Wheels and Tires Discussion about wheels and tires for the S2000.
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Will changing tires throw off alignment?

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Old May 19, 2007 | 03:15 PM
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From: IN THE HOOD
Default Will changing tires throw off alignment?

A month ago, I had a nail in a tire and I took it to discount to have it repaired

I did not notice until today, that that tire was mounted wrong!!! The rotation direction on it was flipped!

My question is: does this affect alignment reading? I just had the car realigned, and if this threw the numbers off, then I would require Discount to comp me for the alignment fees, so I could realign it in the correct configuration
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Old May 19, 2007 | 04:49 PM
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No it won't affect alignment, it just may have compromised the winding of the inner steel belting making the tire prone to premature failure but you're probably fine and I wouldn't worry. Just have the tire re-mounted properly.
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Old May 19, 2007 | 06:40 PM
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I was assuming that since alignment measures geometry in FRACTIONS of a percent, even slight wear-imbalance on the tires would cause the readings to be off... for example, camber
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Old May 19, 2007 | 06:54 PM
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Originally Posted by hygiene boy,May 19 2007, 07:49 PM
it just may have compromised the winding of the inner steel belting making the tire prone to premature failure
For that reason, and because of the way I drive, I'd replace the tire.

It probably is OK, but I wouldn't take the risk (not with my lead foot).
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Old May 21, 2007 | 07:50 AM
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It is fine. I ran Bridgestone RE750 which is directional the wrong way for a couple thousand mile before I noticed. We even did testing here where we ran directional tires the wrong way and the only time it really made a difference is in standing water.
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Old May 21, 2007 | 01:54 PM
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From http://www.yokohamatire.com/uttread.asp.
Designed to rotate in only one direction, unidirectional tires enhance straight-line acceleration by reducing rolling resistance. The also provide shorter stopping distance. Unidirectional tires must be dedicated to a specific side of the vehicle. Care must be taken when rotating unidirectional tires to ensure that the repositioned tire rotates in the correct direction.
I thought that tires that are unidirectional had a sidewall constructoin that is designed to work in only one direction. I thought that the tread pattern and wet weather performance are another matter altogehter, but of course I would't expect a one way tire to shed water as well when turning the wrong way.

As for any risks involved in running a uni backwards, I'm sure you're right, and found the following on http://www.geminicarcare.com/faqs/mounting.html to somewhat confirm my thinking.
[QUOTE]My directional tires were mounted incorrectly and are rotating in the wrong direction. What should I do?

Tires with a "directional" tread design are intended to roll and perform in a given direction.
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