Odd problem after replacing rear tires - need help?
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2008
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From: Dallas Tx
Odd problem after replacing rear tires - need help?
I replaced my rear tires a couple of days ago at discount tire. Now (but I'm not sure how they could be at fault) whenever I try and drive my car with the Traction control on, it will automatically start slowing down/braking. However, if I turn the TC off, it starts running just fine again.
It doesn't give me any errors, accept when it starts slowing down unexpectedly, it displays "traction system active".
Any advice/help would be greatly appreciated.
THanks!
It doesn't give me any errors, accept when it starts slowing down unexpectedly, it displays "traction system active".
Any advice/help would be greatly appreciated.
THanks!
Premium Supporting Vendor
Joined: Oct 2004
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From: Manassas Park VA
St. Jude Donor '07-'08,-'13-'14, '16-'17
What size tire was on it and what size tire did you put on it.
How much tread is left on the front tires?
Peace
Chip
How much tread is left on the front tires?
Peace
Chip
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Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2008
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From: Dallas Tx
Rears are 295/30/18 Toyo proxes r888's on chrome oem z06 (10.5). I took off 295/35/18 Wide ovals
Pro
Joined: Nov 2006
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From: Savannah GA
Here is probably what the problem is. You have switched to a rear tire that is less tall so the traction control sees it rotating faster in relation to the rotational speed of the front tires and "thinks" the rear tires are losing traction. It cuts the power to "fix" the problem. You need a rear tire that is at least half an inch taller than the front tire. However, some people do use same size front and rear and report no problems with the traction control.
Most 295-35x18 tires have a diameter of 26.1 inches. Most 295-30x18 tires are around 25.5 inches.
Most 295-35x18 tires have a diameter of 26.1 inches. Most 295-30x18 tires are around 25.5 inches.
Last edited by jclarksnakes; Mar 19, 2009 at 06:55 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 2,891
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From: North Port Fl
You replaced the rear tires with a tire that is shorter, it has a smaller diameter that's the problem. For traction control to work properly the rear tire must be at least 1/2" larger in diameter.
Last edited by ljthe2nd; Mar 19, 2009 at 07:03 PM.
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Pro
Joined: Nov 2006
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From: Savannah GA
I believe the rears need to be around half an inch larger in diameter rather than circumference. A difference of half an inch in diameter would be around 1.6 inches different in circumference.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2005
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From: North Port Fl
Pro
Joined: Nov 2006
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From: Savannah GA
I cannot find a listing for a 265-35X17 tire. I will not say it does not exist but both the BIG online tire sellers I checked have no listing in that size. The standard C5 ZO6 front size is 265-40x17 and in the few brands that are available in that size most have a diameter of 25.4 inches. I think you will have trouble finding a smaller diameter in a 17 inch tire without going much narrower to a 245 width. If your front tires are 265-40x17 then switching to 295-35x18 or 305-35x18 on the rear would be a good choice. Standard sizes on C5 ZO6 are 265-40x17 on the front and 295-35x18 on the rear. I have gone up to 275-40x17 on the front and 305-35x18 on the rear and do not have problems with the traction control.
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From: Columbus Ohio
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St. Jude Donor '06-'08-'10
This site will let you play with two sizes to see what it would take to get the 1/2' variance back.
http://www.rims-n-tires.com/rt_specs.jsp
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2008
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From: Dallas Tx
I cannot find a listing for a 265-35X17 tire. I will not say it does not exist but both the BIG online tire sellers I checked have no listing in that size. The standard C5 ZO6 front size is 265-40x17 and in the few brands that are available in that size most have a diameter of 25.4 inches. I think you will have trouble finding a smaller diameter in a 17 inch tire without going much narrower to a 245 width. If your front tires are 265-40x17 then switching to 295-35x18 or 305-35x18 on the rear would be a good choice. Standard sizes on C5 ZO6 are 265-40x17 on the front and 295-35x18 on the rear. I have gone up to 275-40x17 on the front and 305-35x18 on the rear and do not have problems with the traction control.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2008
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From: Dallas Tx
You can turn off T/C every time you get in the car or change either the front or rear tires to get the 1/2" variance.
This site will let you play with two sizes to see what it would take to get the 1/2' variance back.
http://www.rims-n-tires.com/rt_specs.jsp
This site will let you play with two sizes to see what it would take to get the 1/2' variance back.
http://www.rims-n-tires.com/rt_specs.jsp
Tech Contributor
Joined: Oct 1999
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From: Charlotte, NC (formerly Endicott, NY)
Go back to the tire dealer and see if they will work with you on swapping for some 315s. They are just a tenth of an inch larger in diameter than the front tires but probably will work for you. The tire dealer should have been a little more alert when selling you the tires.
Bill
Bill
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St. Jude Donor '09, '12-'13-'14-'15-'16-'17
