348 handling

Could it be because they are a non-matching set of non-approved tires ?

 

I thought everyone knew (at least owners for sure) replace all 4 of the same tires all at the same time otherwise that's what you get. You don't even have to search here, you can Google it and find this problem from the very beginning.

from various websites:

"But sure enough, the car has been criticized for twitchy handling when driven with mismatched tires. Seemingly, drivers would simply change the tires and move on. However, the problem seemed to go a little deeper, for when tested by Car and Driver magazine versus the Acura NSX, it was found to be very easy to spin out around some turns when all 4 tires were not identical in tire-model and tire-age. Realistically though, simply purchase four identical tires and move on."

"The car has been criticized for twitchy handling when driven with mismatched tires (some old, some new). When tested by Car and Driver magazine versus the slower Acura NSX, it was found to be very easy to spin out around some turns when all 4 tires were not identical in tire-model and tire-age."

 

Why not get the same tires for front and back in the standard widths?

 

Yeah, but my rears are always more worn then the fronts, so how to I always make them match??? Thats no FUN

 

Exactly! It seems like the 348s go through 2 rears for every single set of fronts, and I just cringe when I toss out the fronts with 50ish% tread left when the rears are getting to the point of REALLY needing to be replaced. ><

Yes, I procrastinate more that I should with tires... but I've got 2 sets of wheels to swap between now. I need to start another thread on that...

 

Hmm...my rears are shot but my fronts are good - I ordered just rear tires. You guys are making me re-think my decision. I honestly don't see how losing the rear would stem from partially worn fronts. I'm not denying the statements - it just won't sink into my mind.

Thanks for the heads up!

Erik

 

I have only put one set of rear tyres on my 348 since my ownership and I have never had any handling issues. I was also told to replace ALL four tyres at once to avoid any handling issues, but I have yet to come across any handling issues and I used to push my car pretty hard on the street. Not anymore though, getting too old for that.

The front tyres are still near new, but are over 8 yrs old.

I will change the front tyres next time, say in another 2-3 yrs when these tyres wear out.

I am actually being a little cheeky this time also, the inner edges on the rear tyres are almost worn out so I am going to flip the tyre over on the rim to get another 2-3 yrs out of them.

I didn't do this last time and tossed away tyres that had a 1" inner edge worn out, but the rest of the tyre was still brand new.

The tyres are directional, but this is fine in my case.

 

Go Faster it will go away, seriously

Front lip diffuser will help stabilize.

 

Where in the OP's statement did he say that the four tires were not the same?

 

Here ya go.

Stock size, same brand, but different model of tyre front to back it seems.

 

Sounds like the car is not set up correctly, probably ride height and corner weighting is in order, and maybe a change in toe to even out the wear.

My car, admittedly a F355, will wear out both the fronts and the rears within 100 miles of each other. This occurs when the car is driven on the street and when the car is driven onthe track. Now a long time ago, I did go through the issues of properly setting up the car, but when I got it proper, it handles perfectly and has near perfect tire wear characteristice.

 

I think it depends on your driving style - all of my RWD, stick-shift, cars wear out the rears before the fronts. And it's usually not even close. Same reason why a FWD car wears the fronts first -

Erik

 

I know what you are talking about. Happended to me until I replaced the stock 348 wheels with 355 versions and not even new tires. Now she has newer tires, but the replacement of front Bridgestones on 348 wheels as almost disasterous on the drive home.

 

Why is it silly?

Mixing tyres isn't recommended on any performance car - 348 or otherwise.

 

You are spot on.

I just saw pics of a friends 355 CH with worn rear tyres and they are evenly worn right across the tyre patch.

Mine have done similar miles and are still like new, except the 1" strip on the inner edge.

When I get new tyres all round *next time* I will setup my car properly so I wear the tyres evenly.

 

Yes.

Those of us that have had the car for more than a week may actually know a thing or two.

Don't run on mismatched tires.

Add spacers on pre 92 cars.

Check ride height and geometry.


Kai

 

+1

Spacers on the rear made all the difference in my 91's handling.

 

I have 355 wheels on my 92, 348ts with P-zero's front and back. I also spaced both front and back wheels (15mm front 25mm back Hills Eng). Aside fron looking hot (fills out wheel arches perfectly) the stability in the rear and slight dulling down of steering twitchiness is very noticable...! The whole car just feels a little more stable and steady at higher speeds.

Good point to note though is that when the back snaps out it will do so with a vengence. Had a recent experience leaving home on cold tyres. Went through a nearby 'T' intersection (turning right) a little too fast to catch the amber light. Touched the throttle to get through and BANG...... next thing I found myself facing the oncoming traffic in a cloud of smoke !! Ha ha ha !! So embarassing !! Just couldn't catch it quick enough !

 

I have this problem as well and have been trying to resolve it for ages.

Yesterday, I had the front lowered by 10mm and that made some difference.

I think it's just crappy aerodynamics at the front that allows air to get under the front spoiler. Even tried the spoiler lip on it and that didn't work.

Going to try a wider flat splitter next. If that doesn't work, I'll get a Lamborghini !!!!

 

Lower the rear by 2-3 turns.

 

The Falken 912's on the front are a less sticky tire than the 452's on the rear according to the tread wear specs on them. That is probably a lot of your problem.