Im not sure if its just the tires or a bad wheel bearing, but
im getting some minor howling tone when going about 35mph+.
Its not loud so I am guessing it is the tires...

Are SP9000's known for these noises or is it possible that my
wheel bearings are defective from the factory?

its a 2003 Cooper-S

 

yea, the Dunlop 9000 are quite loud; no need to worry about your wheel bearing. If you want to stick with stock size runflats, get the Pirelli's, they're much better in terms of quiet tread, and more stable cornering.

Good Luck

 

thanks ryephile... yah, these are pretty noisy tires.

im thinking about getting a winter set (all-season tires) in 195/55/16 from the
tirerack. which tire(s) would you recommend for all seasons?

 

>>
>>im thinking about getting a winter set (all-season tires) in 195/55/16 from the
>>tirerack. which tire(s) would you recommend for all seasons?

kenchan,

the tires are loud in a straight line? i don't think mine are all that loud in a straight line, they only squeal on hard corners.

 

>>kenchan,
>> the tires are loud in a straight line? i don't think mine are all that loud in a straight line, they only squeal on hard corners.
>>

hey minhi- not exactly 'loud' but i hear a light howling noise that repeats itself
while going in a straight line. it also amplifies depending on different road
surfaces (ie: concrete vs asphalt). im not sure what it is. if it keep bothering
me or gets worse, i'll take it to the dealer to get a close look. i hope its nothing.

since im getting my winters set of pirelli's tomorrow, i should swap out the
wheels and see if it continues to make that noise.

 

that actually sounds like you have something stuck in the tire (like a nail or screw) or that the tire is out of balance.

mine do not do that at all...

 

actually, i found out today that the tire has a flat spot. i raised
the car and spun the wheels individually while visually checking for
flat spots and sure enough, its got a flat spot.

the tire pressure was either too low while parked at the dealer, or
someone locked the brakes before delivery. when i got home,
the tires were only about 23-24psi.

anyone know where i can get the tire shaved locally in Chicagoland?
i think i need to take off like at least 3-4mm of rubber to equal
this out (all 4 tires). or i should turn off DSC and do a burnout.

Alex@tirerack, would you be able to shave my tire during the 10/04
meet?

 

>>Alex@tirerack, would you be able to shave my tire during the 10/04
>>meet?
The meet was moved to 10/19. I can only shave new tires, as If I slip while shaving a destroy a tire I can get new ones from my stock. I would not be able to shave any other tires. FYI shaving takes place from 10-3 weekdays!

Alex

 

thanks for getting back to me here and via email. yah, my buddy that works
at the honda dealer mentioned that my flat spot isn't too bad so i should just
drive on it and wear it out normally. its not bumpy or anything, just an annoying
howling rythm noise when all 4 tires syncronize each other. oh well... next spring
i think ill get some new tires on them...something lighter weight as the R90's are
heavy.

 

alex- just fyi, the winter set you sold me (SEdition TK5+ Pirelli P6) made no noise yesterday when i tried them on. so, definitely my tire problem on the R90's and not the wheel bearings. i am glad. hehehe. great wheel/tire package for the price,
the tires handled pretty good! i was impressed.

gonna hit the expressways with slighly lower tire pressure to heat these SP9000's up
and try to reform them.

 

just dont go too low, or your get catastrophic heat buildup!

Alex