Newbie owner, and my first question is about..... TYRES!

[JetSpanner]

Hello all, I'm loving the bongo lifestyle with my new 95 aft 2.5d 4WD in green over silver .
I'm starting to learn that bongo owning isn't without its issues, so heres mine:
I've been noticing a bit of transmission whine at speed, so did a bit of research on here and think its down to tyre sizes. Fronts are 195/70r15c104/102S, all good, except for a bit of scuffing on the outside edge. The backs however are 215/70r15c109/107R - over 4% larger than the fronts - not good! They look new so hopefully not too much damage has been done to the viscous coupling, but before I fork out for new tyres, I wouldnt mind some advice off you lovely helpful lot on here
1. Should I just get 215/70's for the front? Anyone else running 70's all around and would it pass an m.o.t?
2. If I did get new 215/70 fronts, would it sort whatevers scuffing the outside edges? I',m pretty sure its not tracking because it was done recently. If its something to do with transmission wind up would it be resolved? I dont want to wreck a new pair of tyres.
3. would I be better off getting 215/65's for the rears, bearing in mind the fronts are fairly new, but probably a bit more worn than the rears. If i did this, anyone want to buy a pair of nearly new 215/70's
4. I was wondering whether to just disconnect the front driveshafts until it needs new tyres. Is it doable working out on the street? I've read the factsheet, is it basically just the first part of that, removing the caliper etc? Not sure I've got a 35mm socket though.

[Muzorewa]

I'd leave the fronts and put 215/65 on the rear.

I've done about 250,000km with the original Mazda setup of 195/70 front, 215/65 rear. I know most people run 215/65 all round but we've stuck with what Mazda say - after all, after you've mown down a bus-shelter full of school kids and the accident investigation shows you were running non-standard tyres, what defence have you got then m'Lud - same goes for all you people running RX8 wheels

We get uneven wear on the fronts which eventually gives some noise and a bit of vibration, so we don't get the life out of them we perhaps could, probably 30,000km at best. We've tried Continental Vanco Contact 2, GoodYear GT2, Avon Avanza AV9, Barum Cargo and Barum Vanis. The Contis give amazing grip in the snow & ice but don't last so long, you pays your money etc

[JetSpanner]

Thats a good point regarding insurance etc. Has anyone on here run into problems with plod or insurance running non standard tyres? Or had m.o.t. troubles?

[Simon Jones]

I would say about 90% of folk run with the same size on front and rear with no issues either for insurance or MOT as that is the configuration that almost every other car manufactured uses. There are several advantages including if you have a problem and need to move a wheel from front to back you won't come unstuck mixing different size types on the same axle (which would be an MOT failure and possibly invalidate your insurance). It also means if you get a full size spare spare, you don't have to worry about which size to get.

[windywatson]

With regard to insurance, I would suspect like myself owners have fitted what they think is the best solution to thier tyre needs and never even picked up the phone to the insurance providers & asked if they would be happy to accept the vehicle on none manufactures sizes. I expect exactly the same of those who are changing to none standard rim sizes.
Here's the question, has anyone out there asked thier insurance company & what did they say?

I have always stuck to what is recommended as the manufactures have spent time & money in disigning thier vehicles. With the exception of my last purchase of tyres when it was difficult to get tyres the correct size. When I took the advice of the suppliers who used a calculatore to ensure that the % differance is as small as possible.

Cheers

[teenmal]

With regard to insurance, I would suspect like myself owners have fitted what they think is the best solution to thier tyre needs and never even picked up the phone to the insurance providers & asked if they would be happy to accept the vehicle on none manufactures sizes. I expect exactly the same of those who are changing to none standard rim sizes.
Here's the question, has anyone out there asked thier insurance company & what did they say?

I have always stuck to what is recommended as the manufactures have spent time & money in disigning thier vehicles. With the exception of my last purchase of tyres when it was difficult to get tyres the correct size. When I took the advice of the suppliers who used a calculatore to ensure that the % differance is as small as possible.

Cheers

You are absolutely correct,vehicle manufacturers spend a very lot of time and money on design and safety,I think we should acknowledge the fact that they are the experts .The Insurance Companies do,otherwise they would not insure their vehicles.

[JetSpanner]

All things considered I think my best option is to fit 215/65's to the rears and sell the 215/70's. If all is then well with the fronts and they arent wearing unevenly I might change them to 215/65. If I've still got problems, then I'll consider disconnecting the driveshafts.
Anyone bought online with this site? http://www.tyre-shopper.co.uk/products? ... &width=215
£59 a corner fitted seems ok. I would have to pop to National tyres to be fitted.

[David Edwards]

£45.50 fully fitted here in Wales, Nangkang tyre as well, 215 65 15.

[JetSpanner]

Thats a good price. I live in Cardiff so where is that?

[mikexgough]

My 17's are listed on my insurance..... all okay as Load Rating is 101, so comfortably above the factory rated 96...