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Topic: Michelin LTX M/S tire recall (Read 20 times) previous topic - next topic
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Re: Michelin LTX M/S tire recall
Reply #25 –
Yahoo Message Number: 144193
Very interesting information; thanks!

I went to the Harriger.com home page and found links (in boxes arranged by DOT codes at the top of the page)  to all manufacturers of new tires. Those who have tires made by manufacturers other than Michelin can look up the pertinent codes and find out where their tires were manufactured.

Also on the harriger.com home page is a link to NHTSA's list of tire manufacturers:

http://www.nhtsa.gov/apps/manufacturer/index.htm

I unchecked all the box options except 'Tires', typed in a few tire manufacturers' names (one at a time, obviously ;-) ), and scrolled through the lists of results.  For example, I didn't see any USA manufacturing source for any Goodyear tires listed.  I have no idea if the lists are complete, but the information - and the NUMBER of tire manufacturers! - is very enlightening!

Joan
2003 TK has a new home
Re: Michelin LTX M/S tire recall
Reply #26 –
Yahoo Message Number: 144351
Hey Friends!  Here's a follow-up on Ciao's new tires thanks to your help:

Tireman Valve Stem damage:  I called Chuck (his working email is on his invoice, fyi, let me know if you need it) and he explained that Discount Tire likely just needed to recore the valve stem so that it could hold the flow-through valve properly. He suggested a 4-in-1 tool, and they found a little twist on one after I explained it, and all is well now.  Chuck said that if they had accidentally cracked the base of the valve stem, then the next day the tire will be flat.  (Good idea to get new tires a few days before a big trip so you can make sure all are well before driving off.)  Chuck sells the valve stems in packs of 2 and it's always the straight inside dually one that tire shops damage (he said).  Also, our nice flow-thru air valves came from Chuck's "kit" that he sells, but he thought any metal one should be fine should I need to buy it elsewhere.

Also, I called Michelin and, as others have reported, there is to be no charge for the recall install and so Discount Tire refunded my $80 (for 5 tires) back.  Michelin said that a tire place is welcome to call them and they would explain to them how to fill out their form.

Discount Tire managed to find a 4613 tire to replace the 0113 tire that I had them take back off my rig, after they tried to install it.  So they put that on and torqued it to 140 when I requested, although the others they apparently torqued to 150.  I hope that's okay.

The second day, I did not go into the customer area, but rather stood around checking the proper tire date, asking them to install it with the lettering to the outside, discussed torque 140, discussed tire pressure, helped with the recoring of the valve stem, etc.  Nobody attempted to send me inside.  There is just too much to monitor to be inside!

Not an hour into the trip, Ciao lost her first hubcap ever! It was the driver's front and I have no idea when it fell off.  Where would you recommend I replace it?  An RV friend told me this place is good:  http://www.autoamenity.com  I just don't know if I have enough fight in me to get Discount Tire to pay for it.  What's your opinion on that?  Is it their responsibility?  I feel dumb not checking them myself and immediately used our big 7/8th socket wrench to tighten ALL of our other hubcap bolts, which were terribly loose

Ciao was very happy with her new shoes on our 2200 mile trip.  Lazy Daze are so incredibly made that she amazes us on every long journey how she just goes and goes!

Thanks so much for all the help and info you provided! Tessa in TX '92 MB- Ciao Baby!
Re: Michelin LTX M/S tire recall
Reply #27 –
Yahoo Message Number: 144353
Tessa, this company made the 'KII" wheel covers for LDs for several years; I don't know if they made the 'wheel simulators' for your 1992, but you might want to check and see:

http://www.kaperii.com/subcatresults.asp?catky=100002

Everybody should carry a valve core tool as standard equipment; most auto stores sell these. Also, a lot of valve cores are cheap junk; Schraders are pretty good:
 http://www.schraderinternational.com/Products/Product-Folder/NA-Valve-Cores?sc_lang=en-US-NA  
Joan
2003 TK has a new home
Re: Michelin LTX M/S tire recall
Reply #28 –
Yahoo Message Number: 144902
Hey Friends, here's a follow up on my lost front hubcap situation:

Thanks to Joan for the "wheel simulator" help as I was able to find some amazing, snazzy, MIRROR-finish, shiny new wheel simulators for Ciao Baby!

