Worn tyres

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Slayer

Slayer

Active Member
Posts
157
Location
Portugal
Hello everyone!

I've noticed that my front tyres are thiner than the rear ones (which look almost new)

I've been thinking of rotating, but here's the problem:

Rave manual says to fit new tyres always to the rear.

I've asked a mechanic (LR specialist?) and the guy says to fit newest tyres to the front.:doh:

What is your view on this?

Thanks!
 
Slayer said:
Hello everyone!

I've noticed that my front tyres are thiner than the rear ones (which look almost new)

I've been thinking of rotating, but here's the problem:

Rave manual says to fit new tyres always to the rear.

I've asked a mechanic (LR specialist?) and the guy says to fit newest tyres to the front.:doh:

What is your view on this?

Thanks!
Click to expand...
The question mark next to LR specialist is appropriate..
 
In an ideal world, you would swap the fronts to back and rotate them. But if there is a huge difference in the pairs, I'd keep swapping them left to right. When the fronts need replacing, pop the new pair on the rear.

Cheers

Blippie
 
Thanks Blippie! Seems like a good idea. I'll just wait until the front tyres wear a bit more, then fit new ones to the rear.

I'm just worried about possible consequences for the transmission. The present difference in wear between front and rear is about 3mm.
 
Slayer said:
Hello everyone!

I've noticed that my front tyres are thiner than the rear ones (which look almost new)

I've been thinking of rotating, but here's the problem:

Rave manual says to fit new tyres always to the rear.

I've asked a mechanic (LR specialist?) and the guy says to fit newest tyres to the front.:doh:

What is your view on this?

Thanks!
Click to expand...

Mechanic/LR specialist is a cock. LRs own maintenance schedule instructs mechanics to swop rear tyres only from side to side.

Newest/largest tyres always on the rear.
 
The rolling radius of the rear tyres is always larger than the front because of the front/rear weight distribution. On mine, TD4 ESP with Latitudes, the difference is 10mm. This makes radius differences due to wear rather less significant. Putting new tyres on the rear increases the difference in rolling radius and hence the nominal slip required at the VCU.
In view of this I prefer to have the deeper tread on the front, where most of the drive is developed, to give better grip in this weather and more importantly disperse water to prevent aquaplaning in the wet.
 
vic.middleton said:
The rolling radius of the rear tyres is always larger than the front because of the front/rear weight distribution. On mine, TD4 ESP with Latitudes, the difference is 10mm. This makes radius differences due to wear rather less significant. Putting new tyres on the rear increases the difference in rolling radius and hence the nominal slip required at the VCU.
In view of this I prefer to have the deeper tread on the front, where most of the drive is developed, to give better grip in this weather and more importantly disperse water to prevent aquaplaning in the wet.
Click to expand...

:doh: I won't bother to try to change you mind Vic, it's been done to death.

I'm sure any deflection in the sidewall with correct pressures will have been considered in the original design.

I just hope that others don't disregard the by now well documented advice on tyre fitment and risk wrecking their transmission.
 
Well put chaser. Going against manufacturers advice is not generally a good idea. New tyres to the back always!;)
 
vic.middleton said:
The rolling radius of the rear tyres is always larger than the front because of the front/rear weight distribution. On mine, TD4 ESP with Latitudes, the difference is 10mm. This makes radius differences due to wear rather less significant. Putting new tyres on the rear increases the difference in rolling radius and hence the nominal slip required at the VCU.
Click to expand...
vic.middleton said:
I believe the point you make is a valid one. Whenever I have measured tyre diameters ( not an easy thing to do accurately!) on a Freelander I have noticed the big difference in rolling radius between front and back.
Maybe one day someone with new tyres all round will put a chalk mark ,at say twelve o'clock, move the car in a straight line and the compare marks. I think the result will confirm your view.
Click to expand...
 
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