All,
Have a 1999 Sienna van. Works great.
About 6 months ago I replaced all 4 old tires with new tires from Les Schwab tire center. I bought the lower end tires (NOT THE LOWEST) from Kingstar, a Chinese tire manufacturer.
Unlike my old tires, I noticed when I drive in the 55 to 60 MPH range that there is a LOT of vibration in the passenger compartment. It lessens, almost goes away at lower speeds and lessens a little at higher speeds.
Also, when I get a lot of passengers in the van, I notice the problem goes away somewhat when in that dreaded 55-60 MPH range.
I took the vehicle back to the tire store and had all 4 balanced several times over on multiple repeat trips. Each time, I have the strong vibration at 55-60 MPH. I even got them to replace one tire that I thought was the culprit being out of round, but it made no difference.
I then had an alignment done, and still have the problems.
I finally hit the wall and told the manager to look at it. He said my engine mounts were loose/bad. Not sure I believe it. He put the van in park and put the brake on and going from drive to reverse and I could see the engine move. I still don't think this is the cause. Anyhow that was the end of my progress with the store.
I thought the problem would go away and tried to live with it, but when I did my brakes, I rotated the tires and made the problem even worse. It is not going away.
I am now looking into getting some used tires as I have blown my budget ($350) to at least see if the problem goes away. I have found some good used tires on Craigslist, but not sure what to look for and I don't want to end up with something unsafe. Let me know if this is wise!?!
The vibration is more than annoying and drives me nuts.
Advice, opinions etc. wanted. What is wrong with my van???? Thanks!
cpy911
Reply 1 : Vibration problems with Kingstar Tires
Problem: Tires MADE IN CHINA. No vibration until you replaced the tires? Wven though you have had them balanced they are probably out of round, or have some other runout.
Reply 2 : Vibration problems with Kingstar Tires
You get what you pay for. Pay for a name brand tire that someone has actually heard of and I bet the problem will magically go away.
edit: never ever buy used tires unless you know exactly what the previous owner has put them through. Just suck it up and purchase some NEW brand name tires, your family will thank you for it.
Reply 3 : Vibration problems with Kingstar Tires
Yeah, these guys are right, you need good tires. You didn't mention your vehicle's mileage. It may need new motor mounts. I replaced mine at 190,000 miles. Usually the mounts being bad will manifest itself more when you are stopped but in Drive. Does your dash shake when you hold the brake at a light?
At around 200,000 miles I ponied up for a set of Pirelli touring tires on our van. They're warrantied for 85,000 miles. They cost less than $500, installed, with the road hazard protection, and free rotations. Now I've had 20,000 miles that have been smooth as glass in our really old van.
Reply 4 : Vibration problems with Kingstar Tires
Quote:
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Originally Posted by Black Sunshine 
Yeah, these guys are right, you need good tires. You didn't mention your vehicle's mileage. It may need new motor mounts. I replaced mine at 190,000 miles. Usually the mounts being bad will manifest itself more when you are stopped but in Drive. Does your dash shake when you hold the brake at a light?
At around 200,000 miles I ponied up for a set of Pirelli touring tires on our van. They're warrantied for 85,000 miles. They cost less than $500, installed, with the road hazard protection, and free rotations. Now I've had 20,000 miles that have been smooth as glass in our really old van. |
Reply 5 : Vibration problems with Kingstar Tires
I had Cooper CS4 tires on my '03 Taurus, and was quite satisfied with them so when it came time to put tires on our '98 Sienna, I bought Coopers again. They only stayed on the van 297 miles, and the only reason they lasted that long was because I didn't get on the interstate right away. We experienced terrible vibration at highway speeds. I took the van back to the tire store and told them of the problem, and when I returned a few hours later, there were Michelin Harmony tires on the van. The guy told me they absolutely couldn't get the Coopers to ride right so they put the Michelins on (and didn't charge me anything for the upgrade). He said it wasn't the first time they couldn't get Cooper CS4's to work on a Sienna. It doesn't make a bit of sense to me that a particular brand of passenger tire would be incompatible with our van, but I trust the guys at the tire store, and I got Michelin Harmony for the price of Cooper CS4. So, yes, the tires are very likely the source of your vibration.
Reply 6 : Vibration problems with Kingstar Tires
Vans and cars can be different animals. Our Sienna's share the same power-train as Camry's and Avalon's (and a few more models). This doesn't mean that the same tires are best for them all. I think that the vehicle weight plays a large role in how the tires perform. That's why I resolved to buy tires with a good warranty. My wife just had our tires rotated again yesterday. Mini-vans are hard on tires because of their extra weight.
Reply 7 : Vibration problems with Kingstar Tires
Update!
Went to my tire shop today, Les Schwab. The manager must have been in a good mood. I paid $114 for an "upgrade" to Toyo Eclipse tires. All the problems with vibration when away.
Moral of the story, DON'T buy cheap off brand tires. I have spent months fighting this vibration problem having the tires balanced at the shop multiple times.
I was surprised the shop gave me the upgrade, because it had been months. I got lucky I suppose. Anyhow, and now riding smooth in my Sienna!
Your encouragement gave me the strength to ask for the upgrade.
Reply 8 : Vibration problems with Kingstar Tires
Glad to hear you got your problem resolved!
Reply 9 : Vibration problems with Kingstar Tires
Glad to hear it worked out for and to hear that you found a shop with good service.
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