20-inch Michelins feathering and premature wear

[lanedecamp]

At 5K miles and 3 months, my front tires showed pronounced feathering of each tread block. Took it to the dealer for a front end align and they confirmed all is within spec. They also told me that they have a couple dozen of these trucks (2012 SDs with 20 inch Michelins) with the same problem, and are in prolonged and so far unproductive conversations with Ford about them.

The dealership believes that Ford spec'd a tire that was slightly too narrow so it simply scuffs a lot and wears prematurely under the weight of a CC F350 diesel. They don't have problems with other tire brands or other wheel sets. And I paid $1300 or so markup because the truck on the lot had these wheels on it.

I'm filing a complaint with Ford, but have others heard the same? These tires won't last 25K miles. Ford says to rotate them, which simply means all four tires wear prematurely. I want new tires that don't show this problem.

[lanedecamp]

Escalated this issue with Ford. They immediately are replacing the front tires and will see about the back ones after they're rotated. The word is that the tires are too narrow and feather because both inner and outer edges scuff too much when turning. However, Ford had tested the tires and felt that this was simply a bad batch so we'll see what a new batch look like. However, there are apparently quite a lot of trucks with this problem, all with 20 inch Michelin ATX A/T's. We'll see how it goes from here. At least Ford was responsive on this.

[factoryflood]

Lucky you! I had the same problem and my dealer and 4 other dealers in the area would do nothing about it. Finally gave up and just bought wheels and tires.

[mdcody]

Mine lasted to 45000 you have to rotate every 5000 to make them wear proper. Liked them so much I replaced them with another set.

[lanedecamp]

At 5K they aren't supposed to be worn through a quarter of the rubber and feathered significantly, especially when a front end align turns up no camber maladjustment. I already had lost much to much rubber.

The Michelins are not great stoppers but have a comfortable ride. So far they are OK but not spectacular in the snow, but I'm comparing them to a set of matching-sized Duratracs.

I'll probably end up with a credit from Michelin or from Ford, and go get some other tires. Right now, it's just a series of steps to prove one pair of tires is bad, then the next, then the replacements for the originals, then all of this model that are installed. Ford and the dealer are being responsive, and the dealer is great. It's an obnoxious process and I'm probably going to have a fight with Michelin when I ask for a credit to go buy some other tires. We'll see.

[ceking35]

Originally Posted by lanedecamp

At 5K they aren't supposed to be worn through a quarter of the rubber and feathered significantly, especially when a front end align turns up no camber maladjustment. I already had lost much to much rubber.

The Michelins are not great stoppers but have a comfortable ride. So far they are OK but not spectacular in the snow, but I'm comparing them to a set of matching-sized Duratracs.

I'll probably end up with a credit from Michelin or from Ford, and go get some other tires. Right now, it's just a series of steps to prove one pair of tires is bad, then the next, then the replacements for the originals, then all of this model that are installed. Ford and the dealer are being responsive, and the dealer is great. It's an obnoxious process and I'm probably going to have a fight with Michelin when I ask for a credit to go buy some other tires. We'll see.

Mine did the same thing. Absolutely no help from the dealer (they have lost a customer for life over it). I took it to Discount Tire, they called Michelin, Michelin replaced all for tires. They are doing the same thing already. I have an F250 2012, Lariat CC, FX4, totally stock. I'm not sure what the next step is. I should not have to waste my time to replace crappy tires nor to fight Ford. I also should not have to go and drop $2K on a new set of tires when my truck only has 11K miles in it.@

BTW.....What is the contact info for Ford?

[Bryce18]

I only got 25000 miles out of my factory 275/70/18 michelins and replaced with hankook 275/70/18 and I'm very pleased!

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[drunk on diesel]

that's a shame... I love Michelins

I've had a couple sets of the factory Goodyears on my CCLB 350 SRW and while they're not the greatest tire on earth by ANY stretch, I can't really say anything bad about how they've worn

[gixxerrr750]

only got 35k miles out of my junk michelins. put the goodyear dura trac on it and they look a lot better just hope they last a little longer as the price of the 20s are not cheap!

[TrickTruck]

Mine did the same thing, Ford refused to do a thing. I abandoned them at 6000mi. Stock tires are junk, Ford's ability to stand behind them is lacking.

New Nittos are fine and still look new at 6000mi.