Michelin Symmetry - Really that bad?

[Neil_A]

I just bought a set of four to replace my not so old BF Goodrich tires. After searching this site it appears many people have a bad taste for this tire. Now I am doubting my purchase and wondering if I should take them back for a different brand/type. Anyone have any positive feedback on these tires?

Thanks

 

[CROWNVIC4LIFE]

I had them on my 99 Grand Marquis and have them on my 05 Crown Vic and have no issues with them.

 

[tomcat27]

Tires are a funny thing - (almost) no matter which tire you choose you will find people who love them and people who hate them. from reviews on Discount tires site and on tirerack, they get good reviews. I have used Michelin tires and hold them in high regard. After the snow starts flying you can give us your review!

 

[bepperb]

It depends on what you'll use them for and on. Why did you get rid of the BFG's?

IMO, they're quiet I'm sure, but I would worry about snow traction with them. And expensive.

 

[charbaby]

Don't regret your purchace because, it depends what vehicle they're on. Also, I think that those who haven't liked the Symmetrys' may have expected way too much just because the tires have the Michelin name on them. They're a fine tire for their intended purpose. I think the Semmetrys' would work better on a CrownVic/GrandMarq than they will work for example, on a Mustang.

 

[Neil_A]

Well, I drive a 2005 Grand Prix sedan with a lowly 3800NA. Got rid of the BFG's because I was having a vibration at certain speeds, and nothing I did fixed it. Had them balanced, re-balanced, road forced twice, and still vibrated. Bad news is the Symmetry's have the same vibe so it wasn’t the tires. Dealer says all the suspension components are fine. I have been told that maybe it is just the car, but I don't want to believe that. Last possibility I can think of is the rims themselves. I avg. at least 50-60 miles commuting a day and will need good traction in the upcoming winter months. Got scared when I heard people say the Symmetry's have poor snow traction; although I have seen some reviews that say they handle all weather fine. Guess I will have to wait and see. Thanks guys.

 

[charbaby]

Those GP's, Impala's, Buick's and just about any other vehicle with the 3.8 or even the 3.1/3.4 engines, are animals in the snow. I get passed up on snowy/icey serfaces by many FWD GM vehicles. It's that fine combination of FWD and a cast iron V6. 1st generation Malibu's(w/o agressive tires), left a little bit to be desired in the foul weather. I think you'll be fine!

 

[Hokiefyd]

Neil:

I've driven on Michelin Symmetry tires on two different cars (both Cadillacs) and they did just fine. They handled a pouring South Carolina rain very well, and had plenty of traction, even to handle the 300 lb*ft of torque from the Northstar.

It really does matter what kind of car the tires are on and even what "model" of tire it is. Even though this tire might say "Michelin Symmetry" on it and that tire might say "Michelin Symmetry" on it, they can be two very different tires, in terms of tread compound, etc. There used to be no fewer than FOUR different part numbers for the Michelin Symmetry in the 225/60R16 size (the size you likely have on your GP). Looks like there are currently two part numbers.

The version installed on Honda Odysseys (the one that tends to receive the most complaints) has a 98T service description, with a 600/A/A UTQG rating. The version installed on Ford vehicles has a 97S service description, with a 600/A/B UTQG. There are obviously differences here "under the skin" that most people don't appreciate. They just see the model name on the side of the tire and assume that they'll all drive the same way. Actually, correct that: most people look at the brand name on the tire and assume that everything from that brand will drive the same way.

 

[Hokiefyd]

Oh, also, about the balancing. Get yourself to a tire retailer who has a Hunter GSP9700 road force balancer. Late model GM FWD cars tend to be VERY sensitive to road force in tires. Every tire has a high spot and every rim has a low spot. The idea is to marry those up so that the high point of the tire is sitting on the low point of the rim, so the whole assembly rolls as true as possible. In addition, the amount of flex in a tire's sidewall can vary as well. This can all be measured on a Hunter GSP9700 machine and it may tell the tire tech to dismount the tire and "re-clock" it on the wheel.

The machine will give a road force number, in pounds. You want this number to be as low as possible. Ideally, under 12-15 pounds. They may tell you that anything under 20 pounds is not detectable, but I can tell you from experience that you want that number way below that, especially if it's a front tire. Even the rear tire will eventually get rotated to the front, if you rotate, so it's important to have them all as LOW as possible.

 

[Neil_A]

That’s why I am a little apprehensive because these Symmetry's have the 98T service description with the 600/A/A UTQG rating. Both times I had the BFG's road balanced was with the Hunter GSP9700. Discount Tire even road forced the Michelins to make sure I had the smoothest ride using the GSP9700. Still vibrates between 55-70 mph. Maybe vibrates is the wrong term. The wheel moves left to right ever so slightly, but you can feel it in your hands. Pain in my butt. lol

Thanks for all the help thus far.

 

[mrsilv04]

I don't know why it is, but tires that are used as original equipment seem to receive a higher percentage of what appears to be "harsher" ratings... that just don't appear as often on non_OE tires.

???

 

[Hokiefyd]

Originally Posted By: Neil_A
That’s why I am a little apprehensive because these Symmetry's have the 98T service description with the 600/A/A UTQG rating. Both times I had the BFG's road balanced was with the Hunter GSP9700. Discount Tire even road forced the Michelins to make sure I had the smoothest ride using the GSP9700.


Looks like you got the "Honda" version of the Symmetry tires. They do have the vast majority of negative reviews. When DT RFB'd the tires, what were the numbers they got? Those numbers are the most important part. When the local Goodyear dealer was RFB'ing the tires on my Cadillac, he said they were all within 22 pounds, and that's the BMW spec, so it's good enough. I called horsepuckey, and asked to see the numbers. One was at 22, and the others were 3, 4, and 11 pounds. The 22 lb tire was the one causing the vibes.

GM has a TSB about replacing the lower control arms in the large cars (Buick Park Avenue, Cadillac DeVille, etc) for this very issue. Apparently a revised bushing is available, but the whole arm is replaced as a service unit. I don't know if that TSB applies to your Grand Prix also.

 

[Hokiefyd]

Originally Posted By: mrsilv04
I don't know why it is, but tires that are used as original equipment seem to receive a higher percentage of what appears to be "harsher" ratings... that just don't appear as often on non_OE tires.


OE tires are designed as much by the vehicle manufacturer as the tire manufacturer. Things like rolling resistance and a soft ride are often the main priority. Tread life is almost never a priority, and wet traction often suffers as well. The OE tires are also often pretty cheaply-made, though they're often expensive when you go to buy them.

When you buy a non-OE tire, you get the "purest" engineering from the tire manufacturer, not affected or influenced by an automaker. Non-OE tires are typically much more well-rounded, so to speak.