Ciao is so happy with these!  While only the front one was missing after our tire recall replacement, you would not believe how good Ciao looks with 4 brand new ones!  And I thought updating the mirrors and headlights made a difference?  Whooo-weeee!  What an improvement!  Ciao looks so snazzy now, she might need new paint!

Anyhoo, here is info on the place I decided upon after some research:

Will LeClaire

Automotive Enhancement Po Box 2104 McKinleyville, CA 95519 (831)295-2193 $219 total shipped

You can read about them here:
http://www.autoenhance.com/wheel-simulators.html

Tell 'em I sent cha!  I chose this company because they've focused in this area for many years, required the exact number off Ciao's wheel to insure correct sizing (so they were careful and accurate), the wheel simulators are all steel and have a lifetime warranty on the mirror finish, the price was just slightly more then I could find on Ebay, and they were very responsive by phone and email.

You can also order just the front 2 wheel simulators for about $70 less, if I remember correctly (?).  I think all 4 wheel simulators though make a huge difference for the look of the rig, compared to just 2.  I mean, these look GREAT!  So shiny!

Now, there's one thing I have to tell you-- listen up if you have Tireman extended valve stems:

My Ned-chanic had to use a dremmel tool to notch out, (took 5 minutes) on each of the REAR wheel simulators, where the curved dually valve stem comes through. Apparently, the company finds no need to modify the wheel simulators with any other valve extenders, and they even sell some themselves, but the Tireman valves required that tiny modification on the rears.

But it was worth it because these snazzy, mirror-finish wheel simulators look SO GOOD!!!  (I will try to upload a picture, but no promises on my ability to do so).

And you can bet that next time someone messes with Ciao's tires, I'm going to remove these wheel simulators myself in advance!  And I'll put them back on myself.  Learned my lesson.  :)

Hope this helps someone- I appreciated your help,

Tessa in TX '92 MB- Ciao Baby!
Re: Michelin LTX M/S tire recall
Reply #29 –
Yahoo Message Number: 144903
Okay, I uploaded 6 pictures on our website in the Photos under the album entitled "Ciao Baby" (no quotation marks):

http://tinyurl.com/l4vpahx 

or

https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/lifewithalazydazerv/photos/albums/1002616625

Tip:  for speed, click on "Manual Order" and change it via drop-down menu to "Latest First"

In the 6th picture, you can see a closeup of the Ned-chanic holding the rear simulator.  See the sharpie mark and the notch-out that he made with a dremmel tool?  (Note- no need to be so vigorous with the sharpie pen!  :) )

Hope that helps, Tessa in TX '92 MB- Ciao Baby!
Re: Michelin LTX M/S tire recall
Reply #31 –
Yahoo Message Number: 144912
We owned a 1990 RB LD for several years before passing it on to family and buying a 2004 MB within the past year.  The tires on the 2004 are  Michelin LTX.  They are seven years old and have numerous small cracks in the sidewalls.  Based on advise from tire "pros" and comments I have read from this group, they should be replaced.  Some of the same comments have suggested that the Michelin LTX is the "best" tire to go with.  However, on another forum about tires, several people are adament about the lack of durability of the LTX with respect to sidewall integrity and UV deteroration.  I wonder if some of the negative experiences they refer to applies to the tires that are addressed in the recall.  The tires that we have were manufactured in 2007 and 2008 so they are not covered by the  recall.

I don't mind paying more for the LTX tires as compared to BF Goodrich, etc. as long as I am convinced they are a better tire for the 26.5 foot LD.
I do not intend to spend a lot more that it would cost to buy the heavier sidewall Micheline rib type tire.  It may be a good value for full timers but, like most, our tires will have to be replaced in five or six years when they will still have good tread.

I would appreciate input from those of you that have more experience with this than I do.  By the way, I put two new BF Goodrich 10 ply tires on the 1990 LD before driving it from NC to CA last year and it performed and handled well.  It is hard for me to evaluate the overall performance of those tires vs the LTX tires because of the much better handling of the 20004 LD than the 1990.  They are very different.

