Jonny H

Active Member
Hi. I have a TD4 Sport with 18 inch alloys. I need a couple of tyres and have previously fitted Pirelli Scorpion Zeros. They are quite expensive out here in Spain and wonder if anyone can suggest a good cheaper alternative. They need to be good off road too as we live off the beaten track. Cheers.
 
There aren't many decent off road tyres in 18"
Also if you are changing just 2 tyres, you should fit the same tyres as those that are staying on the vehicle. That's same make, type and size, and new always goes on the rear!! Otherwise expensive transmission damage will occur.
 
Some good 18" tyres are the Michelin
Latitude Cross in 235/50R18 load rating at 97H
And Pirelli Scorpio STR in 235/50R18 again 97H
Both of these are good off the road but won't be much good in thick mud. Both last well too but that comes at a price. Also you would need 4 to keep the transmission from self destruction.
 
Had a couple of tyres fitted today. Stuck with the Pirelli Scorpion Zero Asimmetrico as the two that were staying on the car have a lot of life left in them.
 
Another quick question for Nodge68 regarding tyres, please.
On my way to order the 2 new tyres, I had a front puncture and had to fit the spare.
The tyre couldn't be repaired and my new tyres weren't in stock.
I therefore had to drive home and back to the tyre depot, about 40 miles, with 1 nearly new and 1 very worn tyre on the front and 2 half worn tyres on the rear.
I was s**tting myself as I am aware of the transmission damage mismatched tyres can cause but I couldn't think of any way round the situation. Any suggestions?
 
Another quick question for Nodge68 regarding tyres, please.
On my way to order the 2 new tyres, I had a front puncture and had to fit the spare.
The tyre couldn't be repaired and my new tyres weren't in stock.
I therefore had to drive home and back to the tyre depot, about 40 miles, with 1 nearly new and 1 very worn tyre on the front and 2 half worn tyres on the rear.
I was s**tting myself as I am aware of the transmission damage mismatched tyres can cause but I couldn't think of any way round the situation. Any suggestions?
This very subject came up yesterday. In your case, you'll be fine. The new tyre on one side with a worn tyre on the other would have an averaged out rolling radius between the two. This would be well within the VCU's tolerance and so would be OK. The spare tyre can used as such without an issue. ;)
 
Thanks. Am I right in assuming the VCU should be changed as a matter of course at around 70k miles?
Some, including me would have said that a while back. However after recently testing my VCU using the One Wheel Up Test on my 111K VCU, I've changed my mind on a blanket 70K change.
It's more important to test it regularly and change it when it's characteristics begin to change;)
 
Does it matter which rear wheel I lift to test?
No, you can actually lift any wheel. As long as the other 3 remain on the ground, or can't turn during the test.
Follow the instructions shown in the video and you'll get reasonable results.
 
If you get a long time on your wheel up test then make sure the brakes aren't binding.
I could hardly turn my rear hub when standing on a 3ft breaker bar. And that was with the prop off o_O
 

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