New tires help.

Alrighty then, duly noted.  

I don't seem to be having any problems without them, not even sure where they are at this point so... yeah.  Thanks for the info.

Posted by: @pwnzor

Alrighty then, duly noted.  

 

I don't seem to be having any problems without them, not even sure where they are at this point so... yeah.  Thanks for the info.

I have to get out ahead of it so you know both camps. Too much absolutism on car forums and no context that it could be wheel and car specific. 

From my experience, as long as one is using a tapered style lug nut, takes their time putting the wheels on, and seats all the nuts correctly by hand before torquing any down, there shouldn't be any problems getting the wheel aligned.

This works for me on both of my cars. Only time I've had an issue was on my TSX, when I didn't stand over the shoulder of a crappy tech and I can only assume he slammed each lug home one at a time with an impact before putting the next on. Thankfully the ride home was short. I immediately pulled all the wheels off and reseated them, no more issues. 

Rings can make the job of centering the wheel much faster and easier than going through the extra effort of seating the lugs neatly. And if you get wheels secondhand that may have lots of wear to the lug seat, I could see the above method still ending with a vibration and requiring a ring. 

I think it depends on the car and the amount of play in the wheel. I did some reading into it when mine was damaged and it wasn’t seating against the hub so I punched it out and mounted the wheel and no vibrations. I still got a replacement  just because the other three have them and I’m one of those people that’s a little OCD.  They are cheap. 

There was a post on SC where someone had issues and it turned into a debate of absolutism. In the end the OP was not able to resolve his issues with trying his best to center the wheels as advised and the rings resolved  the issue.  That’s why I think it depends on the car, wheel and lug nuts. Too many variables with the aftermarket.  

I forgot to mention. One thing that I’m happy with is the operator didn’t have to use that many weights to balance  the wheels. I hit some bad bumps along the way and on one meet hit a rock.  Cspidy probably remembers that meet. Thankfully no damage. Buying top tier wheels that manufactures for OEM pays off in the end. I know others with bent or out of round wheels with the cheaper stuff. 

All four of my wheels balanced with 2 oz. or less weights.  They're directly opposite the valve stems in each case, which to me indicates a high quality of manufacturing.

Good tires, good wheels, good times.

As you write it depend on the type of nut. Tapered and acorn nuts are self centering, the shouldered nuts are not. Thus the former don´t need the rings, the latter do.

Posted by: @petrus

 

As you write it depend on the type of nut. Tapered and acorn nuts are self centering, the shouldered nuts are not. Thus the former don´t need the rings, the latter do.

Saying that its not needed for the type of lugs used gets into absolutism. That was the common belief but someone still had vibration with tapered lugs that the rings did solve. It could also be the quality of the wheels.  It's not really a complicated decision. Get the rings they are only $10 or don't. If you have vibrations get the rings. My wheels came with them from TireRack as part of the package so why not use them, its not like they are doing anything bad and if I have to be extra carful putting in the lugs its not worth the trouble when the rings are cheap. The only reason why it got damaged was from the operator and next time I will remove the rings before hand. The most important decision that I see people skip out on is not saving enough for quality wheels. That probably has the biggest impact and very expensive to repair. 

Im now up to 150 miles into the break in.  I feel like these tires  don't need that much to be scrubbed but I plan to go the distance as safety is important but some interesting things have happened.  The first drive with new tires of any car feels like smooth glass like test driving a new car. I knew from past experience that this would settle out and it has after about 80 miles and now they feel entirely different.  

  Im now easing into the tires on low speed turns and building up a little more aggressiveness.  I cant finally say yet how they will perform when I push them hard but I do feel a loss in acceleration. The increase weight and size probably changed the gearing that is unfortunately noticeable but not anything drastic.   

 What has changed is the ride as its like no other tire I have experienced before but closer to the original tires my car came with. Just making slow turns feels great like you are driving on sandpaper as that is the best way to describe it. I knew the side walls were going to be stiff but crap they are stiff. I feel everything and it makes my car feel raw. I did drive around a bend at maybe 10 over the speed limit and I felt the car load up sightly and the steering wheel have more resistance which I really like.  

Im now half way though the break in.  I started to increase to load on the tires on small sharp turns where appropriate. I had a chance to drive on the highway and the stiff sidewalls are distracting. This has more to do with my suspension and tire combo than the just the tires but wow every little dip, every bump is jerking me. Its not harsh like its crashing as much as being a little annoying if you were expecting a plush ride.  I had a chance of taking it around a long bend at reasonable speeds with my left hand on the wheel and you have to muscle it into the turn which I like because it feels like I have to put in some effort into it as the wheel feels tight. The only downside is the car feels heavy.  

Hi Dev. I am assuming that by now you are over your break-in period. So, how do you like your Indy 500 tires? Do they seem slower than your Falkens? And the twisties? I am asking as I am looking at a set.

Posted by: @mrsponz

Hi Dev. I am assuming that by now you are over your break-in period. So, how do you like your Indy 500 tires? Do they seem slower than your Falkens? And the twisties? I am asking as I am looking at a set.

Unfortunately I let the car sit and haven’t finished the break in.  I will probably start driving again this weekend.  So far I like them. The tires are far more responsive with stiff sidewalls like the OEM tires. I haven’t tested for grip yet.  

What - too much rain ?? - only kidding  😀 This covid-19 has put a serious damper on my "fun driving".

Posted by: @mrsponz

What - too much rain ?? - only kidding  😀 This covid-19 has put a serious damper on my "fun driving".

I would like to say that but it's really not the case. One of my strengths and weaknesses is being hyper focused on one hobby at a time. I have put all of my efforts into improving my photography during this down time so I can advance to the next level. Its hard work but Im almost there where I can do my rounds back to my other passions. In that process I have left a few people behind socially so I need to catch up there as well. 

Don't worry the car is next and once I get another 200 miles on the tires I can give them a good evaluation for you.