Duratrac balance issues

My Duratracs have been difficult to balance from day one. I have had America's tire rebalance then over and over again without a solution.

I can tell the tires are incredibly dynamically unbalanced. The vibration goes in and out of phase when I am driving a long turn at freeway speeds, leading to the conclusion that the vibration issues cannot be solved with a static balance. Really, one of the tires is the worst offender and explains why every time I'd have the set rotated/balanced it'd feel better or worse - I'd sometimes attribute reduced vibration to a rebalance, but really it's just that the bad tire was moved to the rear. This explains why some times I'd pick it up it would be significantly worse than when I dropped it off.

At this point unfortunately I'm 3-4 years into the life of the tires and beyond the (36 month) America's Tire warranty that I purchased. The shop expressed no willingness to help me get a new or different set of tires.

One of the technicians told me that Goodyear Duratrac's and MTR's are often way out of balance from day one, and that BFG's come significantly better. I like the performance and low weight of the Duratrac but don't know if I'd buy another set after so much trouble.

Has anyone had similar issues with Goodyear? Any success with Goodyear (or America's tire) helping you out?

 

Duratracs and MTR's are notorious for balance issues. Many people say they have to get them balanced every time they get a tire rotation.

 

cmj, We apologize that you have had trouble with balance issues with your DuraTracs. PM coming your way.

 

OP, please keep us posted on the outcome because many of us on TW, including myself, are seriously considering Duratracs.

 

I had an issue with one of my cooper st maxx would not balance. It was determined to be out of round. I contacted Discount Tire Direct and their customer service was great. They sent me a label to return the issue tire and sent me a replacement. I had the replacement in a few days. I never drove on the defective tire but things do happen from time to time. I was happy with the customer service and would buy through DTD again because of it. Please keep us updated I hope your story turns out like mine did.

 

Yeah, I have been on their website hundreds of times but have been reluctant to buybtires online but having them chime in like this to try to take care of a customer may sway me for sure.

 

It was my first online tire buying experience and I was bummed when the dealer informed me about the defective tire. Fortunately I had the oe tires to put back on the truck so I could still get around. Also with the tire being replaced quickly it made it less painful. I will continue to buy tires online but only if I have my old set to use just in case

 

Good idea. Thanks for the response!

 

Copy, will do.

Good to hear. I have been contacted by DT and will report back.

 

i have these tires and i balanced them at work 2 took like 5 oz total and 1 took 10oz and the last one need 2oz

 

Same issue here,love the tire but just will not balance. Had them road force balanced and still not right. The tires are fine until about 50-60mph,then they just mildly shake the truck. Can visually see the shake in the steering wheel and empty passenger seat. I bought these online from Discount Tire and had my local DT do the install.

 

Monkeybutt2000, PM coming your way.

 

Could always try some beads.

 

Goodyear? I stay away from that Name.

 

Update:

Spoke with the manager at my local America's Tire today and I am very satisfied with the current resolution. A new set of Duratracs has been ordered and we're hoping they turn out to be better balanced. Other options will be explored if they don't balance out, but I am hesitant to give up the snow traction of the Duratracs (it's fantastic).

 

Can you please comment on the noise levels of the Duratracs compared to stock? Also, I assumed you had the GY Adventures with Kevlar stock? I'm glad they are helping you - this is good to hear and good info for the rest of us who are hesitant.

 

I just got some duratracs in 265/75/16 a couple weeks ago and have put about 500 miles on them now, mostly highway and up to 80mph. No vibrations or issues whatsoever. I got them at Americas tire and no road force balance needed. They are definitely louder than the stock rugged trails, but not nearly as loud as mud tires I have had in the past on other vehicles. I am not sure if it is the few extra pounds, but they make the truck feel more like a truck. Much more solid over the road chatter and rough roads in NorCal. I have had them off-road only once so far at Cow Mountain outside of Ukiah. Did great and felt solid on the fire roads and the 4x4 obstacle area they have up there. I was on the fence and did a bunch of research before purchasing as I was only looking at aggressive AT in load C. For the price ($185/tire) I am happy with my purchase. I don't expect them to last more than 30k based on what I have read on TW, but that is fine as this is not my daily and I want performance over longevity, just as I do on my track car. Longevity usually does not equate to good performance in my experience.

 

IMO, when brand new they are very quiet. But all aggressive ATs like the Duratrac and all MTs will be louder than purely street or mild AT tires. And like all aggressive tread patterns they get louder as they wear. Personally I have a lot of tolerance for tire noise so worn ATs and MTs don't bother me. But ny guess is since you asked the question, aggressive ATs may not be for you.

 

Thanks for the response. I am going to a more aggressive hybrid tire but do want one that is as quiet as possible. More tread equals more noise but some of these tires are fairly quiet given tech advances over the years. The new Yokohama G003 is on my radar too. I've had my share of aggressive tires but my noise tolerance is not what it used to be.

 

Thank you for the detailed response. I have had good luck with GY tires over the years and the Duratracs are on my short list.