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[Rog]

2000 X Reg 2.5 V6 Elite Estate

Drives like a pig compared with my previous 2.6 V6 Estates. I understand that there are differences like weight, drive-by-wire, but I think that the real problem is 17" alloys instead of 16". OK there may be geometry issues, but probably wheel size is the main culprit. I really don't care that some people think that 17" looks better

I need a complete set of new tyres, not exactly a cheap matter. Before I do this . . .

Is there any reason for NOT getting a second hand set of 16" Alloys ?

[kcl]

2,5 and 2,6 cars are not THAT different, so every tyre that os proven to work under either car will work on other also. Most probably you have issues with geometry and/or worn suspension bushes.

[Andy B]

.... but I think that the real problem is 17" alloys instead of 16". OK there may be geometry issues, but probably wheel size is the main culprit. I really don't care that some people think that 17" looks better

 ......

I'm not sure how you can blame the difference in rim size for handling problems. There's a very slight difference in ride between the two, I swapped original 16" Elite rims for facelift 17" rims & could detect a very slightly firmer ride. I'd get geometry etc checked first before you condemn your current 17" wheels .... might also be crap/worn tyres

[feeutfo]

2000 X Reg 2.5 V6 Elite Estate

Drives like a pig compared with my previous 2.6 V6 Estates. I understand that there are differences like weight, drive-by-wire, but I think that the real problem is 17" alloys instead of 16". OK there may be geometry issues, but probably wheel size is the main culprit. I really don't care that some people think that 17" looks better

I need a complete set of new tyres, not exactly a cheap matter. Before I do this . . .

Is there any reason for NOT getting a second hand set of 16" Alloys ?

It's not that simple. You could go to the expense of new wheels, only to find its the set up, or a component at fault on the bad handling car. Or the tyres themselves, maybe?

What's it doing?

What tyres fitted?

Bush history/condition?

Set up history?



Ps, if you want to confirm its a wheel or tyre issue, fit the good handling wheels to the bad handling car. But you need to be aware of the tread wear on each set.
 For instance if the bad handling cars tyres are new, and the good handling cars tyres are old/worn. That would NOT be worth while swapping wheels, as you could just be confirming a worn set of tyres.

However if the opposite is true and the older tyres handle better than the bad handling new ones then you have a tyre selection problem. Just as an example.


I'd be surprised if just rim size could be picked put as a fault by simply driving the car? If I understand your post correctly?

[mantahatch]

When I bought my car it had 15inch steel wheels on it, very comfortable. Later put 17inch alloys on, corners much better but comfort has suffered dramatically.

[scottambrose]

my mv6 tramlines badly and is almost dangerous on the motorway and lethal in the wet. i put it down to wanli tyres. absolute rubbish. if i keep my mv6 i will have to replace all 4 even though they still have 4mm of tread on them

[aaronjb]

Were your previous cars Elites w/ self levelling or MV6/CDX/etc?

[Rog]

Were your previous cars Elites w/ self levelling or MV6/CDX/etc?

CDX V6 Estates all 2002. My garage tell me that one had self levelling but the other didn't, but I was not aware of any driving difference.

[aaronjb]

The Elite is very wallowy compared to a friends CDX, which is why I asked (ok, to be exact, 'my' Elite is very wallowy compared to his CDX) - I know Chris has also said that the SL rear end tends to give the car a very 'live axle' feel at the back.

Assuming lack of wheel control and general roll is your problem, rather than the car diving into every rut and camber change..

[symes]

changing from 15/16 to 17 shouldnt make any difference-if anything I would say what condition are tires/bottom arns in?
with 17s you soon notice any wear in bottom arm bushes THB 

[TheBoy]

my mv6 tramlines badly and is almost dangerous on the motorway and lethal in the wet. i put it down to wanli tyres. absolute rubbish. if i keep my mv6 i will have to replace all 4 even though they still have 4mm of tread on them

They are at the end of their useful life anyway, so not a big issue

[2woody]

they do actually make quite a bit of difference. Think of it this way.....

15 inch wheels use tall tyres - these have little grip, but great handling
17 inch wheels use short tyres - these have very much better grip, but not so good handling.

the shorter tyre flexes less and is very much more likely to suffer from tranlining for instance. The extra flex in the taller tyres that creates the handling also soaks up some of the road irregularities and geometry problems.

are your 17 inch wheels Omega ones ? ( i.e. is the offset correct )

[scottambrose]

my mv6 tramlines badly and is almost dangerous on the motorway and lethal in the wet. i put it down to wanli tyres. absolute rubbish. if i keep my mv6 i will have to replace all 4 even though they still have 4mm of tread on them

They are at the end of their useful life anyway, so not a big issue

I think with 7mm they were most likely past their useful life

[Rog]

Thanks for all replies.

Car is having MOT today and the tyres will fail it. I've decided to put new tyres on the 17" alloys and see how it goes. I was just looking for opinions before spending quite a bit of cash on tyres.

[Rog]

Thanks for all replies.

Car is having MOT today and the tyres will fail it. I've decided to put new tyres on the 17" alloys and see how it goes. I was just looking for opinions before spending quite a bit of cash on tyres.

New tyres all round (Avon ZV5s) wheel alignment etc (not full geometry). Garage said that it was way out and some damage to one of the front wheels.

Much better, but not great. However after shelling out on 4 tyres I'm leaving things as they are.