tire pressure sensor?

[theghetto]

Hi LVC, got a couple questions for you.

I need new tires for my 1998 continental. The front tires are bald, and a bit of metal banding is starting to show on the outer edge of the driver side tire. (The next time I drive this car it will be straight to the garage to mount new tires)

My grandma gave me this car and I have no idea if all tires were purchased together, but the rears have a lot more tread left and even wear.

My concern on the front tires is the outer edges are severely worn compared to the inner sides. I've put less then a hundred miles on the car, and that outer edge went from minimal tread to bald and showing metal that quickly.

It has wicked torque steer off the line, it's actually handles much better if I turn OFF the traction control. It tracks smoothly and handles real nice once you are over 30 mph, but downright terrifying if you give it any power from a stop.

The steering wheel sits clockwise about 20 degrees, yet the car seems to drive very straight. So it seems to be aligned. I'd like to get the front end suspension checked out before tearing up new tires.

Any ideas on why the outer edges of the front tires would wear so damn fast compared to the inner?

Also, I live in Nevada, and TireRack has a warehouse 20 minutes away. I want new rims anyway, so I was thinking about just buying the tires and rims in a set, pre-mounted and balanced, then just pick them up so I don't have to pay the shipping. It seems like a great idea, but how does the tire pressure sensor work? Does it sit between tire and wheel, requiring a shop to install it for me, or is this something fairly easy to install? I mean, if you take off the tire to put on a spare, do you have to disconnect this sensor??

 

[theghetto]

Ahh, found out the pressure sensor attaches to the wheel behind the valve stem, and that I'd need to buy the parts extra if I wanted to replace both tire and wheel. Although, it only applies if the vehicle has the security package, which I have no idea.

 

[velocityboy]

Well, if you're not having any vibrations, it tracks straight, and the tire pressure is good, then I'd venture a guess that the uneven tire wear might be due to driving style.

Given your mention of torque steer and traction control, I'm assuming you're a pretty fast/aggressive driver? (not passing judgment, just making an observation). Taking turns faster than normal will wear out the outer edge of the front tires on pretty much any car. For a big, front-heavy, understeer prone car like the Continental, those fronts will take a real beating very quickly.

 

[theghetto]

Yes, no offense taken, I am definitely a "spirited" driver in all my vehicles. I actually take turns in this car very conservatively as this is a new vehicle to me and I don't know it's limits yet, but I'm quite enjoying taking it up to speed on the highway and on the straights. But it's just a weekend cruiser and I want to keep it in good condition.

Though my grandma did give me the car, my uncle, and his son had it in their possession for a couple years prior. When I received it, it only had 68k miles, but the brakes were grinding metal and the tires were already worn badly.

The front rotors were too gouged to machine, so I had to replace those and new pads all around. Got the tranny flushed and oil changed. My uncle also told me the steering "fell apart" and had to have something repaired, but didn't give me any other details. I'm thinking that is why the wheel doesn't sit at 12:00 when the tires are pointed forward.

I am really hoping the tires are just worn due to aggressive driving as you say, and poor rotation (look like they were never rotated.) Also from the scratches on the front bumper it looks like it took a beating while in their possession.

I've been seriously considering buying new wheels along with the tires, as the stock wheels are a bit bland, basically a flat metal plate. For better handling, do you think I could put a slightly wider wheel and tire, or is it best to stick with the stock specs? I'd like to be able to minimize the torque steer.

I'm not interested in putting a real low profile tire or blinging it out, just a nice looking tire that can offer better performance with a clean looking rim.

 

[theghetto]

Just a followup,

I bought some Michelin Primacy mxv4, stock size, stock wheels.

Had the car checked out at a reputable shop. Front end was totally out of alignment, rear was perfect. One of the wheels had some serious scrapes and scratches on the rim, so it had obviously smashed against something pretty hard. The guy only charged me half price as he didn't have to touch the back end.

After alignment, the steering wheel is straight again, and the car drives completely different. It is so much quieter and easier to control. Can't believe the difference. The Michelin Primacy's are incredible.

PS. no tire pressure sensors luckily