Paging people with 255's

[camaro_speedemon]

Do your tires want to drive your car? I know the wider the tire, the more it wants to follow the road, but my 255's seem to want to drive the car, I constantly have to make corrections to keep my car going straight. Maybe I'm still used to the 235s I had on there before. My friend drove it and he said it was just a lot of play in the steering, which I don't know if I believe. I had the rack checked out when they put my new tires on and they said it was fine. Also there really isn't much play when I'm stopped.

Aside from the fact driving my car has become a little bit harder, these tires make my car feel glued to the road, and are definately worth the extra effort.

[Guardsman]

Yes, the tires are going to want to drag you around the road more. Get your alignment checked, though. Big thing to check is your toe-in/toe-out. You want some toe-in for street driving, this will keep them from wandering as much. A guy on LS1.com also said that too much caster will cause them wander around more, although he didn't specify how caster was too much.
Other than that, you'll just have to get used to it. But, it's worth it, you'll really notice on the on/off-ramps, etc.

[camaro_speedemon]

My alignment was done when I put the tires on ;) I has some decent alignement problems before I got new tires, to change lanes to the left, I would just let go of my steering wheel. [img]graemlins/rofl.gif[/img]

[Dominic]

Actually, not enough caster will make them wander around!

Caster controls how much the wheel wants to return to center, it also increases (when adjusted positively) the heavyness of the steering and allows one to "feel the road" better. Caster = good :D lol

[hockeyman]

Caster-Camber-I dunno what they actually do, But I LOVE my 255's! ;)

-Marc

[y87inside]

If you have the Kumho 712's + their 255's then they will track everywhere. When I first got mine put on it was like learning how to drive all over again.

[camaro_speedemon]

How do I know if the caster is set right? If I take it to a tire shop and tell them to check the caster, they should be able to right?

[Pewter2K1]

yea, it is a tire to tire problem, I know the kumhos have it bad.... being that there is a freakin gap inthe center... I have driven on 255's from another company, and they seemed very good, the gaps in the tread was minimal.

How would changing a tire effect allignment???

[camaro_speedemon]

<blockquote>quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by Pewter2K1:


How would changing a tire effect allignment???<hr></blockquote>

I dunno, but I've heard it's a good thing to have your alignment checked when you chang tires.

[Dominic]

Changing a tire doesn't affect alignment.

But having the right alignment can correct that feeling of wandering, and it can also improve the performance and lifespan of your new rubber.

Just for reference, here's what I prefer:
-0.5 to -1.0 Camber on each side (EQUAL)
+4.5 Caster
1/16" Toe In (very slight, but some).

[eDoog]

I've always heard the camber (when your wheels slant outwards) is better for handeling than Caster. All my bimmer friends boast about their camber and their cars handle like crazy

[JAM]

I don't think you will have any problems with a 255. I had run those before and had no problems with an 235, 245, or 255 tire.

Even a 275 does not follow the road IF it is alligned properly, etc.

The only time I have had a tire want to follow the road for width was 315mm and up. 315's do a little wandering, and 335's are the worst. [img]graemlins/burnout.gif[/img]

[V6Bob]

In my experience, lower profile tires wander more. 40 more than 50 more than 60 more than 70. And some makes/models of tires wander more than others.

Alignment can make it better or worse, but it's not likely to go away altogether.

[javifp]

I run 265/50/16 and I agree with the alighment but look into your steering for play if it is there then you found your problem. good luck.