Awd and tires

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May 14, 2009 | 11:11 PM

ColtM4

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From: Central WA USA

Awd and tires

Wondering if the AWD system is sensitive like Subaru's where if one tire is damaged beyond repair 4 new tires need to be purchased. I'm looking to buy a new 09 Escape AWD for the mileage and extra traction in snow.

May 15, 2009 | 06:46 AM

DoctorCAD

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The tires should be the same circumference to keep the sensors in check, but I don't know what the allowable % difference can be.

May 15, 2009 | 08:47 AM

YoGeorge

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From: Detroit

Quote:

Originally Posted by ColtM4

I believe the Escape is going to be similar to the Subarus in terms of tire size sensitivity. I know that Subaru specifies that all four tires be within 1/4" of each other in CIRCUMFERENCE, not diameter.

One alternative on these vehicles is that if you destroy a tire when it's say, half gone, you could go to a tire shop that works with racers and have a new tire (identical to the originals) shaved to half tread depth. (Racers shave tires to reduce tread chunking.)

George

May 15, 2009 | 10:57 AM

nflfreak43

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From: La Vergne, TN

yes the tires will all have to be similar in tread depth. you can do like yogeorge said and get a new tire and have it shaved down. but that would be a little bit more expensive than going to a tire shop and finding a used tire of bout same tread depth. it'll be cheaper. I'd only really use this route if im gonna buy a new set of 4 tires within 3-6 months.

May 17, 2009 | 11:56 PM

ColtM4

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From: Central WA USA

thanks guys

May 18, 2009 | 09:47 PM

DoctorCAD

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1/4" on circumference is nuts. The tire is almost 91" in circumference.

I'd bet that every car on the road has 1/4" difference in circumference.

Thats .27% difference.

May 18, 2009 | 10:40 PM

YoGeorge

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From: Detroit

Quote:

Originally Posted by DoctorCAD

1/4" on circumference is nuts. The tire is almost 91" in circumference.

I'd bet that every car on the road has 1/4" difference in circumference.

Thats .27% difference.

I think it's unrealistically close as well (and I will note that Subarus spec a couple more lbs of air pressure in the fronts as well).

There is a tirerack tech piece on 4WD tire size issues. Near the bottom are the specs for a few brands, and the Subaru spec is indeed 1/4" circumference. (And note that Tirerack will shave tires as well.)

Tire Tech Information - Matching Tires on Four-Wheel Drive and All-Wheel Drive Vehicles

George

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Jun 15, 2009 | 01:31 PM

wptski

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Joined: Feb 2002

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From: Warren, MI

Quote:

Originally Posted by kettle-one

The '09 Escape doesn't have a transfer case or center differetial, the rearend is driven off the PTU. I'm not sure how far back it goes that they had neither.