New Tires = Loose Steering?

[keylay31]

Hey Guys,

I just upgraded my OEM Duelers to Michelin LTX M/S2s at Discount Tire. I was expecting nothing but eternal bliss, but now I have an issue.

Immediately after the new tires were put on, I noticed what I'm calling loose steering. Almost like there is a little play in the wheel, or maybe more rotation in the steering wheel is required for a turn? Maybe floating is the right word? Rather, think of what "tight steering" would be. I have a turn for the opposite.

Is this to be expected? Break in period? Did they mess with my alignment? Is this a function of "better" tires? (Because I hate this new feel).

Thanks guys.

 

[borgzman]

Ok, here's from Tire Rack :

"Your new tires require a break-in period to ensure that they deliver their normal ride quality and maximum performance. As tires are cured, a release lubricant is applied to prevent them from sticking in their mold. Some of the lubricant stays on the surface of your tires, reducing traction until it is worn away. Five hundred miles of easy acceleration, cornering and braking will allow the mold release lubricant to wear off, allowing the other tire components to begin working together."

 

[00328]

Double check your tire pressure too.

 

[chaz]

:iagree:

 

[IanB]

Double check your tire pressure too.

This can have a big effect on handling.

 

[TechWrench]

And, the ideal tire pressure for your new 'sneakers' may not be the same as the old ones. You may have to experiment a bit to find it.

 

[MTDewX8]

I would say maybe the tire rating would be a factor. like a 4 ply to 10 ply would affect turning handling. but that would be for my last truck. a F350 crew.
and these being a runner I would guess the OEM ones to the new ones should have been better

strange

 

[cali_axela]

Ok, here's from Tire Rack :

"Your new tires require a break-in period to ensure that they deliver their normal ride quality and maximum performance. As tires are cured, a release lubricant is applied to prevent them from sticking in their mold. Some of the lubricant stays on the surface of your tires, reducing traction until it is worn away. Five hundred miles of easy acceleration, cornering and braking will allow the mold release lubricant to wear off, allowing the other tire components to begin working together."

This is right on the money. The combination of tread squirm from the nice deep, new tread combined with the lubricants on the tires can make for quite the slippery ride for the first couple hundred miles. You will notice it gradually and substantially improve as the outer coating wears off and the real grippy rubber surfaces.