I have a small problem regarding the Michelin Agilis tires that some of
you including me have installed on our Vanagons.  Ever since I had these
tires put on my '87 Westy back in December I have experienced handling
problems.  The van will not track in a straight line but weaves from side to
side especially if there is a cross wind or head wind.  I must constantly
move the steering wheel to correct the situation.  If there is absolutely no
wind then the van tracks straight ahead.  At first I was suspect of the
alignment or steering components.  But, now after three visits my local VW
dealer's service centre for alignment and checking, nothing has been found
out of spec.  This shop has been doing the alignment on my Westy every time I
have changed tires during the five years I've owned the Van so I do not
suspect any problem with their service.  This past week while I was cleaning
my Westy I notice on my tires "Michelin Agilis 81 LR/D" not "61 LR/C" as I
thought they were supposed to be.  I then call Michelin and they tell me
there is no Michelin Agilis 61 tire made.  I tell them to look on THEIR
website, which I have to give them the URL for [<A
HREF="http://www.michelin.ca/ca/eng/news/agilis/1.htm">Michelin - Agilis</A>],
 as they are not aware of it, and after they look at the information there,
they tell me they do not have an answer but will research the problem and get
back to me.  Meanwhile, they advise me to try lower air pressure in the 81's
I have.  So, I've tried lowering the pressure from 40# front and 45# rear to
35# front and 40# rear.  The handling problem seems better but not absolutely
rectified.  I will now try 30# front and 35# and see what that does.  What do
you other Michelin Agilis users have to say about this ?  Are your Agilis
61's or 81's ?  LR/C or LR/D ?  Do you have any handling problems related to
your tires ?  All comments, advise or suggestions are welcome.

Cheers

Frank Condelli
'87 Westy & Lionel Trains
STEBRO/Vanagon Stainless Steel Exhaust Systems
Almonte, On
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