I had my '03TT tires balanced on the road force machine at the dealer to try to cure a vibration at 70+ mph. Unfortunately this was not successful and the vibration now kicks in at 63+ mph. I will be taking the car back in for one final drive with the tech, with the probable result being that they will replace the Pirelli's with either Michelin's or Conti's. This is the second car I have owned that has had vibration issues with Pirelli's so I don't really want to go there again. Which would you choose, Michelin's or Conti's, and why?

 

I worked in the tire industry for almost 10 years. Michelin is the best tire money can buy...period. Michelin's technology and quality control is far superior to any other tire manufacturer.

That being said, the best tire balancing equipment in the world is only as good as the tech operating it. It has been my experience that techs at the dealership are rarely knowledgeable in this area. I would take it to a well-respected tire shop and have them look at the tires.

 

My '04 TT Cab came with Michelin Pilots. It also came with a vibration at around 80 mph +. I switched to 19s with Contis so I never bothered to have the dealer check it out (I assume it is a simple balancing problem). This is the 4th car I've had with Contis (all 19s) without any ride problems. They are also much quieter than Pirellis IMO.

 

I have Pilots and love them.

 

Contis...

 

i also had the vibration issue w/ the pirellis. pirelli replaced my 2 front tires under warranty which were out of round. bought 4 new pirellis and had to have them balanced 2x but finally got rid of the vibration. I had Pilot sports on my M5 and loved them. If money is no object I think the Pilot sports are the best.

 

P Zeros on the Turbo and Pilots on the GT2 and they are both great tires, I have had Contis on Bmw and Benz and like them on sport sedans but not a big fan of them on a full blown sports car, just my opinion.

 

I would buy the Michelin Pilots.

Every set of Pirellis that I have owned over the last several years have developed vibration, usually before 1/2 worn. I switched to Michelin last year and just went through a set of rears (10,000 miles) and the car was perfect until the day they were replaced. Now I am on the second set of rears with the original Michelin fronts and still no problems.

I am very pleased compared to my previous experience with the Pirellis, not to mention the car handles exceptionall well with the Ruf PSS-9/Michelin combination.

 

I use Michelin Pilots on all my cars. Less tire noise and handle better. You can't go wrong w/them.

 

Not to hijack but I have a slight vibration with the Yoko's on HRE 19's around 70 ish. Got better with road-force balancing. Does anyone with 19's have perfect, vibration free ride or is this a price to pay for aftermarket?

 

I doubt anyone here has a completely vibration-free ride in a 996 w/ 19's (or 18's for that matter). We really can't expect these cars to drive as smooth as your grandmother's Cadillac. Some tires are going to roll smoother than others, but none of them are going to be perfect.

 

Sure they can be "smooth"...........and one tire isn't inherently
easier to balance than another.
If you drive away from your shop and head out on some smooth asphalt, and feel vibration somewhere up the speedo....then turn around and go back.
Happens more than once, find a better shop.
Not holding balance is a dif issue.
As for 'the price you pay for aftermarket'..........should be no sacrifice.