Tires? Balance or Alignment

monkey44 wrote:
Just to clarify - the tires are Falken CT60 A/S - great reviews - installed yesterday. All suspension is fine, inspected at my last service. It only began after the tires were installed, immediately.

Prior to tire change, I drove it in a straight line, hand free. Ran true. Also drove same straight line, hand free after install. In both test drives, it drove straight and true at least a quarter mile. I'm thinking that eliminates alignment, but not positive as I'm not a mechanic.

Steering wheel does not 'wiggle' in only vibrates slightly at that speed, but noticable. In fact, Genie did not even notice it when she drove it home - well drove faster than 25 mph too. But I only drove it later in the day, and noticed it because I was looking for anything unusual at varied speeds.

It's very minor, but I'm afraid it might increase over time, and then be out of warranty. I will call Monday and have a chat - make appointment to have them take a look. I'm just asking you tire knowledgeable guys for a little insight before I have that chat ...

You answered your own question in the text that I bolded..

Take the tires back to where you had them mounted and try a rebalance.

If condition continues, ask for another set at no cost (warranty) or better yet, spend a few more dimes and buy better tires. I suspect you ended up with defective and unbalancable tires..

Big tire manufacturers will often make tires for other companies with a lesser degree of quality. Sears was a good example of that as they had Michelin make their Sears brand tires for many yrs which often had less tread and wore out faster than the more expensive Michelins but at a lower price point. As of 1999 Goodyear is under contract with Falken to make their tires.