Dunlop Tires

[rayb]

Hi Guys,

When I purchased my 2009 FJ I was absolutely over the moon. After about 10000kms I started hearing humming noises from the rear of the vehicle and the steering slowly started to vibrate more and more over 110+120kmph. I thought nothing of it and had the tires rotated and balanced. Driving locally I never really needed to go over 100kmph and rarely at highway speeds (120+). This didn’t work at all!
I took the car to Toyota and they said that the tires are wearing unevenly and they cannot do anything about it. They said there is nothing wrong with the car and that the tires are the problem. I didn’t agree with them and just lived with the pain of driving a new car with the humming and vibration. After 35000kms I am now planning an Oman trip with some buddies and I can’t imagine holding a steering wheel for hours with the vibration. I went to City Tires (Int2) and they said they have had about 30+ Fj Cruisers come in with exactly the same problem. They looked at the tire wear of all of them and firmly stated that some of Toyotas FJ cruisers have suspension problems. Now I know a 2007 FJ owner and he got 65k out of his Dunlop’s which is good. It makes me wonder if the 2009 FJS have a problem?. I was hoping if any one here had the same issue with their cars.

I have balanced & rotated my tires about 3 times in the last 2 months at different places hoping that it was just a bad day for the boys at the garage. After today’s investigation, I don’t feel like putting my amour on and fighting with Toyota.

When I speak to experienced guys (Age 40+:)) they say Dunlop is a weak tire and there’s a good chance the tire is the problem. My roommate has a GTI and he has the same problem with his back tires (Dunlop). Is it a Dunlop thing or should I change to Michelin or BF Goodridge.

I haven’t hit anything hard. I’ve been in the desert 4x with the car and im nothing more than a beginner.

Any help on my situation would be super appreciated.

Thanks

[wasifahmed]

It has to be something to do with the suspension set up. The alighment obviously is not holding.

When you had the alignment done at those different shops was the reading off the scales to start with ?

If ther is ashake in teh steering then the balance is out for sure.

My Dunlops were getting bald on the inside around thirty five thousand K's and then it was OK after I got them aligned.

You need to go to Al Futtaim and put your foot down and make them replace the tires. That theory that the tires are not good is not acceptable. You tell them so put on good tires and give it to me, after all you paid the full price and they should give you a good product.

[Jevo]

Don't put up and shut up with a broblem like this!

Something is defo wrong. Is the vibration consistently from the same corner or did it change with the tire rotation?

It is more than likely to be a balancing problem than alignment given the vibration. Start by taking it to a place with proper tire balancing machines. This will rule out balancing which is the No.1 suspect. I have oversize Cooper STT tires and I even managed to get these balanced properly despite their size and weight. Give me a call if you want to know a couple of good places. (number at bottom of post).

Dunlop tires are not known to be bad and are a typical example of a mass produced stock tire. Big brands like this normally have good quality control measures to weed faulty tires out, ocassionaly and very rarly the odd tire may slip through the net but the chances of have 4 faulty tires are very very rare.

Alignment will certainly cause uneven wear and I have heard of the odd FJ coming from the factory with a bad set up. Not that many but if your car is stock then I would certainly dig my heals in at the main service centre and get it done for free.

If you cant be bothered with this (Al Futtaim I mean) then you should get a proper computer alignment done. They will tell you all the angles and if it is within tolerance. If you did not get a full report the previous times then odds on the guys were cowboys.

You really need to track down this problem as driving long distances with vibrating wheels WILL wreck your suspension dampers (shocks). Not to mention it is really uncomfortable and irritating. If it does turn out you need a new tire remember to change them in pairs. Don't accept a new one for one corner alone!!!

Give me a call if you need pointing in the right direction. Simon 0508124229

[jayapriya]

I had t very same prob when mind was new. Vibs and it wouldn't track straight. AF kept telling me that it's a new vehicle and that there's nothing wrong with t alignment. I finally took it to emarat tire express and found out that all t angles were out. After t alignment and balance she drives straight with slight vibs, which might b due to unevenly worn tires. I would say get it aligned and balanced. Mebar has a shop they swear by too.

[rayb]

Guys,

Thanks very much for all the feedback, Can anyone please point me in the direction of a trustworthy alignment garage. I will give this a bash and see if I get any improvement. If not , then AF is see me everyday until something gets done.

Thanks again guys, Much appreciated
Ray

[Jevo]

Sorry for late reply...

Still without internet in my new place. (Still without car for that matter!!!)

Phone Danny at Mebar, he will get everything sorted out for sure: 0508879462