I recently had to replace one of my rear tires for a cut in the sidewall (road FOD). I'm running stock S02 all around. So now I have a brand new tire on the left rear and one with about 50% tread on the right rear.

The problem is that the car doesn't handle anywhere near as well as it used to, especially at highway speeds. The backend doesn't feel planted, like it's floating. It's most noticeable when I lift off the throttle to shift, the car pulls to the left (if I remember correctly). When I get back on it (or from a dead stop), it pulls to the right. When cruising, I'm constantly compensating with steering left and right with varying throttle.

Do I:
* need a new tire to even out the tread (really don't want to spend the cash)
* need an alignment (I rode with the donut on the rear for about 5 miles before I remembered I wasn't supposed to do that and switched it to the front)
* do something else?

My dealership couldn't find anything else wrong with the car and suggested I get a new tire and then an alignment. Any idea why I couldn't just get an alignment before a new tire?

I'm afraid to even drive it anymore since I don't fully understand what's going on. Any help to get me back up and running will be greatly appreciated.

 

Your symptoms sound like a mismatch in tire pressure to me. I would check all four tires and set them to the same tire pressure. What pressure are you running in your tires?

 

Recommended 32 psi. Any suggestions?

 

I would suggest replacing the other tire, too. Your car will handle better and there will be less heat/wear in the differential. Ask to keep the take-off tire in case it happens again 5,000 miles down the road when the tires are halfway worn.

If it was me, I'd also get the diff fluid replaced, if I ran with different diameter tires for a while...

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Destiny2002
[B]I would suggest replacing the other tire, too.

 

You need to replace the other tire as well. A 50% tread difference is just too much. The owner's manual also recomends replacing tires in pairs or all fours.

Other things you could try is to look for a used tire with 50% tread or have the new tire shaved (you might end up with different traction in the old/new tire, though).

 

Mas is correct. You need to match the tires tread depth. You really don't need an alignment unless the tires are worn unevenly or there is another problem. Think of it like putting one old shoe on and a brand new shoe on. It really feels different.
It is the same thing.
If I can help let me know.
Thank you

Jim 800-428-8355-364

 

I guess that makes Jim a shoe salesman

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Jim@tirerack
[B]Think of it like putting one old shoe on and a brand new shoe on.