Replacement tires for Vue...

Hi -

I have a '06 Vue (4cyl, 5-speed) with the standard stock steel rims. I
have 45K on it now and I'm starting to get increasing road noise. It's very
mildly starting to sound like I'm driving with off road tread. As I had the
same happen on my old Saturn, I'm suspecting the tires are reaching the end
of the road (no pun intended). (because for Saturn's sake, it better not be
the bearings or something!) All my driving is highway and this is the first
time in my life that I've ever replaced tires before brakes! (they're only
about halfway worn...)

Anyway, I'd like to go with a little wider tire....Something similarly as
wide as what's on the 6cyl Vue's...Does anyone know what the maximum width
tire I can go with on the existing rims? Not that I'd go that wide, just
want a range. I'm not going to change to diameter, just a little wider...

Of course, suggestions are welcome, but $ is a major factor....

Thanks in advance...

IYM

 

By 45,000 miles my Vue was on it's second set of wheel bearings. Now at
82,000 I'm on my 3rd set of wheel bearings ($880.00) Noise was exactly as
you describe it.

 

What year Vue do you have? I heard of the bearing issue on the earlier
Vue's, but thought that they addressed it on later ones. (mine is an '06)

I had the rear bearings checked about 10K ago and were fine. Is this a
problem with only the front's? Changing bearings in the front years ago
used to be easy (which is the last time I did it) Is it a big deal to do
yourself?

Anyway, does anyone have a suggestion on my original question about tire
size?

Thanks,

IYM

 

I have an 03. The problem is the rear wheel bearings (all wheel drive). When
they start to go bad it sounds just like tire noise.

 

Lucky for you it probably is the bearing's) - if the sound goes away if you
turn to one side (front) then I almost promise it is. Tire wear at 50%
probably wont do it as my Vue has more than that! Arg!