How to Rotate tires yourself?

tho656 · #1 02-12-2008, 10:49 PM

Hey guys I've just recently purchased a x5 upgrading from an integra. How is it possible to rotate tires on the x5? What equipment do i need? Jacks and jackstands don't even go up that high. How do you guys do it?

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JCL · #2 02-13-2008, 12:04 AM

I used a standard lift 2 ton trolley jack, and four jackstands on the second pin. There is a lift point under the centre front, and at the rear you can do one side at a time from the side, or on the diff with a pad if you are careful. It isn't a high vehicle, so standard automotive jacks work fine. I lifted it to do brakes, never to rotate tires. My question is why would you want to rotate tires? I found the tire wear very even, with no rotation and no signs of needing it after 70,000 km (45,000 miles), when I sold the X5. BMW doesn't recommend it, and in my case I think they right.

Wagner · #3 02-13-2008, 06:21 AM

Also you didn't state your tire setup and whether it was staggered or not.

mrkbbd · #4 02-13-2008, 01:06 PM

does it make sense to rotate the tires (switch the rear left and rear right)

JCL · #5 02-13-2008, 01:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mrkbbd

does it make sense to rotate the tires (switch the rear left and rear right)

It doesn't usually make sense to switch the direction of rotation, as tires often take a set from running in a certain direction. Many modern tires are unidirectional, meaning that they are marked with a single direction. That means that to switch the tires left to right, you would need to dismount and remount the tires. That then takes the job out of the scope of this post, which was how to do them yourself (unless you have a Coates or equivalent tire machine at home).

With non-directional tires, it is possible to swap the wheels left to right, and take a chance on any vibration. That will help to extend the life of a tire that is feathering on one edge, but be aware of the potential risk. If you don't notice a vibration after switching them it is likely fine.

Tominizer · #6 02-13-2008, 01:29 PM

If you have a staggered tire setup, running the wider rears up front is not a good idea.......... and it will cosmetically look retarded........... kinda like a drag civic.

mrkbbd · #7 02-13-2008, 01:34 PM

not switching the front and rears, I'm talking about physically removing the tires from the rims in the rear and switching them

Boston X5 4.4 · #8 02-13-2008, 01:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mrkbbd

not switching the front and rears, I'm talking about physically removing the tires from the rims in the rear and switching them

Don't bother - false economy IMO.

Chance that wheels will be off-balanced/vibrate afterwards, also anytime a shop takes off wheels there is a also a chance of nicking the finish so it is best to mimixe the number of times to do this, also if tires are assymetric (e.g. diamaris) you can't/shouldn't rotate on the rim.

mrkbbd · #9 02-13-2008, 02:14 PM

thanks for the advice, I wasn't aware that the Dimaris(es) were asymmetrical. I only asked because I have very uneven wear in the rear, the center bead is completely gone but the tread on the outside is still great, someone suggested overly inflated tires, but I check them regularly and keep them at the factory specs.

Boston X5 4.4 · #10 02-13-2008, 02:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mrkbbd

thanks for the advice, I wasn't aware that the Dimaris(es) were asymmetