Question re out-of-round cart tire

[DeanFL]

We have a 2010 Tomberlin with 4 Loadstar 200-65-10 tires and aluminum wheels. Had these tires (new) installed a couple years ago by a dealer who is now out of business.

After install back then I noticed a vibration driving when cold. After a mile or so it smooths out but seldom perfect. These are bias-ply tires and known to develop a flat spot during rest. Mentioned it to the dealer a couple times back then, but (shame on me) was not forceful enough to demand new tires.

Since then the issue has not improved. I had rotated the tires last year to see which one it may be, to no avail. Also, examined each tire/wheel carefully and had jacked up the cart. All looks fine. It feels as if one or both of the front tires may have the problem. And the alum wheels are fine.

Question - does anyone have a simple method to diagnose? Only thing I can think of is to obtain a wheel/tire and replace each one of mine at a time and test the ride.

These tires are still like new, with lots of tread left. I would not want to spend a lot of $$ as it is a minor but irritating problem. Any thoughts?

[villagetinker]

DeanFL,
I would try this, jack up the cart so the tire is just off the ground and spin by hand, lower the cart slightly if necessary until it just touches and rotate again. If the drag is equal all the time you are spinning the tire is 'probably' OK, if it is off center, it will rub in one location. Mark where the tire rubs (tape or crayon). Remove tire, rotate 180 degrees on spindle and reinstall, repeat above test, does it rub in the same marked location? Repeat for the other tires. NOTE: you will probably have to take the rear tires off and place on the front, unless you can get the forward / reverse level between positions so the rear can be rotated, my cart will do this.
Hope this helps, send me a PM if you want to discuss this further over the phone.
PS I have the equipment to do this if you do not.

[DeanFL]

DeanFL,
I would try this, jack up the cart so the tire is just off the ground and spin by hand, lower the cart slightly if necessary until it just touches and rotate again. If the drag is equal all the time you are spinning the tire is 'probably' OK, if it is off center, it will rub in one location. Mark where the tire rubs (tape or crayon). Remove tire, rotate 180 degrees on spindle and reinstall, repeat above test, does it rub in the same marked location? Repeat for the other tires. NOTE: you will probably have to take the rear tires off and place on the front, unless you can get the forward / reverse level between positions so the rear can be rotated, my cart will do this.
Hope this helps, send me a PM if you want to discuss this further over the phone.
PS I have the equipment to do this if you do not.

GREAT suggestion, thanks. I will try this sometime this week perhaps, and report back to you VT. thanks again for the good tip.