Help - My new 2005 has tire howl and vibrates

[EChid]

Hi everybody,

I just got a new to me 2005 Mazda 3 GT and the tires are really loud. I know they are 17s but we have 17s on our Accord and they aren't nearly as loud. The front tire(s) seem to howl but not necessarily the back. They are noisy enough to require slighly heightened conversation. In addition, the tires "jitter" the car around between 80 and 100 km/h. Is this normal for 17s? What is wrong if its not? Do I need new tires (although they look fine)? Is it just a matter of balancing the tires?

I'm driving it a fair distance tomorrow and I'm slightly concerned about this, not to mention annoyed that my 2001 Jetta with more miles drove better than this does at higher speeds. Any help would be appreciated.

[Thrizzl3]

congrats on the car..most likely the wheels need to be rebalanced.

[EChid]

Its not a safety concern is it?

[Thrizzl3]

my car does it too but when i get my summers on hopefully it will go away..although for safety i would be concerned

[EChid]

Would be?

[Thrizzl3]

well my car will be vibrating due to an unbalanced rim..how would you be able to concentrate when your steering wheel is constantly vibrating?

[EChid]

My steering wheel isn't bad, its the sound and overall vibration of the car that is annoying. But focussing isn't a problem. Its just concern about the tires ripping to shreds at 100 km/h or something.

[wikdslo]

A couple of things to be mindful of.
This could just be tire noise, and it could be nothing at all.
It could also be something like a wheel bearing or a tie rod, and could be bad.

To tell if it's a wheel bearing, when you are driving at speed (60KM/H or more) turn the wheel to the left and hold, then the right and hold and just kind of sway side to side.
If you hear your mystery sound get more pronounced, it's *usually* bearing noise.
If the sound does not get worse, then it's not the bearings.

If you are driving at speed (60KM/H) or more and hitting small bumps makes the car kind of jump around on the road, or change directions slightly, it is like something in your steering (tie rod, ball joint).

Any of the above should be checked out asap if you do find evidence of that.

If it is just tire noise, then it's not TERRIBLE to leave it, but, unbalanced tires can put undue stress on parts, including your wheel bearings.
So the situation is two-fold. If the tires have been unbalanced and driven on for a long time, it could be putting more labour on your wheel bearings, which could now also be worn and in need of replacement.

I would always recommend taking it to your local mechanic (hopefully you have a good one) and ask them to check it out for you before you go on any long journeys.

If the tires are worn out a lot or close to the end of their life, it could just be a noisey tire that is now more pronounced with it's lack of tread.

GL

[EChid]

We think the tires must just be worn out. I think they are Goodyears, which apprently get noisy when they get old. The car has 120,000 km on it. It doesn't seem to be put off by bumps at all, its just a little noisy.

The car currently has 215/45R17 87H tires, and it looks like they are Republic/Goodyear Ultra HPR Radia G/Ts. Are these stock? Is it necessary to have "H" tires? I'm on a student budget so if I can go lower that might be nice.

[kevcol74]

Looking at the tread of the tire you mention, I'm inclined to think its tire noise.... just get used to it. As for the vibration, as Phil mentioned, likely poor balancing. I have Michelin Pilots on mine (215/50/17) and there is evident road noise, but nothing like my snows!!

[EChid]

Okay, its strange because the tires don't really look old or worn. They look fine, but somehow the noise is substantial. If I can get rid of the vibration all will be fine. I'll try a balancing and alignment before I get new tires then.

[kevcol74]

I had 245/45/17s Wanli S1088s on my 86 Mustang.... they gripped awesome, and were brand new, but man were they noisy!! (didn't help that the stang was a convertible! :chuckle)