Posted by Ben on February 21, 03 at 10:58:08:
In Reply to: Tire/Wheel question for Ben posted by MattR on February 19, 03 at 09:25:39:
Okay, instead of answering those emails questioning my sanity running 65-70psi on the fronts while empty, here is why.
Had Michelin LTX-MS LT265/75R16 load range E's put on. Five of them on 16x10 wheels. Didn't like them at first, but found that Costco put in 35 psi in all after telling them wanted 50 psi min. Even had the manager confirm that he 'checked'... PO'd when finally checked later that day after putting on about 200 miles. Could see that the tires were feathering and really, really warm. Stupid me, trusting and not checking on my own.
Accident then messed up one tire/wheel. Shop said they could get two LTX-AT's for price of one and insurance wouldn't be out any money. Then the alignement shop messed up the front end and had it back to them 3 times. All along the MS's were wearing the tow outside ribs, which are not as thick as the center (it's made to run on the high side of pressure). They saved the other LTX-MS and it's in the shed waiting for the two fronts to wear out. Will then replace one and take the other as spare, spare will come out.
So, I'm trying to WEAR out the two LTX-MS's up front with spirited driving (fun stuff) and need to have them up at 65-70 psi 'cuz the outer ribs are at the wear bars.
Think normal pressure will be around 55-60 psi. They are at about 35K miles now and the center is only about half gone. New LTX-AT's in back are wearing just fine, but maybe a bit too much in the center and will reduce the pressure down to 45 psi today.
Also since fixing the pulling am trying out new pads. Stuck piston is temp fixed (will replace calipers when money situation gets better) ruined a set of Praise Dyno Stage II pads. Replacements arrived last week (Stage II ceramics), but wanted some more time with these Wagner HD Extreme carbon/metalic. Nothing wonderful about them...even notice that the Praise Dyno rears doing more of their share. The Wagner's are a bit better than any of the other HD/Extreme duty tried in past (Raybestos, Bendix, etc).
So having fun driving hard and braking hard!