Need the Board's help re warranty claim

[Mark McQuaide]

I just posted in the uneven tire wear poll that all four tires on my MM are worn unevenly at 14,000 miles. Ford has denied warranty coverage with the reasoning that they can't determine how the wear occurred.

Visiting this board for the last 9 months or so has pretty much proved to me that the tire wear issue is a manufacturer's defect. I also know of at least one member here who recently had the fronts and 50% of the cost of the rears covered by Ford and BFG.

This issue has gotten me highly pissed. My MM has been in the dealer for almost two weeks now while they bumble around with the airbag light, fuel gauge, and shift linkage (they still say the shifting is normal). The dealer is thoroughly incompetent and the car has seemingly endless quality problems. It's a good thing I like the damn thing so much.

If you have had this tire problem covered by Ford, please PM me. I'm also looking for advice re how to proceed from here - I assume a letter from an att'y would be appropriate.

Thanks,

[Bigdogjim]

Mark: Do a search and see who has had a claim and PM then maybe they could offer assistance that way?

[Marauderman]

I'd be interested in this previous warrranty claim myself--cause most tire warranty claims are from damage, not wear...cause improper wear can be contributed to alot of conditions..a few of which would/could be from improper air pressure---spoken here elsewhere on another thread-an also alignment, etc.- anyway--physical evidence (not wear) is normally claimable( is that a word?-oh well) , so yeah -any previous info on this would help clear things out--hopefully-

Tom

[MERCMAN]

If you have your oil changes performed at the dealership, tire pressure SHOULD repeat SHOULD not be an issue, that is one of the "little" things they should provide as part of the oil change service

[SouLRioT]

FYI a friend of mine just had his tires replaced on his IS300, because his tires were bald at 11,000 miles (25,000 rating). He was told he'd have to pay for the install but ended up getting it all for free.

[SergntMac]

I'm surprised any of you are getting any attention on tires from the dealer. Used to be that the dealer sent you packing to the tire manfacturer. My, how things change...

[FordNut]

I had to deal with the tire manufacturer for my RV tires, but there was a warranty paper for them in my owner's manual that specified treadlife. I haven't seen any reference to treadlife on the MM tires. But my rears are virtually gone at 15,000 mi. Mostly in the middle, always run at 32psi. Next set will be kept at 28.

[Wags]

Maybe I'm just lucky with my alignment, but with over 20K on mine, my tires are wearing very evenly (but I did have snow tires on from Dec. through May). I've had no problems with wear or alignment, many other things, but not that. I agree with Mac, I'm surprised that the dealer would do anything with the tires at all. It used to be a manufacturer issue, not a dealer issue.

Wags

[Bigdogjim]

A lot of dealers are selling tire now! So that is why they will handle a tire problem.

[stevencory]

I had to replace both fronts at 15K ($115/ea). Dealer said, "The car was misaligned and claimed no fault. At 20K the state is saying I have to replace both rears ($150/ea) This is because of tread depth. N.C. requires annual inspections. The dealer now
said, "It's the power of the vehicle". Expensive! 30 days now to find a better/different tire.

How does the Goodyear Eagle sound? Pretty good. I can only find one size 235/50ZR18. (Sigh) Would that look stoopit with BF's on the rear and Goody's on the front? Uh huh.....HELP!

Goodyear Eagle F1 GS-D3
http://tires2.digiknow.com/goodyear/display_tire.jsp?prodline=Eagl e+F1&mrktarea=Performance&size=235%2F50ZR18+97+W&sidewall=VSB

BF Goodrich g-Force KDWS
http://www.bfgoodrichtires.com/bfgapp/catalog/tires/gforcetakdws.jsp

[gdmjoe]

Originally posted by stevencory

Goodyear Eagle F1 GS-D3
http://tires2.digiknow.com/goodyear/display_tire.jsp?prodline=Eagl e+F1&mrktarea=Performance&size=235%2F50ZR18+97+W&sidewall=VSB

BF Goodrich g-Force KDWS
http://www.bfgoodrichtires.com/bfgapp/catalog/tires/gforcetakdws.jsp

FWIW ... recently went pricing tires at TireRack.com (http://www.tirerack.com/) and locally ( Just Tires - Garner, NC ) and while I would prefer the Goodyears because of previous experience with Gatorbacks, they are more $$$$$ than the BFGs.

*The F1 is the only tire that Goodyear has to match the diameter, profile, etc..

[Stephen Soulsby]

I have had uneven wear also. My rear tires are wearing much quicker in the center of the treads and the fronts are wearing on the inside edge. Car has 9,900 miles. I plan on taking it to the dealership because I have kept the tire pressure at the manufacturer's 32 pound rating. I might be able to understand the rear tire wear, but the front tire wear is definetely a manufacturer's problem as far as I'm concerned.

[sailsmen]

Pep Boys Tire have rated on par with Goodyears in 2 different reviews I have read.

I have used them on 3 different cars replacing Michelin and Goodyear and have been very pleased.

It's hard to beat their price.

[Stephen Soulsby]

There may be the occasional review out there but in the end, you get what you pay for.

[sailsmen]

It was either Car & Driver or Road & Track. They did a comprehensive back to back test dry /wet for braking, handling, feel, acceleration, etc.

I was surprised, prior to reading it and another less comprehesive review I would only use Michelin or Goodyear.

My father did some work for Michelin in the 1970's and growing up we only had Michelin on our cars. Brand new we would drive them to the Tire dealer and have the OEM's removed and replaced with Michelin.

Michelin told my father they had a 10 year advantage and then the other brands would catch up.

Michelin was right. We would notice an immediate dramatic improvement when we switched.

I can no longer feel that dramatice difference!