Jim Irvin
Re: Michelin LTX M/S tire recall
Reply #32 –
Yahoo Message Number: 144915
There were Michiline tires on the MH when I bought it and I went back with them. They had 40,000 miles on them and still had another 10,000 more to go at least. They were 05 and replaced in 2013 so they were still below the 10 year that michline states that the tire is good for. But I was not going to run them for another 10,000 to Alaska. A trip like that you need new or near new tires.
For the last 20 years I have only run Mitchline tires and have no comeplantes. For a low millage vehical you need to cover them when not in use or the sun will distroy them. There side wall are as good as any other tire or BETTER. You get any tire in the wrong place and they will fail.
One thing about Mitchline tires they are the only manufacture that puts in WRITING that there tires have a 10 year use as long as there are no bad cracks and the tire will pass inspection be a tire sales place. All other tires say 5 to 6 years. Go to there web sight and check this for your self.
Re: Michelin LTX M/S tire recall
Reply #33 –
Yahoo Message Number: 144919
There are several good brands of tire one could use that meet the load range E standard.  I do not think it is a good idea to mix tire brands and tread patterns if you can avoid it.  Ford (and all manufactures)  use Michelin because they have an agreement with Michelin.  If we go back in time enough you might find Goodyear or Firestone on trucks.  If you are not sure about a tire spend the extra 30 dollars or so for the peace of mind and get the better tire.  When I looked a year ago the most highly thought of tires for the E450 were Michelin and Goodyear.  There were people very happy with the other brands but little in the way or real data.  The nice thing about the more expensive tires, Michelin and Goodyear, is that they are widely available should something go wrong out on the road (see my comment about mixing tire tread types).

Michelin did not hurt their reputation in my view by doing the recall on the tires.  I am very happy to have the new ones. I see the recall as standing behind the product and being proactive to protect the customer.  I'm sure that others will speak up for their favorite brands too.

A side point on the LTX M/S2 tires.  A year ago I bought new tires for the MB.  After much looking around and being very worried about my six to seven year old tires that has big cracks in the side wall I decided to buy the same tires that came on the RV, Michelin LTS M/S.   A year and 10k miles later the tires recalled.   I mention that because I think the new tires, LTX M/S 2, had a better ride at 80 PSI all around than the (not so) old LTS M/S.  Normally I would attribute the difference in ride to old tires but in this case the old tires were not that old.

John 07MB
Currently: 2008 36' Tiffin Open Road
Previously: 2007 Mid Bath
Re: Michelin LTX M/S tire recall
Reply #34 –
Yahoo Message Number: 144942
Gawd I am a terrible writer.  I reread my reply, sorry for the jumble of words.

Short answer.
... Several good brands out there.  Any should be ok for the majority of us.
... Try not to mix tread types or mix tire brands.  This is more important on the same axel line.  Tires brands and types differ slightly in diameter, the way they handle and the way the disperse heat.  In the short term this may not be a problem, but it could lead to issues long term. Especially when it comes to using a spare.
... A more common tire is easier to replace that a equally good tire that might have cost less when you happen to need a repair out the intersection of "No and Where" ... In the absence of good raw data and faced with a choice of lesser known brand and a well known brand spend the extra bucks for peace of mind. Then don't second guess the choice.
Currently: 2008 36' Tiffin Open Road
Previously: 2007 Mid Bath
Re: Michelin LTX M/S tire recall
Reply #35 –
Yahoo Message Number: 145190
I have 6 LTX M/S tires replaced under recall today, and wanted to pass on some tips from the experience.  Those familiar with tires and tire shops probably might not be surprised, but maybe I can help someone avoid a potential problem.  The tires were 3 years old, 25,000 miles, and had some minor cracking on the rears.
 I used Discount Tire, in part based on their nationwide dealer network.  I figure it might help me one day if a problem occurs far from home.  The were 100% familiar with the recall, had the tires in stock, and never asked me to pay a penny for replacing the recalled tires.  I also paid full price to replace the 2003 (original) spare.  All replacements were date code 51/13.
 I removed the wheel covers at my house, to make things a little easier for the tire techs and to prevent them from mucking anything up.  Even though it was extra work on my part, I think it was worth the effort.  I also pulled the spare from the MB compartment and left it just inside the coach.
 While reinstalling the dual tires on the rear axle, the techs did not line the bosch valve stems up opposite each other, and they avoided the rubber grommet in place to guide the long stem.  Without proper alignment, the wheel covers would not have fit.  I saw them do it wrong, so they were able to fix the issue quickly.
 I also had to remind techs to reinstall VB2 inflate through valve caps in the front tires.  A tech had stuffed them in his pocket and forgotten about them.
 The final paperwork said that all tires were inflated to 80psi.  In reality, 5 of the 6 coach tires were at 65psi, and 1 was at 32psi!!!  The shop crew was busy and in a rush.  It showed.
 I'm not sure if my experience was typical or sub-par, but it pays to pay attention.  It was a minor annoyance for me, but the errors could have resulted in major problems and it shouldn't be my responsibility to double check their work.
 All in all, I can't complain about getting 6 new tires.  I was a little surprised at the oversights along the way.  Next, we're off to put some miles on the new tires!

