hi everyone, after 38,000 miles the original Conti's needed replaced. After checking everywhere and reading up on a lot of tires I opted to put on a set of Michelin Pilot a/s Sport Plus tires ($1200 out the door installed at Merchant's Tire). The tires (all four) vibrated - went back next day, they re-balanced them. Same problem - at 60-MPH they vibrate annoyingly. They suggested I take to a sister company NTB where they have better equipment. I did so, we tested and seemed fine, but the next day cruising on the hwy again at 60 MPH they are vibrating. Frustrated, I forked up $75 for Mr Tire to do a road force balance on all four - said they found no issues and it road tested fine, could not feel a vibration- then when I got out on the highway, same problem, only worse than it was before. Went back to Merchants - they put two new Michelins on the front and had the same issue - could not get vibration out at 60-70MPH. They checked alignment - very slightly out, so we fixed that (another $109) with no change - same problem exists. Then they suggest I take to dealer to check out - brakes are fine, no pulsing. They say the front bearings need repacked (another $213) and they road test and say problem solved. I leave, get on highway and at 60 MPH, they vibrate....still. I am so frustrated I don't know what to do and so are they - has anyone had any problem with the front tires like this? Michelins? Can the tread pattern cause such an issue? These are directional tires but don't see how that would matter - (yes they are installed in right direction) as long as I go under 60 they are pretty awesome...quiet, and ride much better that the original Conti's....I have to go back to see Manager on Friday and I am clueless what to do next (so is he, but I can't see investing all this money and being miserable) - I now have almost $2000 invested in getting these tires and I'm really fed up. Anyone out there have any ideas or comments/suggestions???
respond here or at derick4155@aol.com

 

After the wheels are balanced have they checked them again on the machine to be certain the weights are put on correctly in the right place on the rim's ?
The reason I ask is cause last year when replacing tires the shop balanced them but actually put the weights in the wrong spot on the wheels.
They didn't recheck them until I came back complaining of vibration.
They found all 4 wheels were off balance and did them all again.
The issue was resolved.
I assume they have checked for bent rims already to correct ?

 

Here in pothole land, bent and cracked rims are an all too common. The Beetle GLX with 225/45x17 has two bent alloys, and the Crossfire has one 19" rim bent and cracked per the service garage. Although all hold air just fine and I notice no undue vibration in either car, it will make for a very expensive month if I need to pop for new rims for 2 cars.

Wonder if you found another crossfire owner that will swap rims/tires with you for a test drive. It's a stretch, If you lived near me, I'd let you have at mine.

 

Some speed rated tires /directional will have a roar at speed.Are you sure its a vibration or just tire noise.If there was a mechanical problem especially in the front tires or suspension you would feel the vibration transmit to the steering wheel causing a vibration or even a jerking motion.I would say I the problem was not present before you changed tires then the tires are the culprit. I know the tires on my car are very noisy at speed compared to a touring tire.That's just the characteristics of some tires out there. How ever I would not think so of the Pilot sports. They are a very good tire.
Tim