Tire Rotation

[lenjack]

Why front to back only, when most vehicles cross the tires? I know many years ago, there was some thought that crossing would not be good with radials.

[mr_zorg]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(lenjack @ Mar 9 2007, 07:51 PM) [snapback]403167[/snapback]</div>

Why front to back only, when most vehicles cross the tires? I know many years ago, there was some thought that crossing would not be good with radials.
[/b]

It has more to do with your tires having directional tread or not. If they do, you can only do a front-to-back rotation. If they don't, you can do a X rotation.

[John in LB]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Mr. Zorg @ Mar 9 2007, 09:33 PM) [snapback]403206[/snapback]</div>

It has more to do with your tires having directional tread or not. If they do, you can only do a front-to-back rotation. If they don't, you can do a X rotation.
[/b]

Of course if a tire is directional - then it cannot be reversed. However, for most steel belted radials, the reason that X was originally not recommended was that each time direction was changed, the plies in the tire would flex and thereby loosen a bit.

Although this issue has not gone away, tire manufactures now recommend a compromise:

Straight front to back, and Cross the backs to the front.

This pattern does rotate every tire into all four positions, but switches directions half the original X pattern.

I confirmed this with Michellin several years back.

In addition, there is a nice article about tire rotation (as well as other tire information at www.tirerack.com

Here is the specific link for tire rotation: http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tiretech/tec...e.jsp?techid=43

[lenjack]

Thanks. I am aware of these issues. It appears to be non-critical. It seems the modified x would even out wear, but for the issue of ply "wiggling". Any other thoughts on this?

[Bear68]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(lenjack @ Mar 10 2007, 09:02 AM) [snapback]403324[/snapback]</div>

Thanks. I am aware of these issues. It appears to be non-critical. It seems the modified x would even out wear, but for the issue of ply "wiggling". Any other thoughts on this?
[/b]

Most Toyota owner's manuals recommend front to rear without crossing the tires. The main concern to watch out for when crossing tires is the issue of creating what is called a radial tire pull. If your tires are slightly cone shaped, (which most are) swapping sides can cause your car to pull one way or the other. this applies to any car. As a Toyota Tech, I solve a lot of pull issues simply by crossing the front tires.