Bridgestone Turanza EL42 Problems

[Rocket670]

I have derived that there is a fundamental issue with the Bridgestone Turanza EL42 that has to be a known issue by now and is not being publicized. I have had several reports of pressure taking the vibration/wobble out of the steering wheel as well as heat (ie. driving for a long time). This is not an issue with the car. I have personally noticed that different road surfaces as well as variation in temperatures make a tremendous difference in the level of vibration/wobble. For example: In the rain, where the tire operates at a lower temperature, the vibration/wobble is stronger and does not go away however in the summer on dry pavement the wobble is only a temporary problem. Mostly I notice this during my first 15 minutes of my drive to work (not in stop and go traffic) and I also notice this on my first 15 minutes of the drive home. They are selling inferior tires and passing them off as quality. The tread only lasts about 25k miles before you are hydroplaning in small rainfall. These tires are the worst. By the way, Bridgestone = Firestone. My car came stock with the Bridgestone Turanza EL42 215/55/17 and I have had these problems since purchase. Thinking that it might not have been the tires I bought replacements at 22k miles and I am having the exact same problem. Luckily Tirerack.com is replacing them and letting me upgrade to Michelins. Any lawyers out there interested is writing a nice letter to Bridgestone for me please contact me. I don’t want millions but we should all at least get money back for what it costs for replacement tires. There is no excuse for the performance that I have had in the last 22k miles from these tires. As well, I know that it is not because the tires are 17”, I have heard that lame excuse before and it is simply wrong. If having 17” wheels meant that the steering wheel was going to wobble no one would have ever put them on a car in the first place. For the money that these costs, they better work like any other tire. Not to mention, my father-in-laws Intrepid has 17” wheels and rides as smooth as glass.

[Luke@tirerack]

What you have described is "flat spotting". The Turanza EL42 is a very soft rubber compound which aids in traction but, does flat spot after sitting for several hours. It happens to all tires but, softer compounds can make it occur more rapidly. After the tire warms up the problem goes away ... If you want to avoid the issue all together just get a very hard compounded tire. You will also realize longer tread life but, alot less traction when driving aggresively. There is nothing inherently wrong with the tire it is just a by product of higher performance rubber compounds which are used in the construction of the tire

[iannuzzelli]

I have recently experienced an extreme vibration with my Turanzas on my 99 BMW 323i. I have 40000 miles on mine and noticed a slight harshness when I bought them a couple of years ago. Recently for the first 15 - 30 minutes of driving I will experience from mild to very severe vibration depending on road surface condition and temperature. I am also concerned that the vibration may be causing damage to my front end.Today I complained to my tire store and they are going to talk to the Bridgestone rep about some sort of financial compensation. The bottom line here is that I would not let my wife or son drive my car with these tires.