OEM tire noise/vibrations

[kdravis]

Hey,

I have a 2009 GX with the 15" aluminium wheels and Toyo A17 Proxes. In the winter I use steelies with winter tires. When I put the OEM rims and tires back on this spring, I noticed that my tires now make a "flapping" noise that is proportional to the speed of the car. Its almost like there's something stuck to one of the tires. Also, at highway speeds, the car rumbles like a jeep. Its not that bad, but the car never acted like this last summer. I took the wheels in to get balanced; 3 were out. Thinking this would fix the problem, I was surprised when there wasn't a difference. To confirm that this is the tires and not some other problem, I put my winter tires back on the front of the car. The noise / feeling was gone. Why would I be experiencing this with 4 balanced tires that were perfect last year? Does it matter that I put the back tires on the front this time? Also, the tires are almost wore out. The mechanic said this is their last summer. Pretty pathetic if you ask me considering they only have ~ 30,000 kms on them.

[midnightfxgt]

Run your hand over the tread (inside and outter edges in particular). Does it feel "choppy"? If so, that is what is probably causing the noise. Its commonly referred to as "Saw-toothing".

-John

[Noisy Crow]

Run your hand over the tread (inside and outter edges in particular). Does it feel "choppy"? If so, that is what is probably causing the noise. Its commonly referred to as "Saw-toothing".

-John

How can this be corrected? Tire pressure change? Alignment?

[kdravis]

I should also mention that my car just had an alignment (at probart mazda) before they mounted the rims. I checked for "saw toothing" but didn't feel what you described.

[blackm3]

How can this be corrected? Tire pressure change? Alignment?

all, but mainly rotating the tires so if it is going --> on the back pass side put it this way <-- on the front driver side and it should help to correct( this is in reference to non directional tread) with directional, just rotate them front to back. cause could sometimes be a be strut or sagging spring

[alho]

Might as well get a new set? I don't know what you think.... but I notice that the OEM tires aren't that great. I have a '10 GX and when I switched to the OEM from the winters, it feels like these tires barely have an traction when you're cornering.

[kdravis]

Might as well get a new set? I don't know what you think.... but I notice that the OEM tires aren't that great. I have a '10 GX and when I switched to the OEM from the winters, it feels like these tires barely have an traction when you're cornering.

Ya I noticed that too. I think my cheap winter tires (snow lions) are of better quality than the OEM Toyos. I guess I'll just deal with it for the summer!