Tire Problems Forum Index: PT Cruiser Discussion: PT Cruiser Technical Discussion:   1 2  View All lynnpt Cruiser Newbie Posted: Jan 25, 2005, 9:24 AM Post #1 of 29 (1465 views) Shortcut Tire Problems Can't Post Just found this message board when searching the internet for an answer to my problems with my PT cruiser. I have a 2001 Touring Edition that only has about 25K miles. Seems like I am always having trouble with the tires running low or going totally flat. Since getting the cruiser in October 2001 I have already replaced two tires. Last year I was about 300 miles from home on a business trip only to have one tire go completely flat. The tire shop employee told me that he see's a lot of problems with the standard rims that are used on the crusier. There was nothing wrong with the tire, he cleaned up the rim and resealed the tire back on the rim. I wasn't really keeping count (now wish I did), but I believe since getting this car I have had about 5 totally flat tires, and probably about two dozen cases where I had to get to a servcie station right away to take care of low pressure. It is not always the same tire or rim so I can't blame it on one bad tire or rim. There was only one occasion that was attributed to road hazard. All other flats and low pressure revealed no apparent problems with the tire or rim. I now find myself needing a new rim, probably because of all the times this one particular tire went flat or low on air. The shop also tells me that the two "new" tires on the car already need to be replaced. Again, probably because of all the times they have run low of pressure has caused quicker wear down. Has anyone else out there had similiar problems? HELP!!!! Lynn ---------- Posts: 3 | From: NJ | Registered: Jan 25, 2005, 9:06 AM PT Vol Cruiser Buff Posted: Jan 25, 2005, 10:09 AM Post #2 of 29 (1455 views) Shortcut Re: [lynnpt] Tire Problems Can't Post Has the tire shop checked the rim to see if it was bent or not? Also when they are fixing the tire back on the rim are shecking the valve stem to ensure there is no problem there? Just my $.02 worth. Good luck finding a solution. ---------- PT VOL Posts: 87 | From: Smyrna, TN | Registered: Sep 6, 2003, 12:36 AM Fritz Cruiser Fan Posted: Jan 26, 2005, 7:04 AM Post #3 of 29 (1392 views) Shortcut Re: [PT Vol] Tire Problems Can't Post I also have a 2001 and the tires, while in good condition, lose air. I found out that the valve stems are bad. Had them replaced and have had no problems. ---------- Posts: 12 | From: Northern NJ | Registered: Jun 26, 2000, 12:00 AM nycruiser Cruiser Fan Posted: Jan 26, 2005, 11:13 AM Post #4 of 29 (1379 views) Shortcut Re: [lynnpt] Tire Problems Can't Post I have the same problem and have to remember to check the tire pressure almost every week. After doing some research on the web I found out that a lot of people had the same problem and opted for replacing the OEM "GoodYear-LS" tires that come with the car from the dealer. I think the Tirerack website rates tires by customer satisfaction factor. I'm just going to wear this tires out and then change brands. ---------- Posts: 10 | From: Long Island, NY | Registered: Aug 15, 2004, 8:42 PM lynnpt Cruiser Newbie Posted: Jan 26, 2005, 11:30 AM Post #5 of 29 (1376 views) Shortcut Re: [nycruiser] Tire Problems Can't Post My original thought was maybe the brand of tire, but keep in mind I had two tires replaced a year ago this month. Those two tires already need to be replaced because of uneven wear because of all the times the tires ran low. Different brand, but the both had the same problems. Got to believe it is a problem with the rims????? It is to the point that as much as I like the cruiser, I can't stand having to worry about having flat tires. Maybe it's time to give up on cruisers? I really wish I had started paying attention to this while the car was still warranty. Would love to find out of there are are talks about recalls on the rims. ---------- Posts: 3 | From: NJ | Registered: Jan 25, 2005, 9:06 AM TurboJohn Cruiser Expert PT Cruiser Club Member Posted: Jan 26, 2005, 2:33 PM Post #6 of 29 (1362 views) Shortcut Re: [lynnpt] Tire Problems Can't Post After working/teaching in the automotive industry for almost 30 years, I can tell you thet more people have trouble with alloy rims "losing air" then the conventional steel rims. I had a friend with a Toyota that had to add air every two weeks, even after we replaced all the tires with Michelins. I believe the rims were porous. On my two different PTs, I have not noticed that I have had to add air