Steer tire opinions ?

I think they're overpriced. I use the Hakook AL11 low pro 22.5 at $400 each plus mount and spin balance. I've had very good luck with them

 

I have appx. 130K on the Michelins with 16/32nds left. Wearing even no problems. Had Firestones previously and other than ride quality and less mileage I can not say any thing against them. Michelins are pricey but they do an excellent job. As far as spin balancing, on the truck I think is fine. Off the truck, what about the brake drum, wheel nuts ect. I use Balance Masters, plus the sleeve nuts(5) to center the wheel on the hub. On a newer truck I do not think you need the sleeve nuts. On an older truck where the hub pilot surface is worn it makes a big difference.

 

Michelins are spendy but have worked very well for me. I get about 150,000 miles before I change them. Last set was down to 5/32. Changed before winter. This on the xza3+. My steer weight is almost always at 12000-12500 (fuel weight split is 5/2 steer/drive - tanks forward). Wears evenly all the way to the end. Worth the money to me. I won't buy anything else.

I also do Michelin drives. Trailer is usually Goodyear. Never any recaps. All in all my tire cost is about .01/mile/axle and I am often near 80k as I do reefer work.

 

Just lost a set of Bridgestone's at about 7/32 each (126,500 miles). They'd have lasted a bit longer if my (mis)alignment hadn't started to flatten the outer edge of the passenger tire.

@Bakerman - my car has Hankook's. They're great when rotated on schedule... can't speak for Semi use tho.

 

Like he says try out centering sleeves on your steers. I've got them on my steer studs and drive studs. It makes a huge difference and really smooths out a ride on an older truck. I had them on my old Utility trailer and took them off before I sold it. But the new trailer rides smooth as silk so I never put them on it.

I use centering sleeves, and dynamic balance media in my steers and drives. My steers are 14 ply G399 Goodyears. I think they have about 12/32's left and are over 150,000 miles now wearing perfectly.

 

From my own personal experience I would suggest using only Michelin XZA3+ or Bridgestone R283a with Centramatics or equivalent Balancing Discs.

I haven't used the Centering Sleeves yet as I have had good luck with just using Centramatics.

Also remember to replace your shocks every 100k miles or when you install new Steer Tires.

 

michelin are best. car or truck,i think. i have BFG's on mine,they only had i mich on hand,so went with the michelin 2nd brand. they are noticeably smoother tham the yoko's they replaced-that came on the truck. 20K on them so far,and pretty much look like they did when new.

at minimum,make sure they use the lug stix on install to center the wheel.