Tyres and 4 wheel drive.

[splitpin]

When I got my 4wd Bongo few weeks ago it had brand new 195 tyres on the front and the rear 215 tyres are fairly well worn but not so bad I want to change them just yet. While browsing around the forum I came across a post saying that on 4wd Bongos all four tyres should be changed together to lessen the chances of gearbox damage. So, should I be changing the rears pronto or not.
Thanks.

[francophile1947]

With the 4WD, it's important that the wheel circumferences are within 1% of each other to avoid damage to the viscous coupling. So it largely depends on how worn your rear tyres are.
Loads of us have fitted the same size tyres all round with no problems.

[brorabongo]

I was'nt having any luck with my front 195's they would wear down, and get flats spots etc. I was advised to go 215 all round. Which I have now done, and so far so good.

One thing I did notice since, is that I don't get the shudder when taking off sometimes, or when reversing up hill. Could it be that it was due to the fronts letting go?

[bigdaddycain]

When I got my 4wd Bongo few weeks ago it had brand new 195 tyres on the front and the rear 215 tyres are fairly well worn but not so bad I want to change them just yet. While browsing around the forum I came across a post saying that on 4wd Bongos all four tyres should be changed together to lessen the chances of gearbox damage. So, should I be changing the rears pronto or not.
Thanks.

Hi splitpin, (like the name )

You don't HAVE to replace the tyres as "a set" on a 4wd bongo, but if you rotate the wheels regularly enough to balance out the wear, then the tyres will last longer "as a set",then you replace them as a set when the time comes.

It actualy works out cheaper in the long run to do it this way, plus, you can rest assured that the rolling circumference of the wheels front to rear are as close to each other as possible.

Bear in mind that ALL the wheels will need to be balanced though, not just the front ones.

[splitpin]

Thanks for replys, when I change the rears, could I put 195 size on and have 195 all round so then I could swap them front to back to even out wear. If I go for 215 size all round I will be losing the two good front tyres.
Thanks.

[francophile1947]

Thanks for replys, when I change the rears, could I put 195 size on and have 195 all round so then I could swap them front to back to even out wear. If I go for 215 size all round I will be losing the two good front tyres.
Thanks.

Well you certainly won't be the only person with that arrangement - not sure if it affects handling and tyre wear though

[Rhod]

BDC wrote

You don't HAVE to replace the tyres as "a set" on a 4wd bongo, but if you rotate the wheels regularly enough to balance out the wear, then the tyres will last longer "as a set",then you replace them as a set when the time comes.

I must admit I hadn't thought of doing that, but it makes a lot of sense. What mileage intervals do you reckon on rotating them BDC?

[scanner]

Thanks for replys, when I change the rears, could I put 195 size on and have 195 all round so then I could swap them front to back to even out wear. If I go for 215 size all round I will be losing the two good front tyres.
Thanks.

Well you certainly won't be the only person with that arrangement - not sure if it affects handling and tyre wear though

Mine had 195s all round when I got it and it handled like a pig.

You're better off selling them whilst they are still almost new.

Put them on Ebay as "Bongo" front tyres and you should get £300 each for them.

[splitpin]

Thanks for all replys and advice, think I'll be going for the 215's all round.