Michelin Defender LTX M/S Tires

[MarieDJ]

I recently purchased 4 Of these tires in 265/65/17 size and have noticed that every bump in the road is felt compared to the coopers that I had before. I had them rebalanced twice where I bought them, but now will be going to the dealer who has the gsp7000. However, I wanted to know if anyone has tried these tires as well? The amount of bounce was surprising to me and I'm wondering if it is related to being a new tire and needs more breaking in?

I have an 2006 runner v6 4WD

I am grateful for any input!

 

[Smitty777]

I have these tires on a different truck and love them???

 

[hoodoo]

About 3 weeks ago, I put the same tire on my 08.

I have always been a fan of the Michelin LTX M/S and of the LTX M/S2 and have used both on several vehicles. Both tires rode quite well for me and I always loved the soft ride on them. The side walls flexed well and the rubber/tread absorbed the imperfections or rocks in the road.

Three weeks ago, I went to put on the LTX M/S2 and found out Michelin had discontinued them. The Defender LTX M/S was available, so I decided to try those.

I was already aware of them and had read about the difference and what they did to improve the tire.

IMO, the Defender LTX M/S does not have the same ride quality I experienced with the other Michelins I used.

I feel the bumps more, it's a harder ride, the sidewalls don't flex as much and the tread/rubber is harder. I expected the tires would ride differently then what I had experienced with the LTX M/S and LTX M/S2 but the Defender LTX M/S is not an improvement to me. They may get more tread life out of them due to the improvements, but the ride quality is not the same; it is a harsher ride. I do like the wider rain channels and the extra sipping however.

I can see where you are at. If you disappointed in the tires, then try another tire. I may as well.

Make sure you tire pressure is correct.

 

[blaniac22]

How about the Premier line LTX A/S? They have a 60K warranty and are supposed to be more like the Latitude/Touring tires. My 4R has mostly become ankid carrier and grocery getter since moving to California, and we put in a lot of miles.

From 4/2007-9/2012 we put like 40K on it. From 10/2013 til now, 70K+

I was leaning toward the Defender, but now not so sure.

 

[swampy_swimmer]

I stumbled upon this old thread and decided to input on the question.
I had LTX MS/2 on my 3rd gen 2002.
After 7 years and around 50K they developed excessive cracking on the side walls, even though the thread was still good for another 20-30k.
I just replaced them with 265/75/16, which is one size up from the stock 70.
The difference in ride is tremendous. In a good way. I don't know if it's an additional 1" in diameter (more air) makes the difference or just the tire, but the ride became more cushy and rather enjoyable then before, new rubber kind of swallows the bumps and pot holes. I realize that my old tires were old and hard, but still. I don't remember my truck riding better on older LTX.
And aside from quality larger size looks so much better on this truck.

 

[CMTAZ]

How about the Premier line LTX A/S?

Those are on our Grand Cherokee... love them. 13K miles ride smooth & comfortable.

 

[waypoint]

Check your tire pressure. The shop that mounted & balanced LTX M/S set had them blown to 40psi and I felt every crack and pebble. When I dropped them to 32psi, the ride was nice and smooth. I've put just over 15K miles on them since then, no complaints.