Help! My new tires are driving me nuts

[MiltSA]

I've just replaced the two front tires on my 95 Neon. They were 165/80R13 but I was having trouble finding any quality tires that size. I was told at a local tire shop that the BF Goodrich Allseason 185/70R13 would fit right in on the front of the car and wouldn't create a problem. They also suggested I rotate the tires from the back (the 165's) to the front and put the wider tires in the back. However, now that it's done seems bumpier than
ever. I took it back to the tire shop and they rotated good 165's back to the rear and placed the 185/70 on the front. The ride still stinks. It seems bouncier than before and the bumps seem harder. Can anyone enlighten me? Can this really be done?

Milt

[DVSNCYNIKL]

It appears that you just go wider tires on your car so now you have more rubber to the pavement. It's not exactly bad at all. But me personally, I would have changed all four so that it would be that noticeable. I wouldn't worry too much. If it get's too annoying, you could always go back to a smaller size.

[IntegraR0064]

OK...what exactly is the problem here?

If the problem is that the ride is too bouncy and stiff...putting a lower profile tire on is not the way to fix it. A lower profile tire has the effect of increasing your effective spring rate (because of the stiffer sidewall). Thus, your shocks will be bouncier and your ride will be harsher.

So what happened makes perfect sense...

Now, if the ride is too bouncy, I'd check out your struts. They may be worn or blown. The symptoms of worn struts is a really bouncy car. Like when you go over a bump, the car should just go down, then up. If it goes back down and up again too many times, your struts are no good.

To check it a little more objectively, you can do what's commonly called the "bounce test". Just grip one end of the bumper and pull up and down until you get it bouncing as much as you can. Then, with the car at the upper end of the bounce, let go. If it oscillates two or more times (or if, in an extreme case, you hit your bumpstops), I'd replace your struts (although it could possibly be your front end bushings, but its unlikely). Also listen for any noises, the suspension should be quiet. If its not, then get that thing checked out by a quality mechanic immediately.

If its not bouncy...then describe exactly what's wrong with the ride and I'll see if I can help.

Hope that helps!