I just replaced both front tires with 225/45/R17 Dunlop Direzza Z1SS (previously had Sumitomo HTR ZIII 225/45/R17s in the front). The Direzzas have about 25 miles on them so far. I have had the following issues:

1) The steering feels woolier and less precise. With the Sumitomos, the nose would "dart" with small steering inputs. The front end acts much lazier since I put on the Direzzas.

2) The steering wheel is no longer centered when driving straight; it sits about 5 degrees to the right when driving straight. The wheel was centered with the Sumitomos in the front.

Has anyone else had similar experiences? Do the Star Specs have a break in period after which steering feel improves? Is this an alignment issue?

Thanks!

 

Are you sure all that was done was removal of the front wheels to have the tires replaced? Your steering wheel was centered when it went into the shop - no reason why it should be different after having front tires replaced.

As the tires wear a bit the squirmy feel should improve (tall tread blocks).

 

Is the wheel just sitting to the right, or is the car pulling to the left and you're having to compensate with steering input?
If they didn't do anything with the alignment settings, I don't see how it could be the former. If it's the latter, swap front tires and see if the pull changes direction.

Could have a bad tire...

 

when was your last alignment??? Did you have it done with your worn tires????? probably an issue similar to that. And yes your tires will feel greasy for about 500 miles or so

 

1) You need an alignment
2) New tires have lubricants in them...give them a 500 mile break in period before judging the handling characteristics.

 

Last alignment was at 22K. Car has 32K right now. Is it normal to need an alignment this often? Note: I have attended 7 autoX events since the last alignment. Could this have something to do with it?

 

Absolutely. i get the alignment at least checked when installing new tires.

 

lots of stress put on during auto x.....i use to get one after every event(once a month) now i just dont care as much

 

If the alignment bolts aren't reefed in pretty hard, they *will* move around on you with serious usage.

But if the issue only appeared with the new tires, I suspect one of the fronts of being "bad" (i.e., internal defect, causing a pull).

 

I agree:
a) get an alignment
b) break in tires