Running different tread tire, any problems?

Eluder · 05-24-2007, 11:55 AM

I recently got into an accident, curbed my car hard (about 45mph) in rain. I killed my front suspension, hub, lca, bearing, etc and my rim and tire and have some slight curb rash on the rear right as well I guess from understeering into the curb. I've learned my lesson to not drive agressively on those lousy RE92s.

Anyway, the car came back from the dealership yesterday, suspension replaced. I didn't want to buy a new rim and tire from the dealer since they are so overpriced. In the mean time, I was lucky enough to get a 16" steelie and an RE92 off my neighbour that used to have a WRX. The tire is the same as my stock ones, 205/55/16 89V, so that's fine, but the tread depth is different, I don't think drastically, but don't know of a methodical way to check.

I am wondering, how long can I drive on this setup? I've got a stock rim coming from a salvage yard, so I won't be on the steelie much longer, but I don't know how long I'll be on the different tread depth tire?

I am either going to get some aftermarket rims and tires and use my stock wheels for the winter, or I'm just going to get a good set of all seasons, yet to decide.

The car feels fine, the only thing is, I think I hear something from the rear diff during decel, almost like the typical clunk (fairly quiet), but I have been running the TiC klunk killer (comfort) for a couple of months and don't recall that being there before, but paranoia could just be setting in for me.

Any advice would be much appreciated, thank you!

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Counterfit · 05-24-2007, 12:28 PM

Since you (and I) have open differentials at either end, any difference in rotational speed will be absorbed there, since it's only one tire.

Eluder · 05-24-2007, 01:10 PM

Sorry, don't quite understand the impact of this. How long can I drive on this 'setup'? Thanks.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Counterfit

Since you (and I) have open differentials at either end, any difference in rotational speed will be absorbed there, since it's only one tire.

Unabomber · 05-24-2007, 08:18 PM

You should drive zero feet on it. Open your owner's manual.....read....

1/4" variance in the outside diameter is all you can go. Anything else....go price a new center differential.

Roo Tech · 05-24-2007, 09:33 PM

NOW!
is the correct thing to do, Do not drive any longer or the $$$ goes up!

Roo Tech · 05-24-2007, 09:33 PM

NOW!
is the correct thing to do, Do not drive any longer or the $$$ goes up!

Eluder · 05-25-2007, 08:21 AM

I stopped driving it, plan on getting new tires tonight or tomorrow morning, but that means I have to drive it to the shop to get the tires put on. I really think there's a flaw there if you can't drive on even the spare. So it means if you get a flat, you've gotta call a tow truck and then go buy all new tires? Is this only inherent of AWD systems?

Eluder · 05-25-2007, 06:39 PM

Picked up a tread depth gauge from my local auto shop. I just did a quick check of all 4 tires and I may have gotten really lucky, but all 4 tires were about 7 to 8/32nds of an inch, including the extra tire I picked up from my neighbour. So I guess I'm fine, but I will double check again later tonight or in the morning.

05-24-2007, 11:55 AM	#1
Eluder Scooby Newbie Member#: 128706 Join Date: Oct 2006 Chapter/Region: E. Canada Location: Toronto, Ontario Vehicle: 2010 WRX Limited Lightning Red	Running different tread tire, any problems? I recently got into an accident, curbed my car hard (about 45mph) in rain. I killed my front suspension, hub, lca, bearing, etc and my rim and tire and have some slight curb rash on the rear right as well I guess from understeering into the curb. I've learned my lesson to not drive agressively on those lousy RE92s. Anyway, the car came back from the dealership yesterday, suspension replaced. I didn't want to buy a new rim and tire from the dealer since they are so overpriced. In the mean time, I was lucky enough to get a 16" steelie and an RE92 off my neighbour that used to have a WRX. The tire is the same as my stock ones, 205/55/16 89V, so that's fine, but the tread depth is different, I don't think drastically, but don't know of a methodical way to check. I am wondering, how long can I drive on this setup? I've got a stock rim coming from a salvage yard, so I won't be on the steelie much longer, but I don't know how long I'll be on the different tread depth tire? I am either going to get some aftermarket rims and tires and use my stock wheels for the winter, or I'm just going to get a good set of all seasons, yet to decide. The car feels fine, the only thing is, I think I hear something from the rear diff during decel, almost like the typical clunk (fairly quiet), but I have been running the TiC klunk killer (comfort) for a couple of months and don't recall that being there before, but paranoia could just be setting in for me. Any advice would be much appreciated, thank you! * Registered users of the site do not see these ads.

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05-24-2007, 12:28 PM	#2
Counterfit Scooby Specialist Member#: 124254 Join Date: Aug 2006 Chapter/Region: NESIC Location: Rhode Island Vehicle: 2006 06 SGM Slowbaru "The Scoobinator"	Since you (and I) have open differentials at either end, any difference in rotational speed will be absorbed there, since it's only one tire.

05-24-2007, 08:18 PM	#4
Unabomber Big Ron Moderator Member#: 18062 Join Date: Apr 2002 Chapter/Region: MAIC Location: I can save you a ton of cash Vehicle: on car parts so PM me b4 j00 buy	You should drive zero feet on it. Open your owner's manual.....read.... 1/4" variance in the outside diameter is all you can go. Anything else....go price a new center differential.

05-24-2007, 09:33 PM	#5
Roo Tech Scooby Newbie Member#: 96299 Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Santa Cruz, Ca. Vehicle: All Subaru of Santa	NOW! is the correct thing to do, Do not drive any longer or the $$$ goes up!

05-25-2007, 08:21 AM	#7
Eluder Scooby Newbie Member#: 128706 Join Date: Oct 2006 Chapter/Region: E. Canada Location: Toronto, Ontario Vehicle: 2010 WRX Limited Lightning Red	I stopped driving it, plan on getting new tires tonight or tomorrow morning, but that means I have to drive it to the shop to get the tires put on. I really think there's a flaw there if you can't drive on even the spare. So it means if you get a flat, you've gotta call a tow truck and then go buy all new tires? Is this only inherent of AWD systems?

05-25-2007, 06:39 PM	#8
Eluder Scooby Newbie Member#: 128706 Join Date: Oct 2006 Chapter/Region: E. Canada Location: Toronto, Ontario Vehicle: 2010 WRX Limited Lightning Red	Picked up a tread depth gauge from my local auto shop. I just did a quick check of all 4 tires and I may have gotten really lucky, but all 4 tires were about 7 to 8/32nds of an inch, including the extra tire I picked up from my neighbour. So I guess I'm fine, but I will double check again later tonight or in the morning.