Rotating Tires

JM19 · 12-06-04, 12:22

I found this article on Edmund's regarding rotating tires.

http://www.edmunds.com/ownership/tir...5/article.html

I'm relatively new when it comes to working with tires and rotating. Is this article comprehensive enough to allow me to get the results I need for the first time?

vapore0n · 12-06-04, 12:28

Go check what your owners manual says about tire rotation. Some cars have wider or bigger tires on the back, some car are AWD, some cars have radial tires.

kgb · 12-06-04, 12:30

I agree with BlackRegal, even though I don't have a torque wrench

, I still agree with him.

JM19 · 12-06-04, 12:58

Using the torque wrench seems like a wise option. I have one lying around the garage, so I should definitely put it to good use.

I was also thinking of purchasing this kit to help me out:

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/AS...496202-7985424

Does anyone have experience with it or know if it is a good kit?

Thanks to all so far for the input.

JDookie · 12-06-04, 01:08

That kit *seems* decent. Do you have a Sears or Sam's close to where you live? They both have great products at good prices, especially this time of year.

In addition to using the torque wrench which is a very good idea to do, don't forget to re-torque them after 1,000 miles. Sometimes they loosen up a tiny bit.

White95Max · 12-06-04, 01:56

Definitely use a torque wrench for the final tightening.
And check to see if all 4 tires are the same size, and if the tires are directional.
If you have high-performance (usually directional tread) tires, you can only move the tires front to back, instead of the traditional criss-cross pattern.

the other pc · 12-06-04, 02:15

If your car has low ground clearance (do you worry about scraping on speed bumps?) I would suggest buying your jack from someplace where you can return/exchange it easily if it doesn't fit.

Many (most?) floor jacks are either too tall at the jacking pad or have bodies that are too tall and interfere when trying to reach the jacking points on some very low cars. Some guys even use ramps just to be able get a jack under their cars.

PC.

VictoryRed · 12-06-04, 02:19

Can you borrow a torque wrench from autozone? Also, might be good to get them balanced and check for unusual wear incase you need alignment. I wash and wax the insides too.

Pondscum · 12-06-04, 02:27

Quote:

Originally posted by JM19
Using the torque wrench seems like a wise option. I have one lying around the garage, so I should definitely put it to good use.

I was also thinking of purchasing this kit to help me out:

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/AS...496202-7985424

Does anyone have experience with it or know if it is a good kit?

Thanks to all so far for the input.

If you have a heavier vehicle you'll need some stands and a jack that have more meat to them. My truck weighs 3 tons and those sissy jacks don't cut it, but they would be fine for most cars.

paco · 12-06-04, 02:35

The only comment I would add here is to be careful where you choose your jack points! You can cause a lot of damage or injury to yourself if you don't jack the car properly.

1. Always use jack stands! A lift isn't meant to support the weight of the car while you are removing a tire.

2. Use wheel chucks.

3. Torque wrench. Just get it calibrated every once in a while as cheaper one's tend to drift quite a bit. Make sure after each use to unload the tension.

4. Inspect the tires for the wear pattern. Rotating too often can mean you don't get a chance to see if you have a toe in problem, under or over inflation going on etc. as all of the tires end up wearing exactly the same. Personally, I go yearly with tire changes with about 15,000 KM / year.

5. Depending if you plan on doing all 4 at once, it's a good idea to mark the back of tire with some chalk etc. with the location it was on. That way, you won't mix up the rotation pattern should you get confused with which wheel went where.

6. Overtightening can be a serious issue. If you ever get a flat and need to change the tire quick. The last thin you need to fight 4 or 5 nuts (Murphy's law's means you'll probably be in the rain or snow to boot!). 2x now I've had it happen in the rain and let me tell you... I freaking curse the garage for overtighting with their air guns. It can also be a safety issue as you can end up hurting yourself when you try getting them off.

Paco

Accumulator · 12-06-04, 03:43

What they said

The "which way to rotate" depends on whether the tires are directional/same size or not (sometimes you *can't* rotate) and the drive type (front/rear/all wheel drive). Check the tires for the former and the manual for the latter. If you don't have a manual check with a (competent) dealership's service dept.

az57chevy · 12-06-04, 06:51

I rotate them every three thousand miles and find I get better wear that way. Also if you want to avoid a jack stand you can use your spare as you move front to rear and vice versa.