very often and haven't had a flat. (Knocking on wood) Good luck with this problem! ---------- Director Garden State Crew-zers PTCC State Director 2003 GT http://www.newjerseycruisers.com http://www.gardenstatecrewzers.com Posts: 324 | From: New Jersey | Registered: Aug 12, 2002, 12:00 AM Cruiser RN Cruiser Veteran PT Cruiser Club Member Posted: Jan 27, 2005, 6:36 PM Post #7 of 29 (1322 views) Shortcut Re: [lynnpt] Tire Problems Can't Post Hi I bought my 01 le cruiser with 3k miles in 6-02.I now have 22.6k miles on Ms.CRN.The first 2 things I did to her were to change to synthetic oil and to change all the valve stem caps and stems because of previous leaking tires.Because of this preventive measure I have never lost any tire air.In your situation the clinical picture is quite confusing now so it my be best to bring it to a trusted tire man to correct the situation.Good luck and God Bless You ---------- Mike Casabianca His: 2001 Black LE with Auto Transmission, BullDog Signs Flames, WeatherTec wind deflectors, cargo area mat, PT trash can, PT valve stem caps and Dart's coldair intake, chrome tail and headlight bezels, chrome bumper inserts, chrome license plate pillow, chrome fender trim, 1940's retro chrome on front and back fenders, door spears, chrome hatch door trim, chrome gas door, brushed chrome door sills, billet door pins, custom "BlueHaze" dash mat, MRK Group lugnut covers, dome light trim, etc. and the chrome goes on...... Hers: 2003 Patriot Blue Woody with Automatic Transmission, Bulldog Signs Eeyore, Cargo area mat, WeatherTec wind deflectors, PT valve stem caps, PT trash can, "BlueHaze" custom dash mat, and chrome tailpipe extension, "Old School" wood shifter knob, wood and chrome door pins, MRK Group interior knob and switch covers, door surrounds, and dome light trim, chrome door surround trim, white eeyore window decals, smoothie hub cap, wood eeyore plaques ....and the Wood goes on http://community.webshots.com/user/mdcvmvc Posts: 2282 | From: Yonkers, New York | Registered: Aug 21, 2002, 12:00 AM ptcbill Cruiser Expert Posted: Jan 28, 2005, 6:11 PM Post #8 of 29 (1303 views) Shortcut Re: [TurboJohn] Tire Problems Can't Post Yeah, Turbo, and I've been driving cars for over 30 years and I can agree with you to some limited extent re the alloys. BUT, with steel wheels and that lousy new set of Michelins several years ago, my tires leak a sieve!!!! It WAS the tires, there was nothing the dealer could do about it and Michelin would not, REFUSED, to stand behind their tires. The selling dealer pumped 'em up looking for leaks---Michelin said I lied and the dealer couldn't have pumped them to 80 lbs. in a truck tank---they did. Several times. The tires would lose about 10-15 lbs of pressure in 10 hours---Michelin said that was impossible. Both authoriZED,Michelin dealers that I used glued/sealed the tires to the steel rims---Michelin said there was no such thing, said I was lying---unitl I told the Michelin rep to look up on the charge board of the dealer---it was the first item!!! Then Mr. Fat Man Michelin said I'd never gotten the work done at this authorized dealer --- until I read him back the invoice number. Tires leak, wheels leak, dealers sometimes do their very best, and tire manufacturers sometimes try TO DO THEIR VERY WORST, AND VERY LEAST. And those are facts, not guesswork. In case you're wondering, I've had an "incident" with Bridgestone, too, and they're not too happy with me. But I got a new set of Potenzas from them because they knew there was something very wrong with the set I had and after the Firestone-rollover issue, they didn't want to take too many more chances on adverse publicity. ---------- Posts: 160 | From: N/A | Registered: Nov 14, 2003, 11:50 AM TurboJohn Cruiser Expert PT Cruiser Club Member Posted: Jan 29, 2005, 4:10 AM Post #9 of 29 (1290 views) Shortcut Re: [ptcbill] Tire Problems Can't Post Bill, with any product, there is always the possibility that there was an error in manufacturing or a defect. Tires, by their nature, are porous. They have to seal the inside of every tires with that silicone coating to make them "tubeless". I have "glued" tires onto alloy rims many times (it is called Bead Sealer). ---------- Director Garden State Crew-zers PTCC State Director 2003 GT http://www.newjerseycruisers.com http://www.gardenstatecrewzers.com Posts: 324 | From: New Jersey | Registered: Aug 12, 2002, 12:00 AM ptcbill Cruiser Expert Posted: Jan 29, 2005, 5:07 AM Post #10 of 29 (1285 views) Shortcut Re: [TurboJohn] Tire Problems Can't Post Turbo, I