Date: Wed, 26 Feb 97 06:17:57
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@vanagon.com>
From: mdstockr <mdstockr@neo.lrun.com>
Subject: RE: Lighter tyres for lighter steering?
Lionel,
I don't see how changing you tires will have an affect on your steering.
In a previous message we where discussing the use of 205/70R14 tires vs.
185R14. The 205 mm wide tire will increase steering loads because of the
torque required to turn the tire. The contact patch of a 205 mm wide tire is
>10% wider than a 185 mm tire. Therefore, the torque required to turn the 205
mm tire will be about 10% higher than the 185 mm. A 205/70R14 tire is heavier
than a comparable 185R14 tire. Most of this weight is around the
circumference of the tire. While spinning, the gyroscopic effects of the
205/70R14 tire will be greater than the 185R14 tire, thereby resisting changes
in direction more and increasing steering loads at speed.
Lionel, you can't go to a smaller tire since you are already using 185R14's.
At best you might be able to go to a slightly lighter tire by buying tires
with less reinforcement, but the effects would probably be negligible. Also,
your handling response will be reduced.
I don't recommend a change in tires. The heavier steering effort is probably
due to either a design change in the steering and/or your steering has some
worn components.
To answer your other questions, see my posting titled "RE: more on
tires/pressures" dated 25 Feb 97.
--- On Tue, 25 Feb 1997 20:42:09 -0600 Lionel Tun <lionel@ark.prestel.co.uk>
wrote:
>My 1982 aircooled bus used to have such light steering that people thought
>it had power. Now the steering on my 1984 Caravelle GL is a fair effort.
>This tyre talk makes me wonder whether changing the tyres may lighten the
>steering. Is this true? My tyres say: 185 R14 C, 102/100, 65 psi max, max
>single load 1873 lbs. Label says Southern. The other front one says almost
>the same thing except label is Firestone, load is 1875 lbs and it also says
>P 8 PR. I wonder where I can find out what all this means.
>
>1. Can I change to a lighter tyre or a better brand?
>2. With a max of 65 psi, can I pump up a bit higher - I've got it on about
>42 at the moment? The handbook says 35 front and 47 rear, the door sticker
>says 36 front and 48 rear. I would never be taking the tyres to anywhere
>near their limits of load, acceleration or speed.
>
>Lionel Tun
>1984 Caravelle GL, 183k miles
>lionel@ark.prestel.co.uk
>
-----------------End of Original Message-----------------
________________________________________________
Michael Stocker <mdstockr@neo.lrun.com>
North Canton, Ohio, USA Time: 6:17:57 AM
LiMBO / GASS Date: 2/26/97
1989 Audi 90 Quattro
Wanted: Nice 1968->? bus or Westi
Previous VW's: '66-T3, '67-T1 & '70-T2 Westi
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