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Author Topic:   Need tires for '98 Chrysler Town & Country
Nick Adams
unregistered
posted August 12, 2001 03:36 PM           Edit/Delete Message Reply w/Quote
My wife's minivan has developed a downright frightening steering wobble, which her mechanic tells her is due to "worn-out" Michelin MX4 tires (215/65 16"). I SELDOM (I would've almost been correct in saying never)drive her vehicle, so I was a bit shocked (O.K.; mad as hell) when I today discovered just how severe this problem is/has become: "Oh; THAT? Well . . . umm . . . yes; it's been like that for a while. Is that not normal?"

Uh. . . .

The alignment and balance are not problems, as she had both checked last week. So, it's either tire wear, or something more nefarious in nature (a mecahnical/steering linkage problem?). The side-to-side motion that I felt in the steering wheeel as I drove was very (V E R Y) if not frighteningly pronounced at lower speeds (e.g., 15-35 mph) and most noticable when first accelerating from a stop--esp. gradually, like my grandfather would in his Buick Roadmaster--and again when slowing/braking.

Any suggestions as to what the source of the steering wobble might be, as well as tire recommendations will be GREATLY appreciated!

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donfromnaples
unregistered
posted August 12, 2001 05:49 PM           Edit/Delete Message Reply w/Quote
I wouldn't necessary think anything mechanical is wrong if you have worn tires. Did you rotate the tires regularly? I know on minivans and suvs tire rotation seems to be even more important due to the weight I guess. How many miles are on the vehicle? Are the struts still firm or do they bounce a lot? Definitely ask a tech at the Chrysler dealership about it. As far as tires, Michelin X-One last forever, no good in snow, and cost about $110 each. Goodyear Regatta 2 are better than average in all categories and cost about $71 each. Goodyear Aquatred 3 are a bit better than the Regatta 2s and cost only $74 each. Michelin Symmetry are $88 each and do about as well as the Regatta 2s. All these tires will last at least 75,000 miles, run pretty quietly, good traction in wet, dry and even do alright in snow(except aforementioned X-One). Hope this helps.

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gmcjimmyguy
Member
posted August 15, 2001 12:13 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for gmcjimmyguy   Click Here to Email gmcjimmyguy     Edit/Delete Message Reply w/Quote
I work for a tire dealer, and i recall that these tires on the chrysler vans do tend to go south faster than one would think is normal. i believe we had people complaining of bad handling... also i seem to recall that perhaps there was a recall on these, but i am not sure if it was thru michelin or dodge/chrysler. ask your dealer. As for replacements check out the Toyo 800 ultra (100,000 mile warr) or Toyo spectrum (65,000 mile warr) or the cooper lifeliner STE (85,000 mile warr)

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