245/65R17 Tires On The Rear...

[Taildragger]

I'm looking for anyone with real knowledge (not theoretical, or deep opinions without facts) on the reality of using different size tires between the front and back on an AWD Maverick.

I have the stock 225/65R17 tires on the front, and just today had Mastercraft Stratus AP 245/65R17 tires mounted on the rear. At tiresize.com I see there's a 1" difference on diameter.

So, does anyone have any actual experience or knowledge of anyone having long term drivetrain issues when having tires 1" different in diameter between the front and the rear?

I suspect it's not likely to be an issue since the Maverick functions as front wheel drive for the vast majority of the time.

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[BlueRaven]

the awd system using the wheel speed sensors is going to sense slip. it will engage the awd system when it isnt supposed to. it will cause wear on the whole drivetrain that isnt needed. just get the same size tires on the front and not be an idiot.

 

[Taildragger]

the awd system using the wheel speed sensors is going to sense slip. it will engage the awd system when it isnt supposed to. it will cause wear on the whole drivetrain that isnt needed. just get the same size tires on the front and not be an idiot.

All sounds very theoretical to me

 

[Montana]

All sounds very theoretical to me

It's not.

The system needs the same size tires otherwise it disables itself like when you put the smaller spare tire on.

Why would you want a rear tire that is bigger anyways? Isn't there enough rake as it is? Kinda the opposite of your name too You'd be a front end dragger.

 

[Taildragger]

It's not.

The system needs the same size tires otherwise it disables itself like when you put the smaller spare tire on.

Why would you want a rear tire that is bigger anyways? Isn't there enough rake as it is? Kinda the opposite of your name too You'd be a front end dragger.

What I specifically want is a wider tire, and planned to get 235/60R17 as they have essentially the same diameter as stock, but tires that size are rare. Michelin has one that's available, but it's expensive and not the tread is like.

The tires I got are inexpensive, much wider, the right tread, and only a little larger in diameter. And right now, I'd rather not have to replace all the tires.

I believe this subject is the kind where everyone is an expert, and yet almost no one really knows the truth. I may just have to report my experience over time.

 

[Montana]

What I specifically want is a wider tire, and planned to get 235/60R17 as they have essentially the same diameter as stock, but tires that size are rare. Michelin has one that's available, but it's expensive and not the tread is like.

The tires I got are inexpensive, much wider, the right tread, and only a little larger in diameter. And right now, I'd rather not have to replace all the tires.

I believe this subject is the kind where everyone is an expert, and yet almost no one really knows the truth. I may just have to report my experience over time.

TBF, the owner's manual states that it's best to replace in pairs, but that's assuming they are the same size. Then it states " To avoid potential All-Wheel Drive (AWD) malfunction or (AWD) system damage, it is recommended to replace all four tires rather than mixing significantly worn tires with new tires. " Page 335.

Obviously there is some discretion involved, as you can run that smaller sized spare but it's not recommended for very long IIRC I think it's something like 50 miles or less to avoid damage. The issue there is revolutions per mile and the system doesn't compensate properly with a single tire being smaller/bigger. I'd assume it's less of an issue with the same size in pairs? I'm not certain though. Regardless, there is evidence that supports "mismatched" tires has caused damage to differentials in AWD systems again I think largely for single use tires. I think most will just wonder "why?".

235 is being used as a stock replacement so it's doubtful you will have any issues and if cost/budget is the concern, then it's understandable. But there still isn't much of a reason to only swap the rears out since your fronts should likely wear before the rears assuming you never rotated. Proper rotation would mean all 4 tires wear evenly. So again it begs the question why? Are your rears just worn? You'd think being part time AWD and most time FWD you'd replace the fronts first? I dunno... just seems like more of a planning issue and something I've honestly never heard of happening before. So I'd love to know for certain to!

 

[Taildragger]

TBF, the owner's manual states that it's best to replace in pairs, but that's assuming they are the same size. Then it states " To avoid potential All-Wheel Drive (AWD) malfunction or (AWD) system damage, it is recommended to replace all four tires rather than mixing significantly worn tires with new tires. " Page 335.

Obviously there is some discretion involved, as you can run that smaller sized spare but it's not recommended for very long IIRC I think it's something like 50 miles or less to avoid damage. The issue there is revolutions per mile and the system doesn't compensate properly with a single tire being smaller/bigger. I'd assume it's less of an issue with the same size in pairs? I'm not certain though. Regardless, there is evidence that supports "mismatched" tires has caused damage to differentials in AWD systems again I think largely for single use tires. I think most will just wonder "why?".

235 is being used as a stock replacement so it's doubtful you will have any issues and if cost/budget is the concern, then it's understandable. But there still isn't much of a reason to only swap the rears out since your fronts should likely wear before the rears assuming you never rotated. Proper rotation would mean all 4 tires wear evenly. So again it begs the question why? Are your rears just worn? You'd think being part time AWD and most time FWD you'd replace the fronts first? I dunno... just seems like more of a planning issue and something I've honestly never heard of happening before. So I'd love to know for certain to!

I'm at 41,000 miles, and the fronts were worn out, specifically because I didn't rotate at any time. So, when I got the new tires today, they went on the rear, and the original rear tires, with very little wear, are moved to the front. There's been quite a difference in size for the last 5,000 miles (heavily worn fronts and very little worn rears) tho I admit that the new difference is a possibly twice as much as the difference I had with the original tires, worn vs barely worn.

My interest is in finding someone who knows of actual damage caused on an AWD vehicle because of a 1" difference in diameter from front to rear. Obviously, more specifically my interest is related to the Maverick as each manufacturer (and even models from the same mfg) have different methods of implementing AWD systems.

 

[Montana]

Well, if you want facts they are not hard to find:

https://www.tirerack.com/upgrade-ga...-an-allwheel-drive-or-fourwheel-drive-vehicle

Different size tires means different amounts of rotation at the differentials (in your case, front and rear). As stated before, this will cause issues with the AWD system. Nothing wrong with replacing in pairs as long as they are the same size tires.

Good luck.

 

[ATXTACOS]

Sorry, but I think not rotating tires in 41,000 miles kind of sets the tone for the conversation. I'm sure everything will be fine.

 

[Taildragger]

Sorry, but I think not rotating tires in 41,000 miles kind of sets the tone for the conversation. I'm sure everything will be fine.

My issue is that I've been around enough different worlds where theory pushers go on and on about things that don't actually manifest as an issue in the real world. I'm not saying that's the situation here, in fact that's the point, I'm looking for someone with actual real-world knowledge of it causing a problem, not just theoretical explanation for what could happen. I've had multiple AWD vehicles and have never rotated tires.... and never had an issue. So yeah, so far everything has been fine. But you might have noticed that I'm curious about this 1" different diameter issue, not ignoring that it could be a problem, and looking for some real-world feedback. I'm just not finding any of it.

 

[LC48]

Your suspicion that this is all going to be okay is far more theoretical than the info you've been given in this thread -

 

[Montana]

I'm just curious what the actual benefit of not rotating tires actually is? Especially on AWD vehicles and doubly so if they are all time AWD. Either way, you've got feedback, you are just choosing to ignore it. Not sure why anyone else would bother contributing if you already know the answer you want to hear - which isn't the answers you are being given and never will get.

 

[Skulls Road]

Just let em do it. Stop giving advice.

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