Yahoo Message Number: 100739 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/100739)
I have "finger" bulges on the sidewall of both of my Michelin XZE* 12R steer-tires that were put on my coach in April 2, 2014 with 5K miles on them. Michelin replaced them today and I just noticed "finger" bulges on these too, with less than 100 miles on them. Has anyone had this problem? Could it be an installation issue or a rim issue? The same dealer installed both sets of tires. TIA
Larry 03 Allure 30856
Yahoo Message Number: 100740 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/100740)
Don't know exactly what you are describing, but any bulges on sidewalls are usually an indication of impending failure. The sidewalls should be smooth.
Can you send a picture to my email address?
Mikee
Yahoo Message Number: 100741 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/100741)
Mike, I'm not seeing how to send a private message to you from my tablet. The finger bulge is what dealer called them. Bulges about the size of finger not too high (less than 1/8" high, maybe three inches long running from from rim toward tread Thanks Larry
Yahoo Message Number: 100742 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/100742)
my email is mbaul at aol dot com
mikee
Yahoo Message Number: 100743 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/100743)
Please post pics of these "finger bulge".
This is important information for all to know.
Thanks
Denny Zarnt 2001 CC 42' Affinity #5972
Yahoo Message Number: 100744 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/100744)
Mikey, I sent email pictures to your email.
Larry
Yahoo Message Number: 100745 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/100745)
Danny, I posted picture in photo section here.
Larry.
Yahoo Message Number: 100748 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/100748)
I saw the pictures. How many are present on the tire? If it is only 1 it is probably an overlap mark. Meaning where the cords overlap to form a circle.
Mikee
Yahoo Message Number: 100749 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/100749)
Larry,
A few years ago I purchased a 8 ea. XZE 12R's all with a date code within a few weeks of each other after a couple thousand miles I noticed side wall Circular Shaped Bulges. I got the dealer's Quality Control guy to inspect and he said they were defective due to irregular Cord Spacing. He called in a Michelin inspector who disagreed with him and said he wouldn't approve replacement. The Dealer Inspector said he was going to call Michelin South Carolina and send the tires back there along with photo's, they Michelin guy gave in and signed off.
Michelin was able to determine it was a Batch issue. The replacements have been good for 40,000 mi.
Thanks, Mike 03 Allure 1st Ave. #30898
Yahoo Message Number: 100750 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/100750)
I think I heard this is a rubber issue not an installation issue.
Eric M. Branson
Yahoo Message Number: 100752 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/100752)
Mikee there is only one bulge. I'm at another dealer now who is calling Michelin now for replacement authorization. Thanks.
Larry
Yahoo Message Number: 100753 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/100753)
Hi Larry - Mikee could be right about the overlap, but probably worth double checking with Michelin themselves.
We too have the XZE* (For those that don't know, the "*" indicates a stiffer sidewall then standard XZE. Makes the ride a bit stiffer, but provides a more robust tire for times you might clip a curb, or something, while maneuvering:)!).
We've about 32K on ours, and just over 3 years old now. Coach is not near me or I'd go double check, but no signs of these 'finger bulges' on our tires.
May be nothing, but at the price point of these (heck, any tire) - no reason you should take a chance. Having a Michelin Certified expert to double check your tires, would not hurt. You might also jot down the batch/lot number of the tire, and contact Michelin itself to ask for what they recommend be be done in regards to the tire.
Please keep us in the loop, and let us know what you find out! Best to you, and all,
Smitty
04 Allure 31017, 40' Tag
Note: I'm pleased with he XZE*, especially on rear drive an tag - as yes, I've clipped a few things over the last three years. With our Roadkings, our ride can be a bit more jarring on the front then in other CC's that I've driven or ridden in. I may look at going to a different front size tire, and less stiff wall, for the steers next time around. As long as it is a safely rated tire for the front load, and of good quality Tier 1, I'd like to see if a more relaxed sidewall would lesson some of the jarring over rough roads. (And rough roads seems to be more and more often the norm!)
Yahoo Message Number: 100764 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/100764)
Michelin replaced my two front tires again today on their dime. This was from a different dealer than yesterday who didn't have any in stock at the moment. So that's four tires in two days on Michelin's dime. So far I don't see any bulges. Take a good look at your tire sidewalls. Apparently, according to dealer, indentations are OK, but bulges are unacceptable.
Larry 03 Allure 30856