When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
Wow, sorry to hear about your problems. I'm on my second set of FireHawk rear tires and the first set of fronts are still good after 40000 miles. I'm still happy with them and will be getting new Firestones for the fronts soon.
The crack is crescent shaped, about 10 inches wide with the curve part at the bottom and the ends of the crack running along the inner mounting surface. There is nothing visibly wrong on the outside of the tire.
I don’t feel I can blame the guys doing the mounting because the OEM Goodyears and the M&Ss haven't had problems. The bad tire has been sent to Firestone for evalulation but I'm not sure I want more of the same. Advice, please....
I'll throw my $0.02 worth in here... I'm trying to picture what's happening based on your description, and I'm thinking that the crack somewhat mirrors the size and shape of the bead breaking mechanism that some tire machines have. I'm referring to the machine that breaks the bead at the side of the machine, with the tire sitting on the floor, where a "shovel" shaped tool comes in from the side and breaks the bead.
Are you positive that the tire machine that your shop his using is designed for EMT tires?
They say it's the latest and greatest, a Hunter 3500. From what I've learned this problem with Firehawks has been around for years. Like I said before, I've decided to cut my losses and go to a different brand, probably Michelin. Thanks for your comments.