Will changing tires throw off alignment?
05-19-2007, 03:15 PM
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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
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
05-19-2007, 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.
05-19-2007, 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
05-19-2007, 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).
05-21-2007, 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.
05-21-2007, 01:54 PM
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From http://www.yokohamatire.com/uttread.asp.
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.
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.
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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