Friday, Aug 20, 2010 at 00:35
This really isn't a tyre brand problem, forget what brand tyre, the problem is between the tyre dealer/fitter and what you expect. It does appear that the fitter was a bit lazy and figured it was only a spare, and if you were from out of town, wouldn't be back anyway.
I spent some time working for a big franchise chain on weekends whilst at uni (also a Coopers dealer, which was rare in this franchise chain).
What is acceptable can depend on tyre size, and as the original post doesn't state this can't state 100%, but anyhting over about 60 on big tyres wouldn't be acceptable, but you also get what you pay for.
The big chain I worked for had different "levels" of balancing, if you are worried about the weights, pay for the extra balancing, this way they should balance the rim only, then the tyre on the rim, so they can determine the weight required on each and put together to minimise the weight.
Talk to your dealer beforehand and you'll quickly get a feeling for if they are "she'll be right" and you take what your given or take on board your particular requirements in which case you may have to pay a bit more for a premium service. A bit like having a good mechanic, it pays to go to a reputable one, and don't beleive hat one franchise "chain" is no good unless they have actually used the dealer you are going to use, as every franchisee and their fitters/aligners are different, and you get your good and bad. When you do find a good one, go back for your regular service, and they'll get to know what you want/expect.
Read David Wills post again, he lets them know what he wants beforehand and walks away happy.
Only catch is that with Coopers they only allow certain dealers to sell them in the area, so make sure they are an authorised dealer as they should be good, but you are a bit limited if you don't like that particular dealer, but Coopers do keep their dealers on a tight leash, so let head office know if you aren't happy with that dealer.
By the way my brother had 315 75 16 Cooper ST's got 80,000k's plus on Patrol, used in 4x4 club conditions, no problems, I now have 315 75 16 STT's.
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Follow Up By: ChrisE - Friday, Aug 20, 2010 at 00:49
Friday, Aug 20, 2010 at 00:49
Also, just re read your post. "late model Prado", so assuming alloy
wheels. There are a number of ways to balance alloys.
1 wheel weights on inside and outside (depending on alloy) - ugly on outside put best result in terms of balance and least weight.
2 wheel weights on inside and stick on weights behind the centre/spokes - looks better as no weights and damage to the rim and generally ok for balance and low weights. (1&2 are "dynamic balances").
3 only wheel weights on the inside edge - quicker for lazy fitter but generally higher weights and balance not as good, especially on front
wheels as it is a static balance.
Have a closer look and get to know what you are being given, then you have more of a chance of finding the real cause (and if need be have more information for a claim).
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Follow Up By: trainslux - Friday, Aug 20, 2010 at 14:20
Friday, Aug 20, 2010 at 14:20
I think ChrisE covers it pretty
well.
I have seen many different 4x4 tyres require heavy balance weights, but when the tyre was moved on the rim, the weight reduced, often by a large margin.
All depends on the pride the fitter takes in getting it right.
However I have also seen some tyres that no matter what was done, they required large weights, but the vast majority could be brought down to a much smaller weight with some moving of the tyre on the rim.
Just a few things to consider.
Have also seen tyre fitters try and balance a very dirty rim with mud etc still on it.
Trains
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