Tyre size GU 3.0
Submitted: Monday, Dec 06, 2004 at 23:57
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Member - Andrew(WA)
Hi crew
I know the 3.0l GU came out std with 265/70/16's and a lot of people have gone to 75's as a replacement, but is there anyone out there who has been dissappointed with the 'up size' and gone back to original size.
I'm in a bit of quandry at the moment because when I had the std tyres my GU drove fine. When I upgraded to something better (Cooper 265/75 A/T's) I found the car always pulling left. To cut a long story short, I brought it up with Coopers who were very good and offered me a prorata replacement on some S/T's.
So, I've been running around on the S/T for about 5000k's now but the problem persists. No problem with the product as such, they are are great tyre but maybe not on my car.
I have been down the road of swapping tyres, wheel alignments (several) and all that. Everything is good.
Through inquiries I have been told that the problem is a GU specific issue for some Patrols with Cooper tyres but not others!!! I'm not sure but would like to hear from others with any similar stories. Also the original question as to whether anyone has gone from original size up...then back?
I have asked a similar question to this before but it related specifically to the alignment issue. From those responses I am aware of the 'castor' kit thing but have been told a different brand tyre may just fix the problem.
Hope that all makes sense.
Cheers
Reply By: Member - Captain (WA) - Tuesday, Dec 07, 2004 at 00:31
Tuesday, Dec 07, 2004 at 00:31
Hi Andrew,
I have 285/75 Cooper ST's on my GU but don't have a "pull left" problem, or at least I don't think so!!! How bad is the pull left? If I take both hands off the wheel, my GU drifts left, but basically following the road camber, not a drastic veering left.
I literally drove my GU straight from the dealer to the tyre
shop when I fitted the ST's so don't have any experience with other tyre sizes on my GU (only had 36km on the odo when changed). But having driven another GU with 265's, must admit I don't notice any real difference at all in the steering department (but
mine is manual and my BIL is auto). My BIL recently went from standard 265/70's to BFG 265/75 TA's and reckons they are great, no problems at all.
I don't think any of this has helped your problem, but probably confirms that only some GU's seem to have an issue.
I onced changed the steering dampener on my 80 series and was suprised how much difference it made. Not only did it stop a steering wobble at 80 km/hr that no amount of balancing could fix, but also seemed to steer straight ahead better (no slight pull left like before). Now while I cannot see how a steering dampener can effect a steering issue (was NOT a return to centre type), it certainly did somehow!!!
Cheers
Captain
AnswerID:
87554
Follow Up By: Member - Andrew(WA) - Tuesday, Dec 07, 2004 at 00:56
Tuesday, Dec 07, 2004 at 00:56
Thanks Captain
I can be sure of one thing! If there is a rotten apple in the basket, I'll pick the bloody thing. EVERY TIME.
cheers
FollowupID:
346342
Reply By: 80scruiser - Tuesday, Dec 07, 2004 at 08:11
Tuesday, Dec 07, 2004 at 08:11
Gday Andrew
I see a few GU's come through the workshop and and in the club that drift left.
Some of the guys have had castor correction kits fitted to the left hand side and a return to centre steering damper (which doesn't help pulling) and then they steer good.
Possibly just possibly they are designed that way due to overseas where they drive on the opposite side of the road. Cars that are built here have slightly higher castor on the left to compensate for the camber of the road. When we wheel align here we always try to adjust the castor angle 1/4 degree greater on the left for the camber of the road as Captain says.
Try getting a correction kit fitted to the left hub assembly and see how you go.
Besides that I have one coming in this week for a 120 000 k service so I will pay particular attention to see if it drifts left and let you know.
Cheers
AnswerID:
87568
Reply By: flappan - Tuesday, Dec 07, 2004 at 08:48
Tuesday, Dec 07, 2004 at 08:48
I've got 265/75 on my GU. BFG AT's and have no "pull left" problems.
I've found with the tyres the speedo is almost spot on.
AnswerID:
87571
Reply By: Happy GU Owner - Tuesday, Dec 07, 2004 at 08:50
Tuesday, Dec 07, 2004 at 08:50
Andrew,
I would stay with the 75 profile tyres for quite a few good reasons.
Firstly, the 75 profile gives you a much greater range of tyre choice.
Secondly, they are usually a heavier duty tyre, and subsequently better for any off road use.
Thirdly, and most importantly, they are cheaper than the equivalent 70 series, due to the fact that it is a more popular size.
Fourthly, increase in ground clearance.
Fifthly, brings speedo closer to correct calibration.
etc,etc,etc,etc.
If you are unhappy with the Coopers, use them a bit, and then trade them in on another brand/type.
I had the Cooper ST on my GU and didn't notice any undue pulling to the left, other than the normal road camber variations ( maybe it did, but I have been driving Patrols now for 14 years - maybe I'm just used to it )
Mic
AnswerID:
87572
Reply By: Shawn - Tuesday, Dec 07, 2004 at 09:07
Tuesday, Dec 07, 2004 at 09:07
Andrew,
My GU pulled to the left from new with the standard Bridgestones on. Got a
Castor-Oline kit fitted (
Sydney) and it steered straight on flat surface from then on. Still followed camber of road, be it to the left or right. Went up to 265/75 ST Coopers about 6 months ago and it still steers true.
Have a look at getting the kit fitted.
I was told by the mob that fitted the kit, that the Patrol is mass produced for the left hand drive market and that it would drive true if we were in Europe.
Cheers
AnswerID:
87577
Reply By: Peter McGuckian - Tuesday, Dec 07, 2004 at 10:55
Tuesday, Dec 07, 2004 at 10:55
My 2002 GU decided to drift left when I put new BFGs on the back and rotated the others. I had fitted 275s from new. Widetread in FTG fixed it by switching the tyres as they were from different batches. Problem fixed. Note the comments on castor kits. Who fits these in
Melbourne?
Peter
AnswerID:
87591
Reply By: Member - Roachie (SA) - Tuesday, Dec 07, 2004 at 11:23
Tuesday, Dec 07, 2004 at 11:23
Andrew,
My GU has had 265/75s since new. Various brands/styles.....first were BFG A/Ts, then BFG M/Ts, and now I'm running Cooper S/Ts.
I haven't noticed any pulling to the left. But I have developed a nasty shimmy (typical of Nissan GQ and GUs) at around 80k/h.
Mine has done nearly 150,000 klm and has a 4" lift. It has never had a spanner on the steering except for a 4ways Return to Centre damper I put on myself about a year ago.
I know it is
well overdue for an alignment and I will get them to put a castor correction kit in too. I'm going to take it down to
Adelaide (a truck alignment place) in March when I've got some time off. I've also got a feeling the RTC damper might be stuffed; there is oil on it which I can't see as having come from anywhere else.
Good luck
AnswerID:
87595
Reply By: Peter Guy - Tuesday, Dec 07, 2004 at 15:09
Tuesday, Dec 07, 2004 at 15:09
My 98 GU Patrol always follows the camber of the road - with Bridgestones, Kumho,Cooper HT 70 and now Cooper AT 75's.
It is annoying on long roads like the Nullabor especially with strong cross winds.
End up with a sore shoulder!
When there is no traffic I sit in the middle of the road and the car tracks true.
I have noticed very little difference between the 70 to the 75 size.
Just going up steep hills I now find that I have to change down gears a little earlier than would be the case with the 70's.
Cheers Peter Guy
AnswerID:
87621