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gpritch
New Member
USA
1 Posts |
 Posted - 04/28/2004 : 07:01:35 AM
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| We currently use Firestone T559 for steering tires. We are very dissatisfied with the wear. Mileage runs from 4,000 to 8,000 on a conventional bus, and on our new Amtrans transits(junk) from 9,000 to 12,000. We are looking at going to the Michelin XZE, are conducting tests right now. Any of you have any input? |
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PHW
Top Member
USA
1345 Posts |
Posted - 04/28/2004 : 07:55:10 AM
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That is very poor milage. Are these tires wearing evenly and are they operating in a severe environment?
Also welcome to the forum gpritch. |
PHW
Child Check For Life
Chock Wheels For Life
Proud American For Life |
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bbird66
Top Member
USA
881 Posts |
Posted - 04/28/2004 : 08:40:43 AM
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| And I thought the Badyear 159's were bad!..I'm starting to use the XZE also and they are working great. One trick, run them on the soft side. Do you mount your own tires? if you do make sure you use VEGTABLE OIL,to lube the tire before mounting, double inflate (air up and then let it out and then air up to pressure) and make sure the DOT # is within 8 inches of the valve stem, that is the spice in the tire when its made. Double check the G ring on the tire that is near the rim and make sure it is equadistant from the rim all the way around. |
Were gonna miss you "Brent"..Good luck in "Heidi land"
"I know you miss the Wainwrights Bobby, but they were weak and stupid people...and that's why we have wolves and other large predators" .. The Far Side
"On a two hour delay when will my child be picked up??"
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rswboe
Top Member
USA
675 Posts |
Posted - 04/28/2004 : 09:57:46 AM
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| We average 25K on a steer tire. You didn't mention a size or ply rating, but we run 10 & 11r22.5's. I personally would use a Michellin tire on a bet. We have had good luck with Bridgestone R250's in both sizes. Even in a severe application, I suspect more than a tire problem. How (and how often) do you align your front ends? Anything over 1/8" on a toe setting will kill radial tires in a heartbeat. What kind of wear pattern are you seeing? Also, what does your tire vendor think? If he's not involved, mabey he should be replaced as well... |
Live each like it's going to be your last, one day you'll be right! |
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thomas86_a
Top Member
USA
4413 Posts |
Posted - 04/28/2004 : 5:44:42 PM
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We spec Michelins on the new buses and had problems with those on new International Conventionals from not being aligned properly, it's been a problem on a few of our units from International, you could see the wear on them already when they were delivered.
On a side note we've used Firestones for replacements on many of our buses and have had pretty good luck with them. Sorry I don't know the exact tires that we have but I will say the Firestones we used worked for us as do the Michelins if they are actually aligned properly when you get the bus. |
If you have an International, you NEED customer service. |
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ModMech
Top Member
USA
948 Posts |
Posted - 04/29/2004 : 07:29:23 AM
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Until about '95 we ran mostly 10R22.5 rubber, ALL Michelin except for units "bought from stock" which would always have BadYears.
We would get 25,000-35,000 miles per set on the S/A, and about 60,000 on the drives (virgin rubber). Our caps for the rear were only lasting about 35,000-40,000 miles, not very good. So I switched to ALL virgin tires, and upgraded to 11R22.5. BEST thing I ever did! Our steer tires typically run 55,000-60,000 miles, with the drives going 100,000 easily. This in RE, 3800, and 3900FC Navistar chassis, running Michelin XZE sters, and XDHT drives. We also experimented with the XDA drives, and while they are a great tire, and we don't need the Tq capacity of the XDHT, they offer enough extra life to more than offset the additional marginal cost.
The best part of this is we NEVER worry about a split sidewall, or failing a cap. Another great thing is they area actually worth $80-$90 when we're done with them instead of being a disposal cost. It's the lowest CMP of anything I've seen.
I should add, this is on buses in CITY service, NOT rural county roads or highway. Lots of stopping, tight turns and scrubbing. |
If you want customer service, you NEED an International! |
Edited by - ModMech on 04/29/2004 07:31:51 AM |
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wagonmaster
Top Member
USA
2298 Posts |
Posted - 04/29/2004 : 10:22:47 AM
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We spec Michelin XZE's on everything and think they're the best there is, and we've tried a lot! We are guarenteed 35,000 miles from our tire vendor and rarely, if ever, do we have a problem exceeding that! We use the 10R22.5 and 11R22.5 depending on the bus. They are far superior to everything, so far. We are testing some Goodyear G149's and they're much better than the 159's, but I'm not sure if they'll be near as good as the XZE or not. Use the XZE's with confidence!
Joe |
Joe
Land of the Free, because of the Brave! |
Edited by - wagonmaster on 04/29/2004 10:23:34 AM |
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busmonkey
Senior Member
USA
86 Posts |
Posted - 04/29/2004 : 11:19:55 AM
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| We have been using the XZE and we get good milage plus we get front alignment done everytime new front tires put on bus. |
busmonkey |
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bbird66
Top Member
USA
881 Posts |
Posted - 04/29/2004 : 11:32:42 AM
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| One other thing to do is recheck your spindle nut torques even with new buses I'll take the caps or axles out and re-torque the front and rear spindle nuts. I find everything from finger tight to way to tight on new ones..unbelieveable! Makes a huge difference. |
Were gonna miss you "Brent"..Good luck in "Heidi land"
"I know you miss the Wainwrights Bobby, but they were weak and stupid people...and that's why we have wolves and other large predators" .. The Far Side
"On a two hour delay when will my child be picked up??"
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Topic |
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Steering Tire Wear
