BFG A/T tire noise question (1 Viewer)

[bpenn1980]

Hello all,

I recently purchased a used set of BFG a/t ko's sized 285/75/16 in the load rating D. These tires had maybe 10-15,000 miles on them while on an '04 tahoe. All were in pretty good condition though the inside edge of one tire was slightly more worn than the others. Not a deal killer.

However, when installing the tires several required between 3-6 oz's to balance. This concerned me, but they rode fine at 38psi.

Then I got on the freeway....wow. I didnt really get a balancing shake in the steering wheel, but one of the tires (DS front) was making a really loud "thwack thwack thwack" noise. It was so loud I had to roll my window up. At my destination I checked to make sure nothing was rubbing, touching, etc and all was clear. Then I noticed the sound/feeling is still there at lower speeds, but its just not as noticeable. Right around 40mph is where it starts getting very audible.

Any idea what this could be?? I have the tires rotated so that tire is now on the DS rear and its definitely making the same noise per my drive on the freeway last night. Is there anything I can do? I feel like I have a "bad" tire. The rest ride well and dont really make that much noise, but that tire is ridiculous.

Any thoughts appreciated

 

[NTFJ45]

I would not drive with that tire any more, if you do you are taking a serious risk. It was a good idea moving it to the rear at least. I have used the exact type of tire for years and they are a robust good handling tire.
Noise wise they would be average and not the noisiest AT tire on the market.

If the tire was run on low inflation it could have internal tread separation occuring. High heat over extended periods due to under inflation is the leading cause of tyre failure in tubless radials.

Did you see the inside wall of the tire before installation, any slight bulging or bumps evident.

Another noise maker not readily evident can be a nail or rock only visible as the tread is compressed agianst the road surface at speed.

I would take it to a tire specialist for a look

 

[Nay]

Sounds like it isn't balanced, which may explain all the weight. No way those tires should take that kind of weight. Take all four to a good shop for dynamic balancing.

 

[bpenn1980]

Ok, just back from Firestone. That tire is "cupping". Its wearing kinda up/down alternating tread blocks down the center of that one tire. All the others are smooth if you run your hand flat along the tread. Running my hand flat on that tire you feel the up/down between the tread blocks.

Apparently the "thwack thwack thwack" sound that gets louder with speed is indicative of "cupping" as well.

The offensive tire has been balanced and inspected for any other problems and its just the cupping.


Sooooo, did I just buy a set of tires that now need to go in the junk pile or can this tire be "fixed" by running proper inflation and balance over the next few thousand miles?

 

[MoJ]

My experience has been that once it's cupped, it's cupped. I ran into a similar situation with a used vehicle. I believe lack of rotation will cause it.

 

[619TOY]

Too bad they're on an 80; you could just peel out alot until they true'd up.

Seriously though, I wonder how the Tahoe cupped them like that prior to your owning them. I have had many sets over the years on IFS rigs and have never experienced anything like that.

Luckily that's a pretty popular size and if nothing else works, you're bound to run across another one cheap.

 

[bpenn1980]

Too bad they're on an 80; you could just peel out alot until they true'd up.

So why dont tire shops "shave" tires anymore? Seems like there's enough trucks out there that develop cupping that having a machine around to wear them back down even would be worth while. I'd pay $20 for it.

 

[619TOY]

Actually, in the back of my head, I think you still can get that done?