Super noisy tires, Is this abnormal? Options

[Bjorn]

I have a set of Bridgestone Potenza RE970AS Pole Positions for my 2009 Subaru Legacy.

I got them in the spring.

I'm super happy with the tires performance, but the noise is unbearable. At highway speeds it's almost impossible to have a conversation at a normal volume the tire roar is so bad. I can also feel a high frequency vibration in the steering wheel.

The noise is present at all speeds, but is worst at 80km/h then reduces slightly at 100 km/h.

The noise goes away when I turn the car around a corner.

I want to take the tires back and tell them they're awful, but I want to make sure I'm not just over reacting.

My last performance tires were Michelin Pilot Exalto ASs, and I don't remember them being anywhere near this noisy.

I have read some reviews of the RE970ASs, and they all mention noise, but this seems beyond acceptable.

[dukenukem]

have you checked for any uneven wear or worn out wheel bearings?

[Bjorn]

I've taken a cursory glance for wear, but it's hard to tell with such a new tire.

I'm also 99% sure it's not a wheel bearing . . . It began a week or two after I got the tires . . . but I'll check into it.

[clarkma5]

At highway speeds it's almost impossible to have a conversation at a normal volume the tire roar is so bad. I can also feel a high frequency vibration in the steering wheel.

The noise is present at all speeds, but is worst at 80km/h then reduces slightly at 100 km/h.

The noise goes away when I turn the car around a corner.

[Bjorn]

Shit son, I wonder if it's a wheel bearing?

Good call Duke.

How hard is it to diagnose? If I took it to my dealer would they be able to figure this out in a few minutes, or is this the kind of thing they could spend hundreds of dollars chasing?

[dukenukem]

Jack up the car and tug on the wheel. if you see any weird movement on the wheel your wheel bearing is failing. Another option is to lift all 4 wheels off the ground and spin the tires, if the wheel bearing is bad you will hear it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0NTX1-NctEg

Good video on how to diagnose it.

[Bjorn]

Yep, bjorked wheel bearings.

They also found worn swaybar and steering link bushings.

Car's outta commission for at least a week while they order parts in.

Good call duke. You're like Click and Clack from Car Talk.

[dukenukem]

Yep, bjorked wheel bearings.

They also found worn swaybar and steering link bushings.

Car's outta commission for at least a week while they order parts in.

Good call duke. You're like Click and Clack from Car Talk.

Lol. My friend had similar issue on his STI. He thought the noise was from his worn out all seasons. His bearing got so bad it was one hard bump/ turn away from coming apart completely.