20 inch Michlen tire issues

[mowdoc]

My truck is in the shop as I type this. I took it there for the wind whistle noise in the A piller on driver's side and for tire wear problems.

They just called to tell me they were going to replace the window channel and that I was screwed on the tires as they think this wear is caused by rocks and spinning tires on pavement. I do not do either.

I had the truck into the dealer at 6k miles because the tires were wearing very wierd. They were feathering very badly and each row of tread seemed to be wearing at different rates making them look taller and shorter than each other. All four tires were doing this. The dealer rotated the tires and checked the alignment which was in spec but they touched it up a little anyway.

Now at 9k miles I see small chunks of rubber missing in the tread and the wear continues to look terrible. The truck has been operated hiway only and I do not spin the tires. I do pull a trailer with a lot of tongue weight.

I have asked to see a manager but they have not produced one yet. What are my options now?? It's my word against thiers except I have pointed out that the fronts were wearing too before the rotation.

I am not an expert on tires but this certainly seems to be a problem with the tires. I have had many trucks (and cars) over the years but never had wear like this. I am not rough on my driving either and I do not spin the tires or off-road this truck. I have a Jeep and a quad for that.

Any help??

Thanks
mowdoc

[Nthorseman]

Contact the Ford warranty people directly since you're not getting satisfaction from the dealer. If you don't get the answer you want, then keep moving up the food chain.

They have to prove that you were burning rubber and can't simply disallow because of suspected abuse. A prior complaint and work down pursuant to that complaint provides you with a substantial credibility boost.

[jbm49u]

Well kinda hadcthe same issue with mine 3 rotate and balances in 6500 miles and they could not get them to stay in balance, tire shop said michlen tires are not worth it any more, went with Toyo mt for a little more aggressiveness and still haul cattle the same as before almost as many miles on them as the michlens and not one issue. Have a buddy with a dodge dually and he cant keep his michlens balanced either!

[67powerstroke]

Michelin tires are great on a BMW Jetta or Civic... Just don't think they car about LT market. They make good big rig tires. I have the stock BFG's. They're not bad but I would never buy them. Toyo all the way!

[twin200]

This was a long time ago,but I bought a new 2000 350 with generals and after about 3000 miles the left front developed a huge knot on the outside wall. I took it to the dealer and was told the tire manufacture warranties the tires not ford. Not knowing any different,I go to a general tire dealer.They exchanged the tire then said I had to pay for it,until a sales rep could look at the tire to see if it was a defect and he would be in touch with me. I paid for the tire and told them they could go straight to ell because I knew I was getting screwed.Never did hear from that rep

[surveyor13]

Neither Ford or Michelin will warranty them. Trust me I tried to no avail. Best thing to do is run them until its time to replace them. Mine spit chunks out like yours are too. I've got close to 34K miles on them and they are close to being replaced.

[mowdoc]

In my original post I said they called to tell me I was basicly screwed. I requested a manager and one was never delivered (so far). When I went to pick the truck up Friday evening they had changed thier tone quite a bit.

They told me they had taken several pics of the tires and sent them to Ford (by request from Ford). They are waiting to see what Ford says and will tell me when I return the truck tomorrow (Tuesday) for the window channel replace. The service writer did say that a lot of people had looked at my tires and a lot of conversation had occured. None of them has ever saw wear like this at such low milage. Maybe they said all this to calm me.

The service writer did tell me they had already commited to replace the front left tire that was spitting chunks of rubber and were trying to get OK to do the set. I told her I was not interested in any more Michlens on this truck and to get brand "B" instead. She agreed these tires did not seem to work well on this truck.

As far as running my tires until they give up is not an option as suggested by surveyor13. The temps around here get so hot you can not stand on the pavement for a length of time without burning your feet. Tires must be near perfect to survive when loaded heavy. If Ford does not stand behind the product, I will have to cough up for rubber. I will not risk the saftey of myself and those around me by running these Michlens on my truck in hot weather.

I'll keep posting info here in this thread as I get it.

[BlueF350]

I have 16k miles on my set of Michelins and they wearing well but that's on an 08 SD. IMO, they need a bit more air. I run 70/75 psi when empty and 80psi rear when towing. Go over 80 psi and they get scary!

[strokinpower]

I bought some new take offs from a 2011 and put them on my '08. They have worn perfectly even, although I do have an alignment plan with merchants so I get it aligned like every oil change. They just haven't lasted long at all. They wore right off the truck.

[mowdoc]

OK, I went to the dealer today and they have approval from Ford to replace all 4 tires.

I asked that another brand be installed as the Michlens have not been changed (I researched the Michlen web site) and will only do what the original tires have. Dealer is OK with that idea but is now getting approval from Ford to switch brands. I told dealer I would pick up any extra cost for a different brand of tires.

I am not trying to get something for nothing here, I just want tires that I can trust and will last a normal life.

The new window channel is due there tomorrow to fix the wind whistle noise in the driver side A pillar (I hope).

I left the truck with the dealer and said I would not need it until Friday afternoon and that pleased them. They seemed pretty busy around there and I am happy to see business picking up for them!!

I'll keep posting updates here on this thread as I get them.

If you have the 20 inch Michlens on your truck and they are wearing funny you should be taking them to your dealer and getting a record of complaint started. Keep on them and Ford may make it right. They are trying very hard to get my truck right.