Tire scrub damage

[sbeers]

I noticed some damage to the rear tires (both drive and tag) have some damage likely from scrubbing a curb. Photos are of drive tire. Tag not as bad, but similar. Not sure if this needs attention or is OK. Tires are Continental HSR2, size 12R 22.5, date codes are 3416 (August 2016) and 1716 (April 2016). They look fine other than this damage, which is the edge of a ridge between the side wall and tread. Opinions welcome. Thanks!

[Lt Dan]

I would definitely have that checked by a reputable tire dealer. That scrub looks like it's torn the rubber back. It may just be on the outer skin layer, but only an off rim evaluation can tell.

[Nomad757]

As a commercial bus driver, that damage would put me out of service until replaced. Plus, the mechanic would chew me out but good.
Damon

[lllkrob]

You need to take your coach to a truck tire dealer and have those tires inspected. I would suspect enough sidewall damage to require replacement.

[sbeers]

Thanks, is this expected from scrubbing just one curb? I see trucks running curbs all the time. I did scrub one, on a tight right turn in a crowded town. So should I avoid these turns at all cost in the future?

[TimothyP]

The crack is the only part that concerns me; I think it does warrant professional inspection. That much damage from a curb scrub is very surprising, I would also ask the tire guy whether he thinks it's just bad luck or what.

[BillJinOR]

There are tires .. like the toyo m144 that were designed as bus tires with reinforced sidewalls
Scrubbing tires .. any tire is damaging. A light rub .. maybe ok but it looks like it cracked the rubber.
Should you avoid those turns ? Yes if you don’t have the skill to not rub the curb. You should know You can avoid Those scrubs on almost any turn in a city ( watch city busses for how) generally making the turn late and into the oncoming traffic lane , wait for it to clear if needed , which is the legal way to do a turn like that

[sbeers]

Ok, thanks. Vehicles this big (42.5 feet) are new for me, and I did a lousy job on that turn. I will have them checked out and be more careful in the future.

[sbeers]

One final question, if I need 2 new tires (drive and tag on right side), should I replace both on an axle (the tag for example), and have the good tag tire moved up to the drive axle? They are 4 years old, so still a couple years left in them.

[texasrs]

Nomad 757


Who did you drive a bus with?


Ray

[Ray,IN]

The main concern is tire cord damage and opening in the outer rubber that can allow water into the steel cords. The bare steel cords will corrode if exposed to moisture,but be undetected until a tire failure occurs.
I also recommend a professional off-rim inspection for the tires involved.


I recommend more practice in making sharp turns, use a vacant parking lot. Set out a cone and make a close turn. Then measure the distance between the steer and drive tire marks on the pavement or gravel at the sharpest point of your turn.
Now practice more. Every MH driver has curbed tires at some time of their driving, not repeating it is the goal.

[Piros1]

Originally Posted by sbeers

One final question, if I need 2 new tires (drive and tag on right side), should I replace both on an axle (the tag for example), and have the good tag tire moved up to the drive axle? They are 4 years old, so still a couple years left in them.

I think you would be fine doing this provided your tires are the same height and size. In other words let’s say your tag tires are scrubbed and worn more than your drive tires and they are a bit shorter due to wear them what happens is the taller tire cares more of the load. A good reputable tire guy can help you through this. My best guess is you should be OK. I say guess because I am not looking at or measuring your tires.

[sbeers]

Thanks everyone. I will get them checked out.

[Ivylog]

I would just swap the opposite tag with the drive.