think we're in agreement. What I find disturbing is the way some manufacturers just don't care what you tell or show them. By contrast, many retailers especially in the auto repair biz do care, but it puts them in the middle. In the case of tires, anyone without lots of time or lots of persevering patience would never have gotten a resolution from Bridgestone as I did. The fact that it was Bridgestone's most expensive tire and highest speed-rated did help, but it took an almost overwhelming effort on my part. In the case of Michelin, I warned them way back when: lots of people talk to me about "all things-cars", and I would have a difficult time describing a positive experience with their tires, mistakes in manufacture or not. Being called a liar by an HQ representative has that effect on me. Not to mention the fact that, while this may have been an "error in manufacturing" as you said, it was an on-going error since I went through 6 tires over a period of nine months before I finally decided my life was worth more than 4 incredibly bad Michelins. As a matter of information, you might like this little factoid: Michelin is known for having a long run on each of its "models", such as the original, Michelin X. This one, particular line was probably their shortest ever; it had such a bad reputation with people who I know owned them that Michelin cancelled the tire designation in a very short number of years -- and probably wished they'd done it sooner! Of course, that hasn't hurt them too much in sales. Most people forget. ---------- Posts: 160 | From: N/A | Registered: Nov 14, 2003, 11:50 AM TurboJohn Cruiser Expert PT Cruiser Club Member Posted: Jan 29, 2005, 5:16 AM Post #11 of 29 (1284 views) Shortcut Re: [ptcbill] Tire Problems Can't Post I agree Bill, it is often difficult to get a manufacturer in the Automotive field to stick behind their product. Whether it be a tire, battery or "hard part". Many usually fall back on the old "installed incorrectly, sorry" defense and the poor parts store who sold the product in good faith is stuck in the middle. Many will eat the whole cost and replace the part with no recourse for payment. My friend has owned a parts store for almost 30 years and this happens to him all the time. Usually he would rather keep the account than the money from one sale. Big companies and manufacturers have no "humanity" and often $uck! ---------- Director Garden State Crew-zers PTCC State Director 2003 GT http://www.newjerseycruisers.com http://www.gardenstatecrewzers.com Posts: 324 | From: New Jersey | Registered: Aug 12, 2002, 12:00 AM PTurbed Cruiser Expert Posted: Jan 29, 2005, 6:43 AM Post #12 of 29 (1278 views) Shortcut Re: [TurboJohn] Tire Problems Can't Post     There's an old thing they used to call..... " Service " Every manufacturer is going to run into a problem ( some maybe more than others ) I understand that and what makes or breaks my relationship with them is How they take care of those problems. Those that provide that Service get Bonus Points & an even stronger recommendation from me. Those that don't... ---------- Posts: 184 | From: Edmonton, Alberta, Canada | Registered: Dec 15, 2002, 12:00 AM jekir Cruiser Fan Posted: Jan 30, 2005, 11:53 AM Post #13 of 29 (1259 views) Shortcut Re: [lynnpt] Tire Problems Can't Post I just purchased a near new 2004 (6000mi on it) a month ago. I checked my tire pressue yesterday and was amazed at how low the tire pressure was in *ALL 4 tires. (22..23..26..25) I called the dealer I purchased from and he informed me that the pressure was checked before I took delivery. Reading these posts about leaky rims will make me register my problems at my dealer in case I need warranty work. I hope this is covered by Chrysler. I can understand one low pressure tire but all 4!!! ---------- Posts: 16 | From: Canada | Registered: Dec 22, 2004, 1:01 PM silvereagle Cruiser Addict Posted: Jan 30, 2005, 3:07 PM Post #14 of 29 (1241 views) Shortcut Re: [jekir] Tire Problems Can't Post I had this problem a lot until I changed over to BF Goodrich tires. ---------- big jim Posts: 932 | From: New Castle ,Del, USA | Registered: Aug 6, 2002, 12:00 AM Brewskier Cruiser Expert Posted: Jan 30, 2005, 7:32 PM Post #15 of 29 (1225 views) Shortcut Re: [jekir] Tire Problems Can't Post If you can find a tire dealer that uses Nitrogen instead of regular air you won't be subject to big temperture changes. I know that Costco has swiitched to it recently for that reason.The Nitrogen does not expand or contract as much as regular air. ---------- Brewskier