I've been buying the same tires for the past 4 years (BFG KDW2) and I keep having the same problem... the middle (about a 2-3" wide section) of tthe tire keeps wearing out before ANYTHING else does... I've tried lowering my tire pressure (running 28psi now) I've tried running stock pressures, I've tried camber adjustments, everything.... but this part always goes slick first. If it weren't for this strip being worn like it does I could quit buying rears about every 6 months... granted I drive my car ALOT but shouldn't the tire wear evenly... some one mentioned I might be running the wrong tire size for the rim.... I'm running ADVAN RZ's 17x8.5 rear with 255x40x17 tires could the sidewall be too tall causing it to wear like this?

Can someone please explain? I do drive hard but never dump the clutch and "burnout"...

 

25 views and not one response???

 

sorry if this sounds too obvious; how about changing to a different brand? you have already tried a number of variables. the tire make is a huge variable. of course, you would want to run all 4 the same model, when you change.

i personally like RE11s; i am in the process of getting a set for the spring.

 

It wouldn't be your sidewall being to tall, that would have nothing to do with it.

Your putting a 255 width tire and on 8.5 wheel on the other hand may be the culprit. If the tire is too wide for the wheel its going to bend to make it fit so it won't be flat. Think of how a piece of paper makes a U shape when push on both ends. You can try a different brand of tire if you want, they all fit just a tiny bit differently so a different brand may work out just fine. Personally I'd just use a 245 width tire and get it over with.

Usually the middle wearing out faster is too much tire pressure or wrong width.

 

It could just be the 255/40R17 on the 17X8.5 wheel. I have heard that the car does wear tires down the middle more frequently. I think you did everything that you can do to even the wear out. The next time try the 245/40R17.
If I can help let me know.

 

I have a 255 bfg on an 8.5 with even wear @ 5500 miles.

 

What tire pressure are you using?

 

Can you give me a price on Star Spec's 255x40x17 for rear and 215x45x17 for front? I've read and heard nothing but good things about these... the best thing I like about the KDW2's is the tread pattern, wet traction, and treadwear rating (300). To me this means it is a harder rubber that doesn't wear easily or as easily as a 200 rated tire besides that I hate driving in the rain.

 

255/40/17 is fine- it is well within the recommended range to be using with an 8.5" wheel and vice-versa. Stock CR tire/wheel size on the rear, fwiw.

Have you tried a different tire pressure gauge? I hope you haven't put all your trust into a single gauge since they could be off 5 to 10 psi or more sometimes.

 

For UHP (as opposed to Max and Extreme Perf) Summer tires, I'd try Bridgestone RE760 in place of the KDW2s.

8.5" wheel width is the minimum recommended for a 255/40-17. Recommended wheel width is 8.5 - 10".
So, the wheels aren't exactly *well* within the range, but still, should be fine.

I'd try RE760s in AP2 (215/45-17 F, 245/40-17R) or CR sizes (215/45-17 F, 255/40-17 R).