GS 400 tire noise / need help - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

Les Iden · 12-14-2003, 04:31 PM

New guy here.
Anyone had experience eliminating tire noise on their GS 400 with 17's? In 50,000 miles I have gone thru 2 sets of the OE style Bridgestone Potensa 030's and currently running BFG KDW's. Very loud harmonic howl from 5mph to freeway speeds. I realize that some road noise/feedback is to be expected from V-rated high performance tires, but this is clearly excessive. The dealer has eliminated all other potential causes, but no answers other than keep testing to find a quieter alternative. Tire Rack said that the KDW's would be MUCH quieter than the Stones, more guesswork on their part.

Thanks, Les

***EKam*** · 12-14-2003, 07:11 PM

Did you try to get an alignment and tire balancing done after you got the tires?

Also try to go to tirerack.com and look at the owner's review on those tires.

Les Iden · 12-14-2003, 07:39 PM

EKam,

Four wheel alignment and balancing with each new set. The Stones started howling around 20,000 miles and appeared to have chamfering on the shoulders. The BFG's howled from the first drive. Tire pressures (developed by using tread depth guage for even wear) are 38-35. I drive aggressively including mountains and central California areas, but don't use this car for track days.

Thanks for your response, Les

skperformance · 12-16-2003, 02:00 AM

up your tire pressures

2JZGE_FanBoy · 12-29-2003, 12:06 AM

A buddy of mine has a Lincoln LS and he had a similar problem, it ended up being a baring, and the noise was not constant. *shrugs*
are your wheels stock? if they are cheapo 17s a lot of manufacturers have a problem making 17s and they have an oblong shape to them which can attribute to noise similar to what you are describing.