ply seperation...

[K_Josh87]

Can anyone discribe how a ply separation would feel in a pickup? And how in the world do you know this is whats going on???

[Jeremy airjer W]

When it gets bad enough and if the tire is on the front you will feel the steering wheel shake back and forth. If it's on the rear you will feel a vibration at higher speeds and possibly feel a wobble in the seat at slower speeds.

Typically a careful examination of the tire tread will reveal spots with less tread. This would be the separated area. Rotating the tires by hand and feeling them with the other can also reveal a high spot where the separation would be.

[Capt. H (Ret.)]

I had that happen years ago. Both rear tires. You could see in certain places that the tread had moved over. Shake!! Shake!!! Shake!!!

Mike

[K_Josh87]

thanks guys, this is how my truck feels, but no obvious signs... and had then rotated and they just said they where very out of balance... but i still get the shakes....

[delcecchi]

Here is a way to check. The problem with a separated ply is that the tire isn't round any more. Tires need to be round. I would take a piece of wire and fasten it to the fender of the truck and bend it so it is very close to the tread. Then rotate the wheel (truck needs to be jacked up obviously) slowly while watching the space between the wire and tread. It should be obvious whether the tire is round or not.

Of course a tire place might be able to tell also but what is the fun in that?

[K_Josh87]

Thats a simple check that makes since to me... thank you!

[Scott K]

Or just jack it up, so the tire is an inch off the ground, look under the tire while spinning it.

[Macgyver55]

I've always just stood a hammer on its head next to the tire while turning the tire slowly.