Tires

[bigsky]

Picked up this 99 Base in January and the dealer had put the most inexpensive Hankook tires on it. Car did not ride smooth. Had the tires rebalanced and did some rotating and some miles...about 8k worth. A little improvement. Decided to try some Goodyear Triple Treads...

Not that much better. Still got various vibrations and such. Got interested in tie rods and such (see other thread).

Well...after 1000 miles on the tires they are really coming into their own. Previous vibrations are mostly gone and the car is starting to feel/ride like a Buick. Hope they will only get better.

[bigsky]

FWIW...just wanted to confirm the major difference the tires made (took about 1000 miles for the tires to settle in). The car rides so much better, like a different car from what it was. Also, in the process, both of my outer tie rods were replaced. Nothing new but certainly a reminder of the value/benefit of good tires. I run them with 30-32psi, may try bumping that up to 34-35psi.

[Smith1000]

Nothing like that Buick ride. I run mine with about 35-psi or slightly more. I figure that it offsets the times when they are running a bit lower. The guy I bought my last one from said some of the later models have different ride. It is firmer that the 90's models. I am not sure when they changed, but that will be a problem for me when I go to update. I like the softer/smoother ride.

[TopherS]

Originally Posted by Smith1000

Nothing like that Buick ride. I run mine with about 35-psi or slightly more. I figure that it offsets the times when they are running a bit lower. The guy I bought my last one from said some of the later models have different ride. It is firmer that the 90's models. I am not sure when they changed, but that will be a problem for me when I go to update. I like the softer/smoother ride.

It's true...the later models don't have that traditional Buick "boulevard ride"... instead, the ride is very controlled and too firm, IMHO. Mine's a 2001, but would assume the body change in '97 is when the suspension system was changed, as well. A '97 that I test drove was similar to mine and would assume that it is so all the way through 2005.

I, too, like the softer and smoother ride and am not happy with the ride from my Park Avenue (even with the FE1 "soft ride" suspension). I have put Goodyear ComforTred's on mine about 2 years ago. They are a little softer/quieter and look really good...but still the car rides too rough. I have looked into other suspension options, such as replacing my struts with those from a different car (LeSabre or earlier Park Avenue), but it doesn't look like anything else will fit. I've even gone to a suspension specialist to ask about having some springs made with a different spring rate...but so far, no luck.

Before, I had Toyo Touring tires on the car...even rougher. The ComforTred's were rated by consumers as the softest/quietest, which is why I bought them. So far, I've been happy with them...although I am concerned that they may be wearing a bit faster then other tires would .