http://www.ptcruiserclub.org/galleries/pic12291/3001thm.jpg Posts: 183 | From: LI,NY | Registered: Jul 5, 2003, 5:19 AM silvereagle Cruiser Addict Posted: Jan 31, 2005, 7:00 AM Post #16 of 29 (1204 views) Shortcut Re: [Brewskier] Tire Problems Can't Post You have to be careful with Nitrogen, It supports no life.You can't breath it. They use it in fire extingushers. ---------- big jim Posts: 932 | From: New Castle ,Del, USA | Registered: Aug 6, 2002, 12:00 AM lynnpt Cruiser Newbie Posted: Jan 31, 2005, 9:39 AM Post #17 of 29 (1196 views) Shortcut Re: [silvereagle] Tire Problems Can't Post Wow, never thought I would generate such a discussion about the tires. The one thing I note is that I am not the only one who thinks there is a problem. But there seems to be a difference of opinion as to whether it is a tire problem or a wheel problem. One key point I would like to point out is that I had the two front original tires replaced last January. Forgive me because I am not a "car person" so I don't remember the name of the replacement tires, but they were not michelans. The original two tires only had approx 15K miles on them. These two that I just replaced again only had 7500 miles on them. I purchased them at Sears and because the wear was not even they won't cover them under warranty. The uneven wear was caused by all the times the tires lost air without me realizing it. Somewhere along the line because of all the times the one tire lost air the wheel got slightly damaged (just enough to cause extensive problems with losing air). Almost one of those, which came first the chicken or the egg. Did the tire problems cause the wheel problems or did the wheel problems cause the tire problems???????? I really should have brought the car back to the dealer when I first started having trouble, expensive lessons learned for the future!!! Thanks for all your input. Got one more question for you all - Did anyone ever have their power window controls temporarily quit on them in wet weather? Only happen to me once a couple months ago during a very harsh rain storm. Of course it was a month after the car was out of warranty. Thanks, Lynn ---------- Posts: 3 | From: NJ | Registered: Jan 25, 2005, 9:06 AM noah300g Cruiser Newbie Posted: Mar 3, 2005, 1:07 PM Post #18 of 29 (1115 views) Shortcut Re: [lynnpt] Tire Problems Can't Post I started a seperate post about the same problem. Basically, the fancy chrome rims are junk. My 2001 PT has lost some of the center caps (just fallen off) revealing rusty, corroded metal underneath. My original tires were constantly going flat, so when I finally replaced them this winter (42K miles), the tire shop people showed me how corroded the insides of the rims were around the bead area and also around the valve stems. They tried their best to remove the corrosion and used extra seam sealer on the new tire mounting, but I still have to check them every week and have had to add air to 3 of the 4 tires. I wish I had made a big stink about it while still under warranty, but it's probably too late now, unless enough PT owners make a stink together......? ---------- Posts: 4 | From: MA | Registered: Aug 27, 2004, 6:30 AM motogeezer Cruiser Buff Posted: Mar 3, 2005, 4:59 PM Post #19 of 29 (1096 views) Shortcut Re: [noah300g] Tire Problems Can't Post I have an '02 Dream with the factory 5 spoke chrome wheels. 2 of them lose air constantly, but slowly. I found when I was airing them up that the valve stems are a loose fit and will easily spin around in the wheel. I'm pretty sure that's my problem with them. I just ordered some new Kumho rubber, 225/45 for a set of 17" Konig alloys that I have off another car that fit the PT too, so I'll be putting them on soon. That size is the same overall tire dia. as the stockers when using 17" wheels. So I'll put the stock wheels and tires in the shed til trade-in time! ---------- Motogeezer '02 Dream Cruiser #1856 '03 Sebring Convertible #WhoCares? '05 Yamaha FZ1 KR Clone '05 Aprilia Tuono R '00 Moto Guzzi Jackal '84 Yamaha RZ350KR '77 Yamaha RD400 3-'66/67 Bridgestone 175DT Garden Weasel- hardly used, too busy! (This post was edited by motogeezer on Mar 4, 2005, 10:39 AM) Posts: 51 | From: winter park, fl | Registered: Apr 13, 2004, 12:11 PM silvereagle Cruiser Addict Posted: Mar 4, 2005, 6:29 PM Post #20 of 29 (1052 views) Shortcut Re: [noah300g] Tire Problems Can't Post I'm going to tell you what to do about loosing air in your tires, this may sound hard to believe but try this. Take one tire off at a time, let the air out of your tire, brake the