MK5 Golf GTI

All Things Mk5 => Mk5 General Area => Topic started by: Mako V12V on October 22, 2009, 02:19:20 pm

Title: Swapping wheel front to back??
Post by: Mako V12V 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
Title: Re: Swapping wheel front to back??
Post by: RobsCupra 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.
Title: Re: Swapping wheel front to back??
Post by: Hurdy 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:
Title: Re: Swapping wheel front to back??
Post by: Oli 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.
Title: Re: Swapping wheel front to back??
Post by: Hurdy 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:
Title: Re: Swapping wheel front to back??
Post by: Oli 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
Title: Re: Swapping wheel front to back??
Post by: Andy 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
Title: Re: Swapping wheel front to back??
Post by: RedRobin 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!
Title: Re: Swapping wheel front to back??
Post by: Hurdy 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:
Title: Re: Swapping wheel front to back??
Post by: Andy on October 22, 2009, 07:39:30 pm
found this
http://www.michelin.co.uk/michelinuk/en/car-4x4-van/less-worn-tyres-rear/20070314172074.html
Title: Re: Swapping wheel front to back??
Post by: Oli on October 22, 2009, 07:44:27 pm
Looks like things have moved on a bit then, one of my courses was at Mira!!!

I am in the process of eating my trght arm........
Title: Re: Swapping wheel front to back??
Post by: Oli on October 22, 2009, 07:45:31 pm
I'll put an email into another of my tyre suppliers, to get any more info. 
Title: Re: Swapping wheel front to back??
Post by: jhtrophy on October 22, 2009, 07:55:59 pm
well i put best ones on front but i know nowt!and i hate understeer :signLOL:
Title: Re: Swapping wheel front to back??
Post by: Hurdy 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:
Title: Re: Swapping wheel front to back??
Post by: neg 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:
Title: Re: Swapping wheel front to back??
Post by: Hurdy on October 22, 2009, 08:10:03 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:

Put them all on the rear :grin:
Title: Re: Swapping wheel front to back??
Post by: Andy on October 22, 2009, 08:13:06 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:

Put them all on the rear :grin:
:laugh:
Title: Re: Swapping wheel front to back??
Post by: RedRobin on October 22, 2009, 08:33:25 pm

what if I am replacing all 4 tyres  :driver:

Put them all on the rear :grin:


....Propa dragsta!! Who needs front tyres!

(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.etapetki.com.pl%2Fgalleries%2Fsport%2Fwyscigi_samochodw%2FMiller_Lite_Top_Fuel_Dragster.jpg&hash=39dd436866f7e3ab0ad26e50a29cff3277d46476)
Title: Re: Swapping wheel front to back??
Post by: RedRobin on October 22, 2009, 08:36:19 pm
....

If you are replacing all 4 then, on a FWD car, your front pair will wear quickest and so you'll naturally have the deeper tread on the rear in due course anyway. Then move the rear pair to the front axle when the original front pair wear out.
Title: Re: Swapping wheel front to back??
Post by: jhtrophy on October 22, 2009, 08:41:26 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:
dont lift off then :grin:
Title: Re: Swapping wheel front to back??
Post by: Greeners on October 22, 2009, 08:43:08 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:
dont lift off then :grin:

 :signLOL:

Best tyres on the front for me as it will be far safer for 99.9% of my daily driving!  :happy2:
Title: Re: Swapping wheel front to back??
Post by: Hurdy on October 22, 2009, 08:46:10 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:
dont lift off then :grin:
I don't....just ask Greenouse :evilgrin:
Title: Re: Swapping wheel front to back??
Post by: RedRobin on October 22, 2009, 08:47:23 pm

Looks like things have moved on a bit then, one of my courses was at Mira!!!

I am in the process of eating my trght arm........


(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.michelin.co.uk%2Fmichelinuk%2FImageServlet%3FimageCode%3D8910622072%26amp%3BcodeSite%3DMICHUK&hash=92198a53c5e444f81bd3761a03d98baef1954053)

Title: Re: Swapping wheel front to back??
Post by: cmdrfire on October 22, 2009, 08:58:43 pm
Snap oversteer in FWD car = bad, mmkay?

