Replace 1 rear tire with new..diff problem?
Thread Starter
On The Tree
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 100
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From: Seattle
Replace 1 rear tire with new..diff problem? 2001 Camaro SS, 275/40-17 tires.
I have an un-repairable flat rear tire. Tire shop says I cannot replace just 1 rear tire, because the different size between new and half worn will "burn up" my rear differential, due to different wheel speed.
Obviously, I could just put the new tire on the front and it won't matter.
But, I think 2 slightly different sized rear tires is fine with the diff. What's the answer?
Thanks.
I have an un-repairable flat rear tire. Tire shop says I cannot replace just 1 rear tire, because the different size between new and half worn will "burn up" my rear differential, due to different wheel speed.
Obviously, I could just put the new tire on the front and it won't matter.
But, I think 2 slightly different sized rear tires is fine with the diff. What's the answer?
Thanks.
went down a couple blocks and got them changed there with no problem. Wasn't the first time I had problems there but it will be the last 
I Don't even take one of my 3 vehicles in for an oil change. All work done by me......... other than tires of course. Anyways, like already mentioned unless there is a drastic change you'll be fine. If its the same size tire you will be fine for sure IMO.
Are you saying the shop won't do it, or is that just a suggestion of theirs? If they won't do it I'd recommend a new shop. I don't believe it would burn up your differential... everytime you turn one wheel will spin faster than the other.
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lol, if you had a locker or something like that then it would cause extra stress, but with an open diff youll be fine, it can in fact cause extra wear, but for something really close, it wouldnt matter really, why dont you just buy two?
This shop had wet dreams hoping he'd say something like this.
You'll be fine. Buy a tire and have it put on at a different shop and never return to the one that told you this crap in the first place.
I just had to replace one of my new rear tires because it had a nail in the sidewall.. I replaced it with a used tire of the same brand and style with about 60% tread left on it. If anything, I notice a little more rear wheel hop and that's about it. It all might be in my head too.. 
TECH Addict
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 2,379
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on hard launches, you'll have one side doing the preferential wheel hop and break loose scenario.
In theory one tire will spin at a different rate than the other putting a bit of strain on the clutch packs of a auburn type diff and strain on the worm gears of the torsen diffs or both if you have the T2 Heavy Torsen.
The best thing to do is to switch up your fronts to the rears. Damn shops always trying to sneak a way in for a few extra bucks. If they do want you want them to do, don't they realize that they have the makings of a repeat customer? I'm all for the shop that does what I want. I'll keep coming back to them as long as I get what I want for the price I want.
You could always "even" them out the RWD way... water on the new tire, dry on the old and giver some good burn outs heh. That'll shave off a few mm of life.
In theory one tire will spin at a different rate than the other putting a bit of strain on the clutch packs of a auburn type diff and strain on the worm gears of the torsen diffs or both if you have the T2 Heavy Torsen.
The best thing to do is to switch up your fronts to the rears. Damn shops always trying to sneak a way in for a few extra bucks. If they do want you want them to do, don't they realize that they have the makings of a repeat customer? I'm all for the shop that does what I want. I'll keep coming back to them as long as I get what I want for the price I want.
You could always "even" them out the RWD way... water on the new tire, dry on the old and giver some good burn outs heh. That'll shave off a few mm of life.
You have to watch yourself no matter what shop you go to bottom line.
Example:
I had a shop tell me my whole rear end was trash and I need a new one and that I couldnt even drive it home. Took my keys, drove it out of the garage. It was the crush sleeve
Example:
I had a shop tell me my whole rear end was trash and I need a new one and that I couldnt even drive it home. Took my keys, drove it out of the garage. It was the crush sleeve
TECH Fanatic
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 1,407
Likes: 63
From: Knappa, Oregon
Shops try to protect themselves from lawsuits. Your car will handle a little different and might not react well under hard braking. Most shops around here will no longer put just 2 studded tires on cars for that reason. It's all 4 or they won't do.
Also if you put one new tire on, they will all try to equalize. Meaning you are going to wear the new one out fairly fast. But, no, it won't hurt your rear end at all.
Also if you put one new tire on, they will all try to equalize. Meaning you are going to wear the new one out fairly fast. But, no, it won't hurt your rear end at all.
