfaces in the Uk...drove in France to Le Mans and didnt notice on the long motorway stretches.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sagey Posted August 17, 2011 Author Share Posted August 17, 2011 Sorry fronts are maybe 2.5mm at a guess, not very close to the cross bars which indicate change I believe? Cant afford to change them for a good 2-3 months! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ekona Posted August 17, 2011 Share Posted August 17, 2011 Legal minimum is 1.6mm, although I would start thinking seriously about changing about 2mm at the very least on 050As as the grip drops off dramatically when these tyres start getting worn, more so than other tyres. You've got quite a difference between front and rear grip atm which is why the back feels a bit wandery: It's not that so much as you've got much less grip at the front so it's understeering, and even in a straight line that will lead to a numbness from the front. My advice would be to drop the front tyre pressure by 2psi to help load the tyres up a bit (so 33F 35R), see you how get on with that. The only other alternative really is to change the fronts, pop the cost on a credit card if you can't do it all in one go. After all, the tyres are the only thing keeping you in contact with the road so it's vital they're in good condition. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beau Posted August 17, 2011 Share Posted August 17, 2011 Doesnt cars tend to tramline if you have to wide tyres in front? I run 265 in front and notice on bad roads, and uneven road angles I get tramlining but when the roads are flat and smooth there is no issue. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ebized Posted August 18, 2011 Share Posted August 18, 2011 You did not say what the tyres were that you had on the rear before the change. If they were not 050A's and more of a budget tyre their softer side walls may have something to do with the tramlining you are now getting as the 050A's have quite a stiff side wall and combined with the worn front tyres that is accentuating the different feel. I have found that once you get some good heat into 050A's the tramlining effect reduces. (Something that is more noticeable on the 370, than I found on the 350, as the front end is more sensitive) But to fully enjoy your car a new set of matching front tyres is a must Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
M13KYF Posted August 18, 2011 Share Posted August 18, 2011 tyres on the wrong way round perhaps? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ebized Posted August 18, 2011 Share Posted August 18, 2011 tyres on the wrong way round perhaps? 050A's are not directional, unlike the Toyos for example. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
M13KYF Posted August 18, 2011 Share Posted August 18, 2011 couldnt remember Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spursmaddave Posted August 18, 2011 Share Posted August 18, 2011 I noticed a BIG difference when my RE050A's became close to the legal limit. They lasted me around 25k but the last month or so the car was definitely more 'lively' at the rear especially in the wet. All the tyres were still legal but I changed them all anyway rather than stagger it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
docwra Posted August 18, 2011 Share Posted August 18, 2011 Legal minimum is 1.6mm, although I would start thinking seriously about changing about 2mm at the very least on 050As as the grip drops off dramatically when these tyres start getting worn, more so than other tyres. You've got quite a difference between front and rear grip atm which is why the back feels a bit wandery: It's not that so much as you've got much less grip at the front so it's understeering, and even in a straight line that will lead to a numbness from the front. Yep, that understeering in a straight line is a bitch. Having run every combination of tyres in the known universe, from brand new RE050's to tyres on the wire, I would personally say your tramlining is not related to the grip of your tyres. It may well be related to the inflation, or your cars alignment, Id be checking them first. However, Ekona is right that you need to be considering changing the fronts, Id certainly make sure you have them done before actual winter starts. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ekona Posted August 18, 2011 Share Posted August 18, 2011 Yep, that understeering in a straight line is a bitch. I couldn't think of an easier way of putting it! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sagey Posted August 18, 2011 Author Share Posted August 18, 2011 Cheers I had RE05A's on before as I value decent tyres. Must be the difference in tread wear between front and back so I'll drop the pressure by 2 psi on the fronts and see if makes a difference (until I change them). Thanks all Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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