Understeering you at least see how you're going to die.
Title: Re: Swapping wheel front to back??
Post by: jhtrophy on October 22, 2009, 09:01:12 pm
if your taking a corner properly in a fwd car the rear wont real let go unless your being a real tool. i was one last week :signLOL:
Title: Re: Swapping wheel front to back??
Post by: Greeners on October 22, 2009, 09:34:41 pm
if your taking a corner properly in a fwd car the rear wont real let go unless your being a real tool. i was one last week :signLOL:

Were not arguing!  :signLOL:

I wouldn't say I'm a pussy when it comes to driving my car but I've never experienced any kind of oversteer, but plenty of understeer so whatever the 'experts' say I'll stick with the best tyres on the front of my car!  :wink:

Although saying that I did get a bit of oversteer in the .:R at Castle Combe!  :driver:
Title: Re: Swapping wheel front to back??
Post by: RedRobin on October 22, 2009, 09:56:49 pm

I wouldn't say I'm a pussy when it comes to driving my car but I've never experienced any kind of oversteer, but plenty of understeer so whatever the 'experts' say I'll stick with the best tyres on the front of my car!  :wink:


....You don't hang about!

Have you driven with ESP Off? - I found that I was experiencing much more feedback about oversteer with it off. The Quaife seems to kill understeer within the limits of my style of driving.
Title: Re: Swapping wheel front to back??
Post by: Jules86 on October 22, 2009, 09:58:01 pm
I would get some new ones all round (did on my old car) and sell on the others, you would be suprised how much you can get even from a garage for a set of 4 used tyres!
Title: Re: Swapping wheel front to back??
Post by: Greeners on October 22, 2009, 10:02:03 pm

I wouldn't say I'm a pussy when it comes to driving my car but I've never experienced any kind of oversteer, but plenty of understeer so whatever the 'experts' say I'll stick with the best tyres on the front of my car!  :wink:


....You don't hang about!

Have you driven with ESP Off? - I found that I was experiencing much more feedback about oversteer with it off. The Quaife seems to kill understeer within the limits of my style of driving.

In the .:R yes but in the ED30 no.
Title: Re: Swapping wheel front to back??
Post by: chungster on October 22, 2009, 10:15:52 pm
i tend to swap them round after 5k miles to get front and back to be the same tread depth (and swap all 4 in one go)

but yes i agree with hurdy that new tyres should really go on the back for the understeer is safer reason.

but i tend to do the opposite...as i like the rear end to be a bit lively!  :grin:

here's a question tho regarding space savers.

why do people put these on the front wheels if a car is FWD?  are you not supposed to put them on the rear if car is FWD? I mean, the front wheels are doing the driving and steering so u'd want a proper wheel on there surely? I've used the space saver couple of times and i've always moved one of the rears to the front if it was a front tyre that got punctured.

can't remember if the manual says this or not tho! 
Title: Re: Swapping wheel front to back??
Post by: jhtrophy on October 22, 2009, 10:32:17 pm
Agree with greenhouse. Fwd needs best on front as lots of power going through front needs grip and as said back does not kick out unless you ask it to. My Mazda on other hand nearly killed me in rain other day at 30 mph!!! Lol
Title: Re: Swapping wheel front to back??
Post by: Mako V12V on October 23, 2009, 12:45:36 pm
Thanks for all the replies  :happy2:

I think what i'll do is to move the rears with 5mm+ on them to the front and the fronts with 3mm- to the rear. Hopefully then i'll have more grip over winter and by next summer all tyres will probably need replacing.

Otherwise the fronts will need replacing quite soon and i dont wanna have to shell out for 2 new front tyres at mo as i'm skint!
Title: Re: Swapping wheel front to back??
Post by: Teutonic_Tamer on October 23, 2009, 07:02:28 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.

I think you have misunderstood.  The reason why the best tyres should go on the rear is nothing to do with driving 'on the limit'.  It is actually to help in moments when ANY kind of driver needs to lift off the throttle when negociating a corner - maybe due to an unseen or missed obsticle.


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

^ x2  :smiley:
Title: Re: Swapping wheel front to back??
Post by: Phil Mcavity on October 23, 2009, 07:10:47 pm
if your taking a corner properly in a fwd car the rear wont real let go unless your being a real tool. i was one last week :signLOL:

Were not arguing!  :signLOL:



Although saying that I did get a bit of oversteer in the .:R at Castle Combe!  :driver:
and leaving castle coombe if i remember rightly  :innocent:
Title: Re: Swapping wheel front to back??
Post by: Greeners on October 23, 2009, 07:23:11 pm
if your taking a corner properly in a fwd car the rear wont real let go unless your being a real tool. i was one last week :signLOL:

Were not arguing!  :signLOL:



Although saying that I did get a bit of oversteer in the .:R at Castle Combe!  :driver:
and leaving castle coombe if i remember rightly  :innocent:

Nah, just an awesome soundtrack that I miss dearly!  :sad: