I did something I thought I would never do!
05-21-2002, 12:17 PM
#1
AudiWorld Senior Member
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I did something I thought I would never do!
I put on Firestone Firehawk SZ50EP tires (Gasp!)
In my defense, I was forced into it. I was driving along the freeway when I heard what sounded like a thin rope slapping the front left tirewell. I thought I had run over something and that it had tangled up in the suspension arms. I pulled off the freeway and peered underneath but couldn't really see anything loose.
I continued driving, finished my errand and drove into a Firestone dealer near my house to put the car up on ramps and do a more thorough inspection. The inspection revealed that there was nothing tangled up in the suspension. What I had heard was the tire disintegrating - it was one of the cords inside the tire that was coming loose. What's more, both front tires were in that condition. I was trying to hold on for another 1000 or so miles before replacing the tires, but now realised they needed immediate replacement. Frankly, I had avoided a bullet, by the thinnest of margins.
So what to do? Being a Firestone dealer they of course carried Bridgestones also, but no S03s in stock in my size. The only viable tire was the SZ50EP (Firestone's version of the S02). I made my displeasure plainly known - I don't like Firestone; so they gave me a smoking deal. 4 tires, road hazard warranty, and lifetime 4 wheel alignment for about $900.00 out the door. I took it.
Was that wrong?
It's too early to know if I made the right decision (I have 30 days to change my mind). The only impressions I have so far are that the tires are quiet enough on the pavement, but noisy over the cats eyes - a little too much bump thump. The steering feels lighter than the Toyos T1-S I used to have, and also offers less feedback. Too early to test grip and handling. Will report back next week after the tires have bedded in a little.
Anybody else admit to having these tires on their car?
In my defense, I was forced into it. I was driving along the freeway when I heard what sounded like a thin rope slapping the front left tirewell. I thought I had run over something and that it had tangled up in the suspension arms. I pulled off the freeway and peered underneath but couldn't really see anything loose.
I continued driving, finished my errand and drove into a Firestone dealer near my house to put the car up on ramps and do a more thorough inspection. The inspection revealed that there was nothing tangled up in the suspension. What I had heard was the tire disintegrating - it was one of the cords inside the tire that was coming loose. What's more, both front tires were in that condition. I was trying to hold on for another 1000 or so miles before replacing the tires, but now realised they needed immediate replacement. Frankly, I had avoided a bullet, by the thinnest of margins.
So what to do? Being a Firestone dealer they of course carried Bridgestones also, but no S03s in stock in my size. The only viable tire was the SZ50EP (Firestone's version of the S02). I made my displeasure plainly known - I don't like Firestone; so they gave me a smoking deal. 4 tires, road hazard warranty, and lifetime 4 wheel alignment for about $900.00 out the door. I took it.
Was that wrong?
It's too early to know if I made the right decision (I have 30 days to change my mind). The only impressions I have so far are that the tires are quiet enough on the pavement, but noisy over the cats eyes - a little too much bump thump. The steering feels lighter than the Toyos T1-S I used to have, and also offers less feedback. Too early to test grip and handling. Will report back next week after the tires have bedded in a little.
Anybody else admit to having these tires on their car?
05-21-2002, 02:01 PM
#5
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You got ripped off! Just got quote of $774.96 for Yok AVSdb :255/40-17
Installed and lifetime balance. Don't know how much for the road hazard but not that much, IDT. S03's from same dealer about $915 for same deal. I'd have those Firestone's back in a flash.
05-21-2002, 02:01 PM
#6
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Listen to NexxTT. He knows what he's talking about...
well, on this subject anyway! (Sorry BB)
We just did 4 S-03's (225/45-17) on the TT. TireRack, shipping and $20/each to mount/balance locally at TireRack suggested source totaled less than $775.
I concur: Take 'm back!
We just did 4 S-03's (225/45-17) on the TT. TireRack, shipping and $20/each to mount/balance locally at TireRack suggested source totaled less than $775.
I concur: Take 'm back!
