Flat tire, question about replacing one tire - 3000GT/Stealth International Message Center

Barefoot · 11-18-2009, 05:04 PM

Does anyone know the allowed variance between tires so the VCU does not get fried?

I got a flat tire on a fairly new Falken Azenis tire. Tread depth on the remaining 3 tires is between 6-8 / 32.

If I was to replace the one tire, would I be fine, or do I need to consider shaving the new tire?

BrianWSNC · 11-18-2009, 06:32 PM

VCU? Ok,... I don't know that one... Please spell stuff out folks.. I live in a household with medical and auto tech people... There are so many of these,
ICU. RN. ECU.. PROM TPM etc.. we know all these... or don't ya?

alex10superman · 11-18-2009, 06:46 PM

VCU = Viscous Coupler Unit
Do you have a VR-4 or an FWD? If you had a VR-4 I don't think you would have not known that one nor mix it up with anything else. No offense meant at all, just thought all AWD would know that one, lol! Edit: nevermind, checked you profile and you are NA Auto so I'm not surprised anymore, lol! No biggy!

You will be fine barefoot. Aside from the fact that it is not big enough of a difference the things to watch out for on the VCU are front tires to back tires differences. A single tire difference will more than likely effect the differential in front or back (depending which one you blew) more than it will the VCU. Either way, not enough to make a difference though.

BrianWSNC · 11-18-2009, 06:54 PM

Alex, I basiclly said that as a general statement. So many people use acronyms in all types of fields that it's hard to remember them all..

I just wish they would spell it out at least in the first sentence, then shortening the words later in the paragraphs..

BTW, thanks for the reply.. see!

BTW = By the way , We all know that one!

Stealthee · 11-18-2009, 07:07 PM

Richard there should be no issues. You are talking about less than a percent of difference in sizes.

Purdue3KGT · 11-18-2009, 07:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by alex10superman

VCU = Viscous Coupler Unit
Do you have a VR-4 or an FWD? If you had a VR-4 I don't think you would have not known that one nor mix it up with anything else. No offense meant at all, just thought all AWD would know that one, lol! Edit: nevermind, checked you profile and you are NA Auto so I'm not surprised anymore, lol! No biggy!

You will be fine barefoot. Aside from the fact that it is not big enough of a difference the things to watch out for on the VCU are front tires to back tires differences. A single tire difference will more than likely effect the differential in front or back (depending which one you blew) more than it will the VCU. Either way, not enough to make a difference though.

If I'm not mistaken, he is AWD TT. I believe he did the Bob The Great conversion. I wouldn't think something as tread depth would throw off the VCU as long as the tires have the same revolution per mile.

Barefoot · 11-18-2009, 08:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BrianWSNC

Alex, I basiclly said that as a general statement. So many people use acronyms in all types of fields that it's hard to remember them all..

I just wish they would spell it out at least in the first sentence, then shortening the words later in the paragraphs..

BTW, thanks for the reply.. see!

BTW = By the way , We all know that one!

No offense, but I do not spell those things out in these threads for the simple fact that... if you do not know what a VCU is, you will not be able to answer my question. Aside from that, alex10superman helped you out.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stealthee

Richard there should be no issues. You are talking about less than a percent of difference in sizes.

My main concern is that my car does see 190+ mph from time to time, and I am curious what size difference would cause the VCU to go bye bye at those speeds.

some manufacturers say to keep all 4 tires within 2/32, which I think I will be just outside of. Not sure what Mitsu specs are though..

DCIV · 11-18-2009, 09:15 PM

Richard you make a valid point, if your car is seeing 190+ then that little bit could put some stress on a VCU. I would say normal driving turns and everything you wouldnt have a worry about it.

I vote shave it because when the other tires wear out your not going to go and buy 3 tires instead of 4. That way your also safe and dont kill a vcu. (even though I think its unlikely)

Coop

jacob666 · 11-18-2009, 09:21 PM

Personally I would shave it, better to be safe then sorry... especially at 190+

alex10superman · 11-18-2009, 10:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Purdue3KGT

If I'm not mistaken, he is AWD TT. I believe he did the Bob The Great conversion. I wouldn't think something as tread depth would throw off the VCU as long as the tires have the same revolution per mile.

LOL, I know that Barefoot is AWD TT converted. I was referring to Brian when I said I didn't know what car he had.

In that case Barefoot, as others have said, better safe than sorry. Even at 190+ I don't think you will have an issue but if it is doable for you to shave it then do it just to be on the safe side.