Yesterday I bought 4 new Dunlop SP A2's from Sears.....I was able to get a bit of a discount as they matched Tire Racks price BUT they also insisted on adding the price of shipping. Still came out a bit ahead. Anyway, they had them in stock and I was the first person in the store so it was quick. They mounted, balanced and installed new valves and stems. Everything pretty good so far. BTW, went with the OEM tire size 215/55/16s. Left the store a happy man. That day driving around in town very nice. Going home on the freeway though the steering wheel began to vibrate at 68-70 miles. This is very unusual. The steering on my Max has always been rock solid. No pull, no vibration. Also the tires that I replaced, Michelins MXV 4s with about 50K showed very even wear. I really don't think that it is an alignment issue. Yes there was still tread on them but it was just about to the wear bars and in the rain I was noticing some hydroplaning. What to do? I plan on checking the tire pressure this am before I go out. Then it's out for another test drive. If it happens again I think I'm back to Sears. I have read reports on Tire Rack survey page of these tires being out of round and having problems like this. Man, why me? Any help would be appreciated. Cheers

 

Just put a set of A2's on my stock rims Thursday, no problems to report.

 

Go back and make them balance them again.

 

yup I put a new set a week ago too, and they run oh so smooth.

As they other guy said, just go back and complain.

 

I am guessing you lost a couple of the wheel weights that they use to balance the wheel...........go back, let them redo the balancing

 

Yes, might be the problem but I didn't notice that "clunk" when you throw a wheel weight. I'm heading back there after I have lunch at school with my 6 yr old . Cheers

 

one thing you can try is to remove the wheels and reinstalling them. sometimes if the lug nuts aren't installed properly or the wheel is just slightly off center when you torque it down that can throw things off a bit. use a diagonal star pattern when retorquing. otherwise it's probably a balance issue with the rim and then ultimately a tire defect of some sort. good luck. don't go too long without having the problem addressed.

 

Thanks for the info. The rest of the story. Went back to Sears and they rebalanced all 4 tires. Talked to the mechanic and he said that 3 of 4 were out of balance. Hmmmmm, sounds like their mechanics need some remedial training on the tire balancer. Anyway, left and headed for the nearest four lane. Vibration still there at 68-70 and greater. Now it's not shaking the whole car but the steering wheel is vibrating and this never happened. Called them on the cell phone and said I was coming back. This time a tech went with me on a ride. Yup he noticed too. Said that I might have a bad tire. Went back and they decided to take the tires off and check the rims. My SE has the 5 spoke alloys (stock) and I bought the OEM size 215/55/60s so there shouldn't have been a problem. The head honcho was saying that according to their computer I went up in size as they had me as having 15" wheels. WRONG! They were also saying that I'll never get the same ride as with the Michelins. Don't think that was right either. Neither tire should vibrate the steering wheel. Well, after they put everything back together I left...it was getting late and it was raining pretty good. Didn't get a real chance to bring it up to speed but did notice that the handling in the rain was really good. These tires can really carve some corners too. Have to see about the vibration. I think if it's still there I will head back to Sears one more time and pay for an alignment. It it's still vibrating after that they won't be able to complain and they'll have to pony up some new tires. Maybe it is my alignment???? Who knows. If it works I'll be a happy camper. BTW, just did my taxes and will be getting a rebate (yeah I'm a procrastinator). RSB might be in order. Love to get some H&Rs and some KYBs but a bit too rich. The RSB at around $100 might be able to pass muster with my better half

 

I'm having the same vibration problem with my A2's, I got the tires rebalance and aligned so now the vibration begins @ 75-80mph. let me know if you figure out the problem.

 

Velcro, may be awhile. Am going out of town and my wife will be driving MAX I'm going to ask her very nicely to get the alignment done and then we'll see. I don't have any suspension mods other than a FSTB. How bout you? Cheers