YACT: Alignment -- radial pull? Sears says my tires are bad...

[Deleted member 4644]

My car used to pull VERY slightly to the left. I got my tires balanced, and then it started pulling really hard to the right. I took it in for an alignment and they said they couldnt fix it because it was due to radial pull or something and that I would have to buy new tires. The tires I have are about $1000 and less than 1/6 worn. I am NOT buying new tires.

They switched the tires again and now it pulls slightly to the left again...

Anyone know what I can do and what might be causing this? I REALLY don't want it to be the tires...

 

[TechnoKid]

Originally posted by: LordSegan
My car used to pull VERY slightly to the left. I got my tires balanced, and then it started pulling really hard to the right. I took it in for an alignment and they said they couldnt fix it because it was due to radial pull or something and that I would have to buy new tires. The tires I have are about $1000 and less than 1/6 worn. I am NOT buying new tires.

They switched the tires again and now it pulls slightly to the left again...

Anyone know what I can do and what might be causing this? I REALLY don't want it to be the tires...

are your tires directional? or asymetric (one side must be mounted inside)?

Go to a different tire place, tire pros seems to be very good. BigO does ok alignments by where I am.

 

[Deleted member 4644]

No.. the tires can be put on either side. They are Michelin Pilot Sport A/S

 

[TechnoKid]

Originally posted by: LordSegan
No.. the tires can be put on either side. They are Michelin Pilot Sport A/S

gosh those are expensive, but very good tires. so you tires are directional; are they all rotating as indicated on teh sidewall?

I think they have a defects warranty, perhaps if it really is the tire thats at fault, you may be able to get em replaced under defective warranty.



Alignment tech

 

[isekii]

What size Pilot Sports do you have ?
Even if you got the 17"'s 215/45/ZR it shouldn't have cost more than $650.

 

[TechnoKid]

Originally posted by: isekii
What size Pilot Sports do you have ?
Even if you got the 17"'s 215/45/ZR it shouldn't have cost more than $650.

they are the pilot sport A/S which are much more exp than the sport according to tire rack.

 

[GalvanizedYankee]

Go to a Michelin dealer and make a warranty claim. It will be taken care of. Sears or a discount tire store
would not be the best bet. Look for a more up-scale tire store in your area.
It could be a bad tire if the alignment is spot on.

 

[Pacfanweb]

You said you got your tires balanced and then it started pulling to the right.

Okay, it's impossible for balancing to affect alignment in any way, BUT....did they rotate the tires when they had them off to balance?
If so, that's the source of your pull, and it most likely is a tire pull, as they said. It doesn't mean you need a new tire, unless you want the pull to go away.
See your Michelin dealer.
Edit: I missed this: "They switched the tires again and now it pulls slightly to the left again..."

That confirms it, you have a tire pull. Again, see your Michelin dealer.

 

[Deleted member 4644]

Yea they are kick ass tires - 245/17/45-Z

Makes me cry to think of them being defective

Thanks for the advice guys. If worst comes to worst, I guess I'll just have them rerotate the tires and live with a slight pull.

Thanks again