I just replace my springs with some RCE yellows and while my 2005 STi was up on the rack, I noticed that my Rear Dif had a small leak... the car's still under warranty, however the last time I went to get an oil change (a while ago, since I change it myself now), the tech mentioned that my tires may void any drivetrain warranty because they are not the same height as stock, and that this height difference tends to put a lot of stress on the Dif... I have BFG G-Force KDW (size 245/45/17) on the car... I'm planning on taking it to the same dealer, basically, I would like to know if the extra height is what could be causing the leak... Anyone got any ideas??
if all 4 are the same size then it shouldn't matter i wouldnt think. could be wrong. i know subaru has huge warranty voiding cases where the tires are off only by a couple/32's of an inch.
Well all of the tires are the same... so I guess I will take it in to SOG Monday... thanks for the quick replies!
technically, yes, they can deny you warranty coverage because you didn't use the OEM size tires. That's probably not the reason for the damage, but if you take it to the wrong place that's what they'll claim. I'd go somewhere with common sense that won't try to screw you. ***Friendly reminder to all- Not that you did this, don't forget to not only never mix tires with different numerical SIZES, but also never mix numerically SAME sized tires of different BRANDS. A 225/45 isn't a 225/45 from every manufacturer.
SO... you guys think SOG is my best bet? I just put the springs on yesterday... so I hope they don't claim any voids related to mods, etc... b/c that's the ONLY suspension bit that's not stock
I mean, isnt 45mm 45mm? I know there is a slight variation from mfg to mfg, but, I'm running 35mm w/o any problems...
225/45 = 45% of 225mm (OEM) 245/45 = 45% of 245mm (wider and taller) 245/35 = 35% of 245mm (wider similar height) the slight variation between various manufacturer's interpretations of sizes can destroy your differentials.
The reason subaru warranty technically says that powertrain is void with non oe size tires is this: Most of the time...the ppl that break things, like axles, transmissions, diffs...etc...have largely oversized tires, maybe not oversized as in diameter, but width. Say, 255/40/17 vs the stock 205/55/16 or the 225/45/17. Mostly this is aimed at the guys who drag the cars and break something then. We rarely have issues with ppl who autox...as they understand MUCH better. Some road course guys we have trouble with....but for the most part, if things are explained in the correct manner, its a non issue. I'd bring it to SOG and *SPECIFICALLY* request me. It could be a gasket, seal, or loose drain plug. I'd have to see it.
On the tire size note, the tires that appear to be the same size like a 225/45-17 nankang vs 225/45-17 bridgestone arent for many reasons.. Main reason would be the steel belt package in both the tires are totaly different. In the nankang you have a minimal belt package required, but in the bridgestone you have a full belt package along with other features which give the tire a wider footprint. Also, the Uniform Tire Quality Grading (Ex. UTQG 280AA) with the two tires are different even if they appear the same.. Tire manufactures do not test their tires the same. You mix the 2 on anything awd = bad news. I could go on for awhile on this..
Uniform Tire Quality Grading is a relative comparison system. Tires are graded by manufacturers in three areas: treadwear, traction and temperature. The treadwear grade is a comparative rating based on the wear of a tire when tested carefully under controlled conditions. For example, a tire graded 400 should have its useful tread last twice as long as a tire graded 200. Treadwear grades are only valid for comparisons within a manufacturer's product line. Traction grades represent the tire's ability to stop on wet pavement as measured under controlled conditions on asphalt and concrete test surfaces. As of 1997, the traction grades from highest to lowest are "AA","A","B" and "C". The grades do not take into consideration the cornering or turning performance of a tire. Temperature grades represent a tire's resistance to heat and its ability to dissipate heat when tested under controlled laboratory test conditions. The grades from highest to lowest are "A","B" and "C" . The grade "C" corresponds to the minimum performance required by federal safety standard. pretty much explains everything...
a word of advice..dont go to sog..they'll void your warranty because of your tire change..then you'll have to fork out the money for a new diff..they want 4500 to replace my center..mine was..haha
also bjty, wasn't your warranty void because you used DIFFERENT tires on the backs or something? in his case it wouldn't matter
yea..but i read in the manual i think somethin about bigger tires..but im not sure..and if its in the manual they go by it strictly when it comes to warranty work
It depends on what the breakage IS....say you've got a split inner CV cup, and stock RE070s....its highly likely SOA would cover it. Say you've got the same breakage, but you have 255/40/17 Nevoas on the car. Your chances of getting it covered is nearly zero. However, if you've got some all season 245/40/17's...that the grip on those tires is most likely less than the RE070s...then the chances are higher than with the 255 neovas. But...lets assume your center diff is toasted and you've got 225/45 on the front and 245/40 on the rear. 0% chance of getting it covered. Now lets say you've got 225/45 front of brand A, and 225/45 of brand B on the back. Again, 0% chance. Same as if you had new of brand A on front and worn brand A on the back. Anything more than 2/32 tread difference...no chance.
exactly, as long as your tires arnt different( from to back brands/sizes) .. or way off from stock specs, it shouldn't matter.