Silly question? Does running higher PSI cause more wear-and-tear on suspension? - Toyota Yaris Forums

matti · 09-26-2012, 11:30 PM

I increased the PSI in my tires a bit and, of course, the ride feels a bit more harsh. That doesn't bother me. However, I started to wonder if the stiffer ride puts more wear-and-tear on the suspension components? Any thoughts? If so, is the increased wear-and-tear anything to be at all concerned about? Thanks.

Fidelio · 09-26-2012, 11:38 PM

i would think it would cause less ware on the tires because there is less friction holding back the mass for movement.

daf62757 · 09-27-2012, 07:42 AM

You pose a very good question. I run higher PSI and have noticed that the ride isn't as smooth as it once was. That could be from natural age and wear and tear but I do wonder if the increased force on the struts and shock absorbers in the back caused by the tires not being more of a cushioning? You would think it has some effect but sometimes physics and common sense are two different things.

BEEF · 09-27-2012, 07:50 AM

I think the suspension would have to move a bit more as the "squish" of the tire is part of the suspension and thus the harsher ride. I would also think that the small amount of extra movement isn't going to be a noticeable difference in the wear of the suspension. I think the real drawback to be concerned with is the harsher ride than anything.

as for tire wear, as long as you don't exceed the maximum sidewall pressure of the tire, you're good. that is much different from the 32psi that the manufacturer recommends. most max pressures are around the 45-51psi range. there again, printed on the tire.

several people have said that you will notice more wear in the center of the tire but remember these are steel belted tires and steel doesn't like to expand. I have honestly never seen a tire wear in the middle. I have been running at max sidewall pressure (or there abouts) for around 5 years now on various vehicles.

all that being said, go with what feels right. not physically being there, I can't say what will or won't help your car. generally speaking, you get a little bit of a mileage bump by increasing tire pressure.

also, here is a little thing I like to pass around from the hypermiler community...

http://www.gassavers.org/article.php...ps-to-save-gas

matti · 09-27-2012, 11:44 AM

Thank you. I've been running at 44psi (max pressure listed on tire sidewall) as opposed to 33psi (rating stamped on inside of door). The ride is certainly more harsh, but it's not too bad. Especially if it gives me better gas mileage!

MUSKOKA800 · 09-27-2012, 05:14 PM

The car will likely develop rattles over the course of time.

Eli Lilly · 09-27-2012, 05:17 PM

It'll wear the tires uneven and affect traction also (but neither to any great extent). Proper tire pressure is based on the weight riding on the tires. The pressure on the sidewall is the pressure required for the tire's maximum load rating. The doorjamb value is the inflation that will make the tire "spread out" (for lack of a better term) across the road properly, given the car's weight. If you contacted the tire manufacturer and asked for an inflation chart, and plugged in the weight of the car, you'd find that you'll get the same value printed on the car's doorjamb.

-E

Hershey · 09-28-2012, 12:18 AM

Yup , tires are considered part of the suspension . Here is that answer at GOSS' Garage of Motorweek , http://www.motorweek.org/features/go...s_ride_quality .

matti · 09-28-2012, 07:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MUSKOKA800

The car will likely develop rattles over the course of time.

lol, my car has had a few little rattles since day 1.

*Astroman* · 09-28-2012, 06:06 PM

Hey please please please post your threads in the proper category! I've been moving at least 5 or more threads a day to the proper categories. I've moved it for you but PLEASE next time post in the correct spot.

Scubaru Steve · 09-28-2012, 07:27 PM

#1 cause of premature tire wear is improper inflation, over inflation wears the center of the tread, under inflation wears the outside tread.

nookandcrannycar · 09-28-2012, 08:42 PM

I keep my Firestone FR710s at 38 psi (after trying quite a few different levels). I like the firm ride, yet they don't feel like 'bricks' unless closer (than 38) to the max 44 PSI stated on the tire. I just put a second set of 4 on and I got 85,009 miles out of the first set of 4 and could have squeezed more. The wear (at 85,009 miles) was virtually the same for each tire. I was good about rotating them, but I wouldn't say I was religious about it.

09-27-2012, 07:42 AM	#3
daf62757 Nothing beats a Toyota! View User's Garage Drives: 2013 Yaris 5 dr liftback Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Indianapolis, Indiana Posts: 564	You pose a very good question. I run higher PSI and have noticed that the ride isn't as smooth as it once was. That could be from natural age and wear and tear but I do wonder if the increased force on the struts and shock absorbers in the back caused by the tires not being more of a cushioning? You would think it has some effect but sometimes physics and common sense are two different things. __________________ Big Dave Indianapolis, IN Synthetic Oil....its in my car.....for at least 10,000 miles!

