Michelin LTX M/S2 - 275/70/17.

[GO_USN]

Guys, as the title implies, I am having a potentially serious problem with new Michelin LTX M/S2 tires that I had purchased about a month ago and have less then a 1000 miles on them. I am 90% sure that this isn't normal. Chunks of rubber are not suppose to just fall off like they are on my tires. It's happening on all 4 tires as well. I am taking it back to the Michelin dealer this weekend but he, over the phone, try to indicate that's just breaking in (and I am thinking he is full of you know what).

Your opinion is much appreciated.

I am not sure if there is any other info you will need to put everything in context. The truck is a 2011 SR5 with Icon Stage II L/R UCA, and TRD 17-in Wheels. Those are the only mods.

 

[noisebeam]

what type of terrain/roads have you been driving them on?

 

[K9trainer]

What's the date on the tires

 

[LandCruiser]

I have Blizzaks with a similar pattern and similar siping.

Mine have not done that on a variety of terrain, road conditions, and temperatures.

Something's up.

 

[Blitzkrieg]

That is most definitely not normal.

I have owned 3 sets of that exact tire on 3 different trucks/SUV's so I know the tire well.

They are excellent tires and taken care of will roll 80K miles.

Take them back, tell them to replace them, now. Something is wrong (can't tell you what but that ain't normal for any tire).

Edit: Did a quick search. This was the first link I found:

http://solutions.letstruck.com/Answ...+tire+"chunking"+or+wear+on+new+Michelin+XDN2.

Do a search for "chunks of rubber falling off tires". Apparently this is not unheard of. I have never experienced it however.

 

[GO_USN]

what type of terrain/roads have you been driving them on?

Miami Roads (mostly ok). That's it. I wasn't planning on off-roading with these tires.

 

[GO_USN]

That is most definitely not normal.

I have owned 3 sets of that exact tire on 3 different trucks/SUV's so I know the tire well.

They are excellent tires and taken care of will roll 80K miles.

Take them back, tell them to replace them, now. Something is wrong (can't tell you what but that ain't normal for any tire).

That is my intention; to take them back and get them replaced. It's just hilarious that the dealer is trying to say that's normal breaking in wear/tear: I ask in what universe. Feeling better now that I am getting some feedback. Thank you all.

 

[GO_USN]

What's the date on the tires

Honestly, I am not sure how to check that. Are you talking about the date purchased? Sorry for my ignorance.

 

[noisebeam]

Honestly, I am not sure how to check that. Are you talking about the date purchased? Sorry for my ignorance.

manufacture date.
FAQs | Tire Problems | Michelin US

DOT signifies that the tire complies with the United States Department of Transportation tire safety standards, and is approved for highway use.

Example:
DOT M5H3 459X 065

The first two digits following DOT designate the tire's manufacturer and plant code. The third and fourth characters denote the tire size. The fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth (optional) characters identify the brand and other significant characteristics of the tire. The ninth and tenth characters denote the week the tire was produced. The final number(s) signifies the year in which the tire was manufactured.

For Michelin brand tires, DOT markings related to the week and year of production will have an additional symbol for the decade of the 1990s. It will be shown as a triangle following these last three numbers.

Beginning in year 2000, an additional digit was added to the serial number to allow the year of production to have two digits.

 

[GO_USN]

It is DOT APKP 495X

manufacture date.
FAQs | Tire Problems | Michelin US

 

[K9trainer]

Honestly, I am not sure how to check that. Are you talking about the date purchased? Sorry for my ignorance.[/QUOTE

You beat me to it

 

[noisebeam]

It is DOT APKP 495X

Look at the other side of the tire. The 4 digit date code will be stamped at least on one side after the same you showed above.

 

[CR_CO_4RTEP]

Does not look normal and my advice is to bring them back sooner than later.

 

[Jetboy]

I worked at a tire shop in college - many moons ago. Michelin was very good at taking care of customers when issues with tires came up. If the dealer says no - I would contact Michelin customer service directly.

 

[noisebeam]

I worked at a tire shop in college - many moons ago. Michelin was very good at taking care of customers when issues with tires came up. If the dealer says no - I would contact Michelin customer service directly.

I suspect the dealer is saying no over phone as they can't see and won't offer up anything without validating problem tires in hand.

But if... then yes contact manufacturer - contact them anyway if the dealer is selling old tires.

 

[GO_USN]

Spoke to Michelin customer service and you guys are right, they were very professional about it. Stayed on the phone with me for about 30 minutes, verified some information, and made an appointment for me to get the tires replaced at a shop close to my work. Will follow up on the thread and let you all know how everything goes. So far so good. Thank you all for the advice/support.

 

[KS4RUNNER]

Spoke to Michelin customer service and you guys are right, they were very professional about it. Stayed on the phone with me for about 30 minutes, verified some information, and made an appointment for me to get the tires replaced at a shop close to my work. Will follow up on the thread and let you all know how everything goes. So far so good. Thank you all for the advice/support.

Good to hear this. Keep us posted on what they think the issues was with your tires?!

 

[Tomsea999]

I settled on the Michelin LTX M/S, and then M/S2 over 12 years ago and drove over 250k miles on several sets. They go forever and this is NOT normal! It's a great tire, and Michelin will take care of you - I can't believe anyone would say that this is normal.

 

[LandCruiser]

Good to hear this. Keep us posted on what they think the issues was with your tires?!

I'm guessing defect in manufacturing process.

Get new tires, preferably ones from a different shop with a different date of manufacture if you want another set of Michelins.

 

[lilsid112]

Glad they're taking care of you. I'm a huge Michelin fan boy and have run these tires on both my 4runners.