Tire Question

Discussion in 'Freightliner Forum' started by fld, Dec 12, 2013.

  1. fld

    fld Medium Load Member

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    Nov 24, 2012
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    I purchased a beautiful FLD (of course) that has two steer tires that are like new, and seven perfectly matched tires at about 60%. The 8th tire is a new steer that is very badly cupped on both outer edges.

    I have not checked the front end yet to see if there are any problems there, but my question is, what do I put on for the eigth tire?

    Do i need the same brand/casing? Is just the same tire tread ok? How do I find a match that has the same amount of tread and is exactly the same heigth?

    They are lo pro 24.5. Thx in advance.
     
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  3. jbatmick

    jbatmick Road Train Member

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    Dec 1, 2009
    hastings, Fl
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    I usually try to find one with as close to the same height as possible. There are different size low-pro sizes, be sure and match them up number wise. Brand / casing would be nice to match, but very hard. Tread match ? The closer the better, but no huge problem. If it were me, i would probably run what you already have, if legal looking. Leave tire # 8 on there for now, save the money towards a new set. Maybe 4 at the time ?
     
  4. terryt

    terryt Heavy Load Member

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    Apr 27, 2009
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    Do not wait to replace that cupped tire the cupping will keep getting worst very quickly and they wear out very quickly. start checking at all your stops and tire dealers for a tire that is the same height and same brand would be a plus.
     
  5. KW Cajun

    KW Cajun Road Train Member

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    Apr 12, 2013
    Copperhead Road
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    It's not good to run any tire cupped that badly on the tractor. I'd swap it out asap, as terryt said.
    Match tire height as close as possible, and if it's not close enough, I'd move on to the next dealers batch.
    I assume your 7 rears have a "lug tread", so no sense having a badly cupped highway steer tread if it ends up being on a drive/traction set, especially in winter.

    Plus, give those front end parts a quick check, asap. It's a simple check if you can grab an assistant.
    Just have them shake the steering wheel back & forth repetitiously, while you look at each linkage joint,
    checking for (looking for) play and slop in the movement between the two pieces. Start with your pitman arm, and on down the line.
     
  6. fld

    fld Medium Load Member

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    Nov 24, 2012
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    Thanks for the replies, guys. The truck isn't going to be put into service for a while, so I'll look around and see what I can find.

    The 8th tire cannot be used, it sits much higher than the other tires, and even though it looks new (tread in middle), the cupping on both sides is severe.

    I guess my main concerns are that the tires are the same height to evenly take the load, and that it is the same tread or as close as possible.

    My understanding is that all 8 tires should be identical (or as close as possible) for maximum mpg.
     
    Last edited: Dec 12, 2013
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