09-27-2012, 07:50 AM	#4
BEEF View User's Garage Drives: 2008 yaris 3d Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: north carolina Posts: 732	I think the suspension would have to move a bit more as the "squish" of the tire is part of the suspension and thus the harsher ride. I would also think that the small amount of extra movement isn't going to be a noticeable difference in the wear of the suspension. I think the real drawback to be concerned with is the harsher ride than anything. as for tire wear, as long as you don't exceed the maximum sidewall pressure of the tire, you're good. that is much different from the 32psi that the manufacturer recommends. most max pressures are around the 45-51psi range. there again, printed on the tire. several people have said that you will notice more wear in the center of the tire but remember these are steel belted tires and steel doesn't like to expand. I have honestly never seen a tire wear in the middle. I have been running at max sidewall pressure (or there abouts) for around 5 years now on various vehicles. all that being said, go with what feels right. not physically being there, I can't say what will or won't help your car. generally speaking, you get a little bit of a mileage bump by increasing tire pressure. also, here is a little thing I like to pass around from the hypermiler community... http://www.gassavers.org/article.php...ps-to-save-gas __________________ Be the change you wish to see in the world -Mahatma Gandhi-

09-27-2012, 05:14 PM	#6
MUSKOKA800 Drives: '08 Yaris Sedan, Aero Package Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Burlington, Ontario, Canada Posts: 1,720	The car will likely develop rattles over the course of time. __________________ TRD Upgrades: 18" Wheels wrapped in 215/35/18 PZero's, Sportivo Shocks/Struts, Lowering Springs, Swaybar, Axle-Back Exhaust, Oil Cap, Rad Cap, Signage. Aftermarket Goodies: Piggies SS, K&N Drop-In, Blitz S/C, DC Header, NST Pulley) Toyota Options/Accessories: Sport Pedal Covers, Sport Shift Knob, Ipod Interface, Summer Mats, Winter Mats, Cruise Control, Auto-Dim Mirror, Echo steelies with winter boots.

09-28-2012, 06:06 PM	#10
Astroman Modded Moderator View User's Garage Drives: 07 Toyota Yaris, 71 Galaxie Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Wenatchee, WA Posts: 3,670	Hey please please please post your threads in the proper category! I've been moving at least 5 or more threads a day to the proper categories. I've moved it for you but PLEASE next time post in the correct spot. __________________ Please visit my online store for computer stuff and Official Yarisworld decals!

09-26-2012, 11:30 PM	#1
matti Drives: 2017 Yaris L (5sp manual) Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: upper midwest Posts: 345	Silly question? Does running higher PSI cause more wear-and-tear on suspension? I increased the PSI in my tires a bit and, of course, the ride feels a bit more harsh. That doesn't bother me. However, I started to wonder if the stiffer ride puts more wear-and-tear on the suspension components? Any thoughts? If so, is the increased wear-and-tear anything to be at all concerned about? Thanks.

09-26-2012, 11:38 PM	#2
Fidelio EcoFriendly Drives: 2007 Vitz HB Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 51	i would think it would cause less ware on the tires because there is less friction holding back the mass for movement.

09-27-2012, 11:44 AM	#5
matti Drives: 2017 Yaris L (5sp manual) Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: upper midwest Posts: 345	Thank you. I've been running at 44psi (max pressure listed on tire sidewall) as opposed to 33psi (rating stamped on inside of door). The ride is certainly more harsh, but it's not too bad. Especially if it gives me better gas mileage!

09-27-2012, 05:17 PM	#7
Eli Lilly View User's Garage Drives: 08 Yaris Sedan Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: South Florida Posts: 7	It'll wear the tires uneven and affect traction also (but neither to any great extent). Proper tire pressure is based on the weight riding on the tires. The pressure on the sidewall is the pressure required for the tire's maximum load rating. The doorjamb value is the inflation that will make the tire "spread out" (for lack of a better term) across the road properly, given the car's weight. If you contacted the tire manufacturer and asked for an inflation chart, and plugged in the weight of the car, you'd find that you'll get the same value printed on the car's doorjamb. -E

09-28-2012, 12:18 AM	#8
Hershey Drives: 08 Yaris sedan auto / Fit auto Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: northeast Posts: 2,897	Yup , tires are considered part of the suspension . Here is that answer at GOSS' Garage of Motorweek , http://www.motorweek.org/features/go...s_ride_quality .

09-28-2012, 07:27 PM	#11
Scubaru Steve Awesome! Drives: 12 Yaris/07 yaris Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: calgary Posts: 323	#1 cause of premature tire wear is improper inflation, over inflation wears the center of the tread, under inflation wears the outside tread.

09-28-2012, 08:42 PM	#12
nookandcrannycar Drives: 2('14+'07)MT 3d ,wHandCrWndws! Join Date: May 2009 Location: S.MontgomeryCnty,TX(HoustonMSA) '07=BayouBlue=300,125miles=OrigOwnr '14=ClassicSilvr=29,059miles Posts: 4,839	I keep my Firestone FR710s at 38 psi (after trying quite a few different levels). I like the firm ride, yet they don't feel like 'bricks' unless closer (than 38) to the max 44 PSI stated on the tire. I just put a second set of 4 on and I got 85,009 miles out of the first set of 4 and could have squeezed more. The wear (at 85,009 miles) was virtually the same for each tire. I was good about rotating them, but I wouldn't say I was religious about it.