On my old set of reinforced tires the bead was in the middle of the
sidewall...

(Donna Cassano) wrote:
>
> Well, since we're back on tires, I'll fill you in on the latest in my
> tire saga.
>
> As some of you may recall, I had bought a set of Bridgestone Dueler AT's
> from Sears. I loved them until I drove on wet highway and was all over
> the road. The Rep and I spent hours (litterally) trying to find a
> suitably agressive replacement. I decided on the Goodrich AT/KO's,
> however he couldn't gaurantee that he could get them before my trip. He
> refunded all of my money and I got the Goodrich's from a local dealer.
> If anyone in the York, PA area needs tires and isn't afraid to deal with
> Sears, I would reccommend Rick at Sears. He was very patient and helpful
> and if you don't need an agressive tire I'm sure he can set you up.
>
> Anyway, a couple of weeks after the local shop put the tires on I
> noticed something strange while checking tire pressure. These Goodrich
> tires have a reinforced bead on the inside edge and I noticed that on
> three of the tires this bead overhangs the rims by about 1/4". On one
> tire (and I later found out on the spare too) this bead is packed into
> the rim. I went back yesterday to ask them if this was a problem. The
> mechanic says, with no concern in his voice, that it looks like it's
> molded a little differently. I said, it sounds like a QC problem. He
> says they will pull it off and see if they can get it to sit like the
> others and if they can't do it that they would order me a new one. I
> requested that they also check the spare, as I have not looked at it.
> The van disappears into the garage and about 5 minutes later, the
> manager pulls my van around front and informs me that the mechanic who
> installed them 3 weeks ago noticed that and they are defective. He said
> "Don't worry, we'll get you two new tires, mount and balance them for no
> charge." !!!! Like he was doing me a big favor! If these tires are
> defective and they noticed it, why did they ever let me leave the shop
> the first time! Did they think I wouldn't notice until after the thing
> blew up? Were they trying to pull one over on me?
>
> All of this did get me to thinking...Maybe the two with the bead seated
> in the rim are the correct ones. ? Maybe the three with the bead outside
> the rim are the bad ones. ? Can anyone with reinforced beads confirm
> this?
>
> I can't believe this is happenning now. Only three business days before
> the big trip. Like I already don't have enough to do. I got time to
> spare to sit around in yet another tire shop. Hhmmmpphhhh......
>
> Peace - donna
> '84 Westy (Pepe)