Left drift - 3 dealer survey & Tire trade in comments

[Animal]

I called three Toyota dealer service depts 1/26 and casually asked them if they're familiar with the Solara left pull/drift problem.

First one said, "Yes, we're pretty much just waiting to hear from Toyota. We've seen several vehicles for this problem and can't fix it."

Second one: "What left drift?"

Third: "You want to be put on our list of people to notify when we get word?"

I'm going with the third dealership, which just happens to be where I purchased - but is farthest away. Driving my Accord in the meantime...

BTW -
I went to a Bridgestone dealer and asked if he'd take my Turanzas in on trade towards some Michelins. (They have under 500 miles on them.) He was willing to put Pilot Sport A/S 225/50's in their place for $129 each. That works out to about $80 a piece for the Turanzas. Comments/thoughts?

[glenb]

You are lucky your dealer didn't give you a line of BS

[bigpow]

Glenb,
you beat me to it... LOL

[larietrope]

I have the 4 cylinder Solara with Michelins from the factory-no drift problem.

[fotodad]

BTW -
I went to a Bridgestone dealer and asked if he'd take my Turanzas in on trade towards some Michelins. (They have under 500 miles on them.) He was willing to put Pilot Sport A/S 225/50's in their place for $129 each. That works out to about $80 a piece for the Turanzas. Comments/thoughts?

That seems like a great deal! I'd jump on it! What is he going to charge you for balancing and mounting?

[Animal]

That seems like a great deal! I'd jump on it! What is he going to charge you for balancing and mounting?

We didn't get that far in our negotiations, just wanted to find out from him if it was a possibility.

Since I posted, I have written Bridgestone and they opened a case number for me. They'll consider whether to give me a credit towards an upgraded tire. If they don't, I think I'll strongly consider the Continental ContiExtremeContacts. They are highly rated at Tirerack.com and *much* less than the Michelins. (around $100 each)
215/50wr17 sound right? The 225's only come in 45s and I think the diameter is too small. What size Michelins did you decide on?

[fotodad]

What size Michelins did you decide on?

I hope I get this right.

Factory: 215/55-17
First set of Michelins: 225/55-17 (too big, rubbed on strut assembly)
current set of Michelins: 225/50-17 (perfect fit)

If you want me to double check these numbers to make sure I'm right, let me know.

[msz31]

fotodad, does your solara still experience left drift? My dad pointed out that he had a Jetta once that came with tires that were made from a defective mold so that any of the cars with those tires experienced a drift problem. Once the tire was replaced, the car was fine. I dont think Ive seen any posts on anyone checking the tires.

[fotodad]

For the most part, since I replaced the factory tires, the drift problem is gone. Now there have a been a few time when I've let go of the wheel on the highway and noticed a slight left drift, but it could easily have been due to wind or road conditions. Interesting thoughts on that tire mold condition you described.