Getting worried

[PLRBEAR]

Hey guys, i've got a problem. I recently checked the tires on my X, and found cracks developing around the rear tires. The cracks are occuring between the thread and the sidewall. I went to see a Firestone dealer about this, and he said that it's normal wear caused by the swaying of the truck....i think that's bull.
I am going to replace these tires with Yokohama Geolandar AT+s, but won't be able to do so until June due to financial reasons. Anyone had cracks like these before?

 

[mdrut]

Had cracks on all 4 of my recalls..Check the airpressure and take it easy until you can get them replaced..

 

[01EB5.0]

SO I take it your firestones arnm't under recall? I hear if you go to ford and make a stink about them they may replace them for you anyways. I have 16" so I have nopt tried it yet, but if it works for you let me know! as long as your air pressure is in an acceptable range (32-38) then I would say just keep a close eye on the tires.

 

[yob_yeknom]

Do like Travis said, go make a fuss. A guy I work with had Firestones on his Ch*vy van and got free, new Bridgestone tires. The Firestone place wouldn't do it, but after making a fuss at the Ford place he got his new tires.

 

[kvo]

That's the formula for a disaster. Defnitely go to your local Ford Dealer, even if you have 16" tires, tell them about it and explain to them that they are accepting total liability and risk if they do not replace them free of charge for you. It's an unofficial policy but since the tire fiasco last year, they have been more than willing to replace them. This unofficial policy was reported in the news last year, around the same time as the recalls. Make a big fuzz with the store manager/general manager/ even call thr Ford Zone representative if you have to. It's a matter of life or death situation as I see it.

 

[01EB5.0]

I wonder if I go make a stink if ford would only install the tires they normally carry or if I could tell them what I want. I don't want any of the tires my dealer displays as replacements. they are all cheap OEM type tires. I would rather go with something a bit wider and more truck-like. I was thinking LT265/70/R16 Goodyear Wrangler AT/S or something similar. SHould I just go to goodyear and have the new ones put on, then bring the 16" 'stones to ford for money?

 

[kvo]

You're in luck.

Ford just announced another Firestone AT tires recall, this time I think they are recalling all AT tires in all sizes.

Now, you can get new tires w/o having to duke it out with the dealer. Keep your eyes on the news or internet wire services for more information.

 

[Karman]

Looking at your sig - your X is a '95. Do you still have the original tires? If so, they are approaching 7 years old. Even at 10K a year, they would have 60K+ on them. The cracking may just be age-related rot.

 

[guggy]

This is how it happened to me !!!

I was mad as hell 2 weeks ago when i went into firestone and told them i had cracks under the treads of my tires. These tires are not original and i have no mods that would affect the tires also i haven't done any off roading (yet) .


When i spoke to the firestone dealership a guy told me that "As long as the tire hold air there is nothing he can do for me"


I almost fricken lost it !!!!!!!!! I advised him that if i blow a tire on the road after having see firestone with my problem i would sue !


Well i hope my 235/75/15 's are under this Ford recall because i had firestone tires and there crappy service !!!

 

[PLRBEAR]

Karman:
These tires are almost brand new. They still have peach fuzz coming out on the sides. When the truck was being prepped by the dealer for sale, the tires were replaced. Furthermore, the cracks only occur on the rear tires, since the tires are only on their first 7000kms. I haven't even had the chance to rotate them. In short, the tires are not 7 years old.

Everyone:

Thanks for you replies. With news that Ford is going to be "Doing the right thing", i'm feeling a lot better. My tires were made at the Jolliet plant in Quebec, and i read that tires made at that plant (and another in the US) will be recalled.

 

[guggy]

PLR BEAR

Does this mean that on;y certain winderness at's are being recalled not all ??


How can i find out which plant made my tires ??

Does anyone know ?

Thanks

 

[PLRBEAR]

No Guggy. All Wilderness ATs, regardless of size, are being recalled. As long as your tires say Wilderness AT, and it's a Ford vehicle then you'll get new tires from Ford.

 

[guggy]

Thanks PLR BEAR

Do i have to get my tires from Ford or can i just buy them at a local tire store and submit my bill ?

Thanks again

 

[PLRBEAR]

That's the part i don't get. US owners have a choice of purchasing their tires from an approved outside source. We don't. I got this information from Ford Canada and my dealer. Perhaps you should give Ford Canada and your dealer a buzz and see what you can dig out.

 

[guggy]

PLR BEAR

Great news !! I just found out than even us Canadians can buy our tires at a local tire shop and just bring the bill to FORD for a refund.. I was so happy to find this out a few days ago , sorry i had no time to reply !!

Good luck !

 

[PLRBEAR]

Yes, i just saw that on the website a few days ago. Those with 15s get CDN$180/tire, while those with 16s & 17s get CDN$210/tire! GREAT DEAL IF YOU ASK ME!

 

[IgotTwo]

PLRBER, a little help on your comment

"As long as your tires say Wilderness AT, and it's a Ford vehicle then you'll get new tires from Ford."

Does this apply to Firestone tires that are not the orginal tires from Ford? Dumb me, I bought Firestone replacements 6 month before the recall. Who would have guessed.


For what its worth:
Yes, I had cracks around the tires on my 97 just below the tread -47K ?? miles .... looked just like the close ups on the news.
Firestone dealer said it was not a problem.
Right !!! What do I have a ticket on me that says "Ellis Island!"
It was at recall time. I passed on the Firestones and opted for Michein replacements


I didn't give it too much thought, but when I got my 97, those recalled Firestones always seemed to lose pressure. I remember thinking: I never had a set of tires that lost so much pressure. I was always looking for nails in the tires. Maybe it was some kind of clue?