Rich '03 MB in NC
2003 MB
Re: Michelin LTX M/S tire recall
Reply #36 –
Yahoo Message Number: 145194
"I was a little surprised at the oversights along the way." ---- It's good that the tire replacement job was finally done to your satisfaction, but this message board is replete with posts on why one should *not* be surprised at many tire shops' sloppy, careless, hurried, and clueless work.  In a perfect world, one wouldn't have to monitor every step of a job as it progresses and carefully examine the end result for quality, but it is not a perfect world; one *does* have to take the responsibility for making sure that a job is done correctly and competently every step of the way.

Joan
2003 TK has a new home
Re: Michelin LTX M/S tire recall
Reply #37 –
Yahoo Message Number: 145195
The shop workers like to keep your good parts. I took my truck into have new  tires. It had the chrome valve caps that you did not have to remove to add air.  When it was ready it had cheap rubber cap. When asked he said he through them in  the trash with the old stems. He when back and got the old caps. Took less  than minute and he had them from the trash. Yes they were in his pocket.
Re: Michelin LTX M/S tire recall
Reply #38 –
Yahoo Message Number: 145196
I have used Discount Tire in Westminster, CO for the last 2 sets of tires and will use them for the Michelin recall soon. I have always made an appt for service and asked that they assign a tech familiar with RVs and in particular, valve stem extenders. I always hover (they have not minded) and thus have avoided any issues. I will be replacing originally-LD installed braided valve extenders with Borg valve extenders and want to make sure they are installed correctly.

Chris
Formerly: 2002 30' IB
Re: Michelin LTX M/S tire recall
Reply #39 –
Yahoo Message Number: 145201
I have used  Discount Tire for many years for all of my vehicles with no major issues. Their prices are good, their warranty is even better and their service departments are everywhere. Based on my observations over the years what you experienced is not out of the norm. Those installers have a dirty hard hot  job and have to work fast. They don't mind you watching them and correcting any concerns you may have. I do suggest to you is that you also check your lug nut torque and also verify that they didn't cross thread them or shear off wheel bolts. Torque variations are not uncommon. They do have a second tech check the wheel torque with a manual wrench. But in the hurry to get you out of the bay they don't always get around to every wheel. Cross threaded lug nuts has happened to me on two occasions. They are torqued down ok and not noticeable to the installer with their high speed air wrenches. However when you remove the damaged nut later on you will find out the the threads on the bolt are damaged too and you will not be able to retorque it to the right spec. Discount Tires does not replace cross threaded bolts themselves. However they will send you to a place like Brake Masters to have them replaced at no charge to you. Dealing with those folks is another topic altogether. Now I carry several spare right sized bolts and lug nuts in my spare parts kit to keep me on the road. Lutz
 
Re: Michelin LTX M/S tire recall
Reply #40 –
Yahoo Message Number: 145202
"... and their service departments are everywhere."
 My experience has been that on the west coast (and in general west of the Rockies) you can find Discount Tire or Americas Tire stores, although they may not be close by.   It seems to me that the further east you go, the fewer stores you find and in some states there are no such stores.  Last summer, when I needed a store, I learned that there are no stores in VA.  I haven't looked at their "store locator" but I think that RI and CT don't have any either.
 Last summer a Discount Tire dealer told me that the company had just announced a new policy for customers that have purchased road hazard insurance.  If you have a tire problem covered by the insurance and are in an area where there are no stores, you can purchase a new tire from another store (we were specifically discussing Michelin).  You keep the damaged tire and bring it and the receipt for the new tire to the first Discount Tire store you can find.  They will  purchase the new tire from you and replace the damaged tire under the terms of the road hazard insurance.  (Assuming that you are satisfied with the new tire you purchased, they refund to you an amount equivalent to the value you would receive under the insurance.)    Unfortunately the policy became effective about 30 days after I needed it.   I hope that I don't get a chance to test the policy.

Doug Baker