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Author Topic: Swapping wheel front to back??  (Read 6932 times)

Offline Mako V12V

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Swapping wheel front to back??
« on: October 22, 2009, 02:19:20 pm »
I think the tyres on my Ed30 are the originals and having covered around 12400 miles the fronts have no more than 3mm on them and the rears have loads - at least 5mm.

Question - can the front wheels & tyres be swapped round with the rears no problems? Do other people do this?

Also, what mileages do people get out of their front tyres?

Cheers - Phil
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Offline RobsCupra

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Re: Swapping wheel front to back??
« Reply #1 on: October 22, 2009, 02:30:53 pm »
Yup, they surely can!

I got nearly 18k out of my front tyres, but 75% of that was on the m'way.
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Offline Hurdy

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Re: Swapping wheel front to back??
« Reply #2 on: October 22, 2009, 03:02:19 pm »
Yes you can swap the wheels over, however it is wise to keep the tyres with the most tread on the rear. When you change your fronts for new ones, simply put them on the back and move the part worn rears onto the front :happy2:
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Offline Oli

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Re: Swapping wheel front to back??
« Reply #3 on: October 22, 2009, 07:15:07 pm »
Yes you can swap the wheels over, however it is wise to keep the tyres with the most tread on the rear. When you change your fronts for new ones, simply put them on the back and move the part worn rears onto the front :happy2:

New Tyres always to the front , they are the steering wheels and in most cases the driven wheels. This is basic mechanics to do this.
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Offline Hurdy

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Re: Swapping wheel front to back??
« Reply #4 on: October 22, 2009, 07:25:58 pm »
Yes you can swap the wheels over, however it is wise to keep the tyres with the most tread on the rear. When you change your fronts for new ones, simply put them on the back and move the part worn rears onto the front :happy2:

New Tyres always to the front , they are the steering wheels and in most cases the driven wheels. This is basic mechanics to do this.

If you put the new wheels to the front on a FWD car then you'll be risking breakaway oversteer as the fronts will have more grip than the rear. It is safer to put the new wheels on the rear, then you will simply get understeer when the traction limit is breached. Lift-off oversteer is also an added element with the GTI/ED30 when the grippier tyres are put on the front. If you had a heavy, low powered FWD car, then it wouldn't matter, but in a performance car or a car you may take on track you'll be safer with the best tyres at the back. :smiley:
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Offline Oli

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Re: Swapping wheel front to back??
« Reply #5 on: October 22, 2009, 07:33:45 pm »
I can see your logic, but you seem to be talking more about on the limit driving, which you admit. Whereas this probably only makes up 10% of an average persons driving.

However, my years in the motortrade, and I've been on numerous tyre / suspension courses, the safest and best place for new Tyres is on the front.

I think it best we agree to disagree on this one
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Offline Andy

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Re: Swapping wheel front to back??
« Reply #6 on: October 22, 2009, 07:34:39 pm »
Yes you can swap the wheels over, however it is wise to keep the tyres with the most tread on the rear. When you change your fronts for new ones, simply put them on the back and move the part worn rears onto the front :happy2:

New Tyres always to the front , they are the steering wheels and in most cases the driven wheels. This is basic mechanics to do this.

If you put the new wheels to the front on a FWD car then you'll be risking breakaway oversteer as the fronts will have more grip than the rear. It is safer to put the new wheels on the rear, then you will simply get understeer when the traction limit is breached. Lift-off oversteer is also an added element with the GTI/ED30 when the grippier tyres are put on the front. If you had a heavy, low powered FWD car, then it wouldn't matter, but in a performance car or a car you may take on track you'll be safer with the best tyres at the back. :smiley:
when i was at colllage doing apprentice mechanic i always thought the new ones to the front--but when i went into fast fitting the correct way i was advised of  tyre reps and their boffins like hurdy has stated--just go with what your happy with
« Last Edit: October 22, 2009, 07:37:27 pm by maxitrol »

Offline RedRobin

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Re: Swapping wheel front to back??
« Reply #7 on: October 22, 2009, 07:36:27 pm »
^^^^
I agree with Hurdy on this one (for FWD cars). Also, it's as recommended to me by Goodyear Technical for my F1 Assymetrics and my VW dealer.

No, it's not just for 'on the limit' driving, Oli. It's a FWD thingy - Very important to do all you can to keep that rear end from overtaking you!


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Offline Hurdy

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Re: Swapping wheel front to back??
« Reply #8 on: October 22, 2009, 07:38:12 pm »
I can see your logic, but you seem to be talking more about on the limit driving, which you admit. Whereas this probably only makes up 10% of an average persons driving.

However, my years in the motortrade, and I've been on numerous tyre / suspension courses, the safest and best place for new Tyres is on the front.

I think it best we agree to disagree on this one

Agreed....err.....disagreed.....errr.....agreed to disagree :laugh:
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Offline Andy

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Re: Swapping wheel front to back??
« Reply #10 on: October 22, 2009, 07:44:27 pm »
Looks like things have moved on a bit then, one of my courses was at Mira!!!

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Offline Oli

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Re: Swapping wheel front to back??
« Reply #11 on: October 22, 2009, 07:45:31 pm »
I'll put an email into another of my tyre suppliers, to get any more info. 
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Offline jhtrophy

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Re: Swapping wheel front to back??
« Reply #12 on: October 22, 2009, 07:55:59 pm »
well i put best ones on front but i know nowt!and i hate understeer :signLOL:
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Offline Hurdy

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Re: Swapping wheel front to back??
« Reply #13 on: October 22, 2009, 08:01:25 pm »
well i put best ones on front but i know nowt!and i hate understeer :signLOL:

So do I, but I hate the thought of snap oversteer more :laugh:
« Last Edit: October 22, 2009, 08:09:07 pm by Hurdy »
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Offline neg

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Re: Swapping wheel front to back??
« Reply #14 on: October 22, 2009, 08:08:31 pm »
If you put them on the front just take it easy until there are bedded in - same goes for the back really.

what if I am replacing all 4 tyres  :driver: