Help - 99 Expl Changing Tires - can I replace just 1 Tire?

[kumaxlt]

Have a 99 Explorer 4.0 SOHC XLT. One tire has a leak in sidewall. The other tires are less than half worn - have about 25-30K miles left on them. Can I replace just the one bad Tire? Can I replace just two tires - both fronts for instance? Or, do I have to waste three good tires, throwing away money, and replace all 4 tires...

My car has the "Auto 4wd/4 High/4 low" switch on the dash. I think it is different than some that are AWD - fultime 4WD? Not sure exactly....

Sorry - I posted this again in the Model Year section - I tried to delete this but didnt see how...

 

[dogfriend]

Its not really a good idea, although I understand your hesitation.

There are two different issues to consider:

You have a differential at each end of the truck. If you have a different diameter tire on each side, the differential will compensate (like it does when you turn a corner) but it isn't very good for it to do this continuously, and the differential will wear out faster than normal with mismatched tires.

You also have a transfer case that automatically tries to match front and rear driveshaft speeds to prevent slipping of the (rear) wheels. The TC does this by engaging an electromagnetic clutch to send torque to the front driveshaft whenever it senses (using speed sensors for each driveshaft) that there is a difference in driveshaft speeds. So if the tires are mismatched to the point that the driveshafts are turning different speeds, the TC will interpret this as wheel slip and engage the 4wd system. Not good on dry pavement.

So, if you don't have too much wear, you might be able to replace one pair of tires, but its best to have 4 matching tires to avoid problems with the Auto 4wd system.

BTW, the fulltime 4wd system (mechanical) is only offered with the V8 engine, the V6 engines have the electronically controlled system.

 

[churd69]

what size and brand of tires are you trying to replace? some shops will prorate your tires.

-Rich

 

[kumaxlt]

Thank you Dog - it make sense when explained

The tires are from Americas Tire store - Dominator AT - 65K warranty. They said they would prorate the damaged one - but not the others... One store said to replace two tires. The other store said to replace all 4. I think after dogs info its smart to spend the $$$, get 4, and save the drive train... what a waste of tires though!


Hey Dog - just noticed we are neighbors! Very cool. I live in Newcastle... have a few animals myself - dog, horse, 2 cats. Thanks again for the explanation!

 

[toypaseo]

I would consider...

• If you like the tires, get them to prorate the one, and buy three new ones to match. Sell the three used ones you took off to cover the cost of a tire or two.
  
  
• If you want to check out some other brand, buy four of them. Sell the three used ones you took off to cover the cost of a tire or whatever. If the prorate is worthwhile, get a new one through that, and either sell it, or use swap out your spare for it so you have a brand new spare.

 

[old mechanic]

If it were me I would keep the best 2 (if you have 2 good tires) for the front and put 2 new tires of the same on the rear. I don't think that most people with 4WD or AWD will go for 4 new tires every time only one of them goes bad unless they are all bad and need replacing.
However getting 4 new tires always gives you a great feeling of confidence, security and they look soooo good! If you can afford it then go for 4 new tires.

 

[kumaxlt]

Boy - this sounds like the tire stores I have spoken with - inconsistent

Yes - the three good ones are very good - lots of tread...I looked at the paper work and they actually have a 65K mile warranty and they only have 31K on them


Ok - so if I buy just two and put them in the rear - why the rear? And, do I ever rotate them to the front? Doesnt make sense why they go on the rear - then its ok later to put them in the front for rotation...

 

[blueka]

your Ex is RWD until it feels traction slipping from the rear, then it transfers power to the front, so, put the new 2 on the back to prevent slipping and the best 2 on the front for when it does slip..

Si

 

[dogfriend]

You certainly could try just replacing one pair of tires and then pay attention for any unusual vibration/shudder in the drivetrain.

Here is someone who had trouble with mismatched tires:

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=91967&highlight=tires

 

[churd69]

I would change all 4 and if you have 16" rims you can buy these tires from me

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=168850

-Rich

 

[kumaxlt]

You certainly could try just replacing one pair of tires and then pay attention for any unusual vibration/shudder in the drivetrain.

Here is someone who had trouble with mismatched tires:

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=91967&highlight=tires

The tire store mentioned being allowed a 2/32" of difference in tread depth of new tires and mixing with old. So, that must be what is allowed prior to the GEM/sensors kicking in and thinking that slippage is occurring.

 

[chrisis]

having the current 4x4 auto i would not take any risk breaking transfer case etc which is going to cost you big money.

get 4 new ones and sell the 3 tires that you have and you don't have to worry about it.

 

[old mechanic]

I would change all 4 and if you have 16" rims you can buy these tires from me

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=168850

-Rich

_____________
LOL!

 

[churd69]

_____________
LOL!

Yeah, that was pretty shameless I do think they are great tires and its a good price. Regardless I would replace all 4, no matter where you buy them from.

-Rich

 

[kumaxlt]

I would change all 4 and if you have 16" rims you can buy these tires from me

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=168850

-Rich

well... if youre offering the rims with the deal and the wheels drive themselves to Cali it would be tempting! lol

 

[old mechanic]

Yeah, that was pretty shameless I do think they are great tires and its a good price. Regardless I would replace all 4, no matter where you buy them from.

-Rich

_________
J/K- I don't doubt the tires are a good deal. Tire rac has them for $151.00 each.

 

[dkchrist]

i have heard of tires being shaved to match to depth of the current tires so that all of them match. But this takes a new tire and makes it used.

 

[kumaxlt]

i have heard of tires being shaved to match to depth of the current tires so that all of them match. But this takes a new tire and makes it used.

That could work - as the one tire would be prorated...


A local tire store said that they will patch the tire for me and it should hold. He says he does a lot of patches that are on the upper sidewall. So - for $8 Im trying that. Worse case is - I get a flat/low tire somewhere, have to change it with the spare and spent $8.

 

[chrisis]

just make sure that the tire stays at the rear, but either way if you loose pressure at high speeds then everything can happen.

if the tire loose any pressure in a few days please replace the tire.

 

[kumaxlt]

Good idea - tire in rear. It is/was a slow leak - at least one night to lose pressure... Yes - if it doesnt hold then 4 new ones it is.