seal ,then get some hot soapy water and clean the dirt out of your rimss between the rim and the tire. Dry off and pump back up. .For some reason dirt somehow works it's way in between the rims and the tires. This is what causes the tires to loose air pressure.. Trust me, this works. ---------- big jim Posts: 932 | From: New Castle ,Del, USA | Registered: Aug 6, 2002, 12:00 AM PLee722 Cruiser Newbie Posted: Dec 5, 2007, 6:40 PM Post #21 of 29 (730 views) Shortcut Re: [lynnpt] Tire Problems Can't Post I have a 2004 with 31,000 miles and have had 5 flats, replaced all 4 tires, and still have slow leaks. I LOVE my Cruiser, but hate having to check all 4 tires for flats every single time I get in. Or, having to stop at a gas station on the way to work or a dinner date, in a skirt and heels, to fill my tires. The dirty hands are bad enough, but now that the snow and slush has started, I'm really getting fed up. My tire guy says "it's just those rims - they are notorious for corroding." He removes the tires at every oil change and cleans the rims for me, but they still leak. I'm ready to buy a new car, but as much as I want another cruiser, I just don't want to live like this anymore. Does anyone know what Chrysler has to say about this problem? ---------- Posts: 3 | From: Dayton, OH | Registered: Dec 5, 2007, 6:18 PM LeoCruiser Cruiser Expert Posted: Dec 5, 2007, 6:51 PM Post #22 of 29 (727 views) Shortcut Re: [PLee722] Tire Problems Can't Post I think Chrysler knows about the bad rims and does not care. Your best bet is probably to get new rims, especially if the ones you have are the chrome or chrome-clad 5 spoke that are found on the 01-03 models. If there is a TSB or recall I will post it later. ---------- "I rate enthusiasm even above professional skill." -Ed Appleton My PT: http://www.ptcruiserclub.org/...ut14831/gallery1.htm 2002 Steel Blue Classic Edition Posts: 290 | From: N/A | Registered: Jul 3, 2007, 8:23 PM rsobhian Cruiser Expert Posted: Dec 5, 2007, 6:53 PM Post #23 of 29 (726 views) Shortcut Re: [PLee722] Tire Problems Can't Post I'm not sure what Chrysler has to say about it, but your tire guy is right about the chrome wheels. The cure is a set of new wheels - I recommend you don't get chrome ones. Before you say it, yes it's going to set you back a few hundred $$$, but you'd pay more just on the sales tax if your other option is to replace the car. ---------- 2001 silver Limited-Touring (leather/suede, 4W disk, traction, heated mirrors & all :-) Mods: Tokico HP all around / Energy Suspension Master Kit / K&N drop-in / R1 Concepts drilled & slotte disks all around / Enkei RPF1 16x7 wheels & Conti Extreme Contact rubber / Prestige APS620 remote starter Posts: 425 | From: MA | Registered: Aug 2, 2007, 7:47 PM lacounty Cruiser Expert PT Cruiser Club Member Posted: Dec 5, 2007, 9:44 PM Post #24 of 29 (718 views) Shortcut Re: [rsobhian] Tire Problems Can't Post I must be lucky. I have a 2004 and never have had any of my tires loose any air. Charlie ---------- Posts: 355 | From: Chino Hills, California | Registered: Jan 3, 2004, 12:34 PM rsobhian Cruiser Expert Posted: Dec 6, 2007, 4:33 AM Post #25 of 29 (706 views) Shortcut Re: [lacounty] Tire Problems Can't Post That's because you're in California and your PT probably has never seen snow, or salt, or freezing (or actually waaaay below that) temps. IOW, yes you're lucky. ---------- 2001 silver Limited-Touring (leather/suede, 4W disk, traction, heated mirrors & all :-) Mods: Tokico HP all around / Energy Suspension Master Kit / K&N drop-in / R1 Concepts drilled & slotte disks all around / Enkei RPF1 16x7 wheels & Conti Extreme Contact rubber / Prestige APS620 remote starter Posts: 425 | From: MA | Registered: Aug 2, 2007, 7:47 PM 1 2  View All   PT Cruiser Discussion     PT Cruiser General Forum     PT Cruiser Technical Discussion     PT Cruiser Customizing and Accessorizing     PT Cruiser Turbo Models     PT Cruiser Convertible Models     PT Cruiser Dream Cruiser Models     PT Cruiser Events     PT Cruiser News and Rumors     PT Cruiser Design Suggestions for Chrysler     PT Cruisers For Sale     PT Cruiser Parts Trading Post     Test Messages PT Cruiser Club Members Discussion     PT Cruiser General Forum     Welcome New PT Cruiser Club Members     PT Cruiser Waiting Room     PT Cruiser Purchasing Tips     PT Cruiser Customizing Tips     PT Cruiser Tech Tips     PT Cruiser TSB's     PT Cruiser Recalls     Remember When     PT Cruiser Club Newsletters     PT Cruiser Club Chapters

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