Curtis - '97 Targa

I'm finding that I need to get my S02's balanced about every five thousand miles. Does that match up to other's experiences? Seems like these tires get out-of-balance more quickly than other tires on different cars.....

Curtis

Anir

Curtis,

Traditionally, I've followed the q 7500 mile recommendation. My last set of S-02's still had good tread and balance after 8,000 miles and 6 track days, but were so "greasy" that I replaced them. So, on a practical level, I will probably change my tires approximately every 7500 miles, which sort of obviates the need to balance them.

Viken

[quote]Originally posted by Curtis - '97 Targa:
<strong>I'm finding that I need to get my S02's balanced about every five thousand miles. Does that match up to other's experiences? Seems like these tires get out-of-balance more quickly than other tires on different cars.....</strong><hr></blockquote>

Curtis,

What are the exact indications which tell you that you need the tires balanced? I ask this because I never felt the need to re-balance tires before they needed to be changed. However, if you are experiencing increased steering wheel vibrations, there are a few other factors, potentially contributing to this, to consider. One of which is worn suspension components and bushings. Recently, I had my worn shocks replaced and the slight steering wheel vibration I had disappeared completely. Something to think about.

Curtis - '97 Targa

[quote] What are the exact indications which tell you that you need the tires balanced? <hr></blockquote>

Well, I get shake at specific speeds. Speeding up or slowing down makes it go away. After I get them balanced, all is well.

I'm sure my shocks are shot, but, because balancing fixed the problem, I didn't figure the problem was worn shocks.

PSS-9's coming soon!

Terry Adams

I too have steering wheel vibrations at 60 mph and 90, periodically. SO2 cup easily, and I tend to believe this is the source of the vibrations, because they did not go away with the recent new suspension and alignment. I think the cupping may well be due to worn out shocks. I am going to the new Michelins next tire change, just to see if they are different. That is, if I can get the fronts and rears to wear out about the same time.

Greg Fishman

When the tire shop places the weights on your wheels do you put some tape over them? If not you could lose a small weight and that could cause the problem you have. I can run for more than 5000 miles before needed another balance.
Greg

Curtis - '97 Targa

Greg,
I haven't been taping them. I don't believe that I've thrown the weights, though....No evidence (clean spot)when I look at the wheel of missing weights. Also, the vibration seems to come on gradually as the miles accumulate: like it is wear related.

993RS

Wouldn't know. Never got so much mileage on them...

Ray Calvo

Never really hacd to get a tire rebalanaced except when I lost a wheel weight (140K miles on '76, 125K on '84, 68K on 993). I have noticed when I lost a weight; the difference is rather sudden.

I have noticed a slight difference for about 20 miles or so after I switch from track to street tires or vice versa.

DJ

When I run street tires on the track, I need to get them rebalanced after every weekend at the track. It sounds absurd, but it has happened several times now. After every track weekend, I pick up a bad vibration. I get the wheels rebalanced, and all is well. I'm not losing weights (they are taped over), and it's not just picking up marbles and rubber-snakes from the track. When a lot of rubber is worn off, the balance changes. The car is heavy, the tires get used hard, and a lot of rubber gets removed. Maybe it's the equivalent of several thousand street miles.

Curtis - '97 Targa

DJ - Interesting point. Seems like a track day or AutoX DID precede onset of the vibration in most of the cases that I can remember....wonder if it has something to do with heat cycling?

tom97c4s

I hear the mention of "taping the weights" what exactly do you do?

If there is a slight vibratyion at 55 mph will it hurt anything if I wait approx 1-2,000 miles till my front tires are replaced?

Thanks!
Tom

Greg Fishman

[quote]Originally posted by tom97c4s:
<strong>I hear the mention of "taping the weights" what exactly do you do?
</strong><hr></blockquote>

I put a piece of aluminum tape over the balancing weights. You can also use duct tape.