Tyre pressures (relax!!!!!!!)

Bought my 90 TD5 just a short while ago, fully serviced etc. Finally got round to checking the tyre pressures today - bloody hell!

No wonder it was skittish and bumpy!

They'd put 45psi fore and aft (I have BFG AT 265/75R16s or whatever they're bloody called).

Now running on 28/35 and the tarmac feels soooo much softer.

Why do garages do that?

shedchief said:

Bought my 90 TD5 just a short while ago, fully serviced etc. Finally got round to checking the tyre pressures today - bloody hell!

No wonder it was skittish and bumpy!

They'd put 45psi fore and aft (I have BFG AT 265/75R16s or whatever they're bloody called).

Now running on 28/35 and the tarmac feels soooo much softer.

Why do garages do that?

Click to expand...

Have a look at the recommended air pressure for the tire. With that low tire pressure you going to wear the tread out quicker. Should have more air on the front as it is heavier than the back of the defender.

28/35 was the manufacturer spec for the 90, but agree John, my expectation would have been for higher at the front

Could always do the chalk test

the manual for my disco says to put more pressure in the rear too... can't remember the figures, but it does suggest having lower pressure in the front!

Is there a decent tyre pressure chart knocking about.
Can't afford to be wasting tyres

Yup, I did do a 'search' first to try to find out the pressures to use on the Td5. I even looked on other forums . In the end, I stumbled upon the recommended pressures in one of the manuals (I forget which one).

My old Daihatsu Foretrack used to run on 20psi all round, I seem to recall.

Anywhichway, I usually run empty with just me onboard, so I'll leave it as 28/35 for now, monitor wear and adjust pressures if necessary. Might raise the front a little if steering feels heavy, but it seems OK for now.

The chalk test is better carried out when the roads are dry, I've found.

Cheers!

I stick mine on 32 all round...

In all honesty there does not seem to be much difference plus or minus 5psi

my workshop manual recommended 28/34 front/back for my size tyres (205/65/r16 radial ply). That led to wear on the edges at the front, and me having to buy new tyres.. the guy at the tyre place said they should be at least 32.

when i first bought the truck, my girlfriend got a farmer to pump up the tyres, and he did them to 55psi all round lol.... that was a harsh ride!!

My tyres say 65psi max on them. Might be a fun experiment.

mine are 30psi all round with General Grabber TR fitted