Last chance to "vent" about your Firestones!

[bluewagon]

I am an investigative writer soliciting information about any 2000/2001 Focus owners who are or who have experienced "cupping" on the rear tires.
This condition, also known as "scalloping" exhibits itself as uneven tread wear both across and around the tires. This eventually causes a rumbling sound from the rear wheels.
I’m investigating whether or not this condition is might be related to the “rear bearing” recall that affected the 2000 model year, or just plain bad tires. Ford says the problem is due to lack of owner tire rotation. Firestone says the problem is with the rear suspension. What do you think?
If you have, or have had this problem, please let me know, either on this message board, or via email (pndxtr1@aol.com). I need specific year, model, and mileage information, tire information, and what you and your Ford (or Firestone) dealers have done (or not done) to resolve the problem. You may include names, if you wish (dealer and/or yours), but this name information will NOT be used without your written permission. I am interested more in facts than in identities.

[the6148]

I hate to say this but...

The Firestone on my ZX3 works pretty good. However, I wouldn't give a second thought to replace them when I stumble into a tire store. Why? Simple, they are Firestones.

As for performance wise, I couldn't say they are all that bad for all season tires. They saved my neck quite a few times since I picked up my ZX3. There is a problem with wet tractions. I think it has less to do with tires than the fact I have no antilock brake option on my ZX3. Anyways, good luck with your venture. I'll definitely check to see if the tires on my car have the same issues as you describe tonight. Thanks for the heads up and effort.

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Louis L.
2001 Pitch Black ZX3

[new guy]

For regular driving the 205/50-16's are just fine. For autocrossing well...I'll just say they are a little slippery. I had no problems with my tires in winter driving (Detroit, MI). Only problem has been a flat caused from a screw. I have noticed very slight sidewall bulges in two tires, about 20mm in diameter and raised about 2mm. I have noticed similar bulges in other tires I've had in years past.

[icemanZX3]

How did you guys get Firestones??? I thought all the 2000 models came with the screaming eagles.

[blushadw]

the firestones come on the 16" wheels

in 2000, only the Konas

in 2001, quite a few models

[suicidalrage]

Cupping on the rear is only (for me) on the outer edges. Tread wear isn't as good as i'd hoped. My tires were rotated at 5,000, 10,000, and 15,000.
00' ZX3 Kona
17,000mi
205/50/16

[KrazyKiko]

No visible problems yet....

- Jay.

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Drive Hard, Fast and Focus-ed.

[Hatchman]

Haven't had any problems. Had no difficulty going through snow or water. No cupping.

[AEMZX3]

For standard equipment tires, they are better than I thought they would be.

------------------
01 Malibu Blue ZX3
AEM Udp, Shorty intake w/K&N,cat-back exhaust and Sway Bars. JBA cat-forward header.
More To Come!

[punkjunker]

No problems yet however I only have about 2800 miles on them. Most likely won't buy Firestones as replacements because of their rep.

------------------
slacking is a way of life!
ZX3 Kona Car - Silver

[Cloud9GM]

I replaced my firestones with 100 miles on it. Reason? Had a friend who flipped his explorer because of that brand of tires. Don't buy, don't recomend it, and don't use it.

[rpvitiello]

problem i had was the rear end of my focus se suddenly swung out, causing me to loose controle, do a 180 and hit a curb crushing my rocker pannle.

[2001 ZTS]

The 205/50R16 Firestones are pretty good for what are called "all season tires" and are just fine for our needs. Comparing tires on a SUV to those on a Focus is like comparing apples and oranges. Our tires are designed for prolonged highway running and shed heat quite well while "off road" tires on an Explorer were not primarily designed with that in mind. As for the winter they do not meet my, admittedly high, standard but again are probably quite adequate for most peoples needs.

Also I always thought "cupping" and "scalloping' were two different things? Cupping is too much wear in the centre due to over inflation, while scalloping is a result of poor alignment.

Good luck with your report!

[bluewagon]

Absolutely correct! Cupping and scalloping are different, and BOTH were apparent on these particular tires.

SInce the original post, Firestone has graciously agreed to replace all four of the GTA 02's with the upgraded LH touring tire. After 17K, they appear to be wearing perfectly.

I have almost completed my research, and will be preparing my article which, basically, puts the cause of the problem on the tires, and NOT on Ford. I still have reservations about the dealer treatment, however, and that will be part of my article, as well. Thanks for your response.

[speedy_zx3]

no problems here... if there were, I'd have to say that it's because of the lighter rear end bouncing a little too much. then again, the box I have back there negates some of that.

[egm]

I've had no problems with my tires at all i only have a little over 2000 miles on them though.

[wmudavey]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Cloud9GM:
I replaced my firestones with 100 miles on it. Reason? Had a friend who flipped his explorer because of that brand of tires. Don't buy, don't recomend it, and don't use it. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Very poor reason to change tires. If you had Wilderness ATs on your car it would be a different story

[k0nafocus]

they suck in rain although it doesnt matter cause we dont get much here in southern cali,
slips a bit when cornering hard, they need more grip. switching to Kumho Escta Supra 712

[CybearFocus]

8K of miles and no problems.

[StreeterSE]

I've got 3K+ on mine now and they're doing just fine. I've gone through some turns just screaming, not me the car. Anyway, the Firstones have performed wonderfully. (Actually I got carried away recently and forgot how fast I was going until I started to turn the wheel, tires squeeled a bit but held. Scared the crap out of me too!) I will replace them with a better tire when they wear out, but that's just me.

[bluewagon]

Thanks for the feedback.

Bluewagon
pndxtr1@aol.com
writer

[Dev]

I do know one thing.. Those things are hard as hell.. I had a set on for 2 months with varying driving conditions from hard launching to commuting. Barely any tirewear. Also they are a little slippery in the rain but that's also me pushing the car.

[esseff]

I got 16.5K miles on mine. Ran them last winter in snow and ice with little or no problems. In soft snow they are more then adequate. On ice and in rainy conditions they tend to lose grip too easy. As to cupping and scalloping... I have no problem.
I actually like the tire. At highway speedy and above they are good to excellent with the stock suspension. I am certain that with suspension mods they will be degraded to adequate or below...but not a poor tire overall.

[bigpaolo]

48,000 kilometres (30,000 miles) on mine.

No problems with the tire wear, but it is quite slippery in the rain.

[apex]

They are the WORST tires I've ever driven in the rain. They are just plain scary. One time on the freeway, in light rain, I was going about 60 mph when I was hit by probably a 30 mph wind gust. The car slid over about a half of a lane. Sure got may attention. I never trusted the car in the rain after that. I have twenty thousand miles on mine and they are just about shot and that is with my wife driving about 95% of the time. I'm going to scrap them before this winter. I think there should be a recall on these because of the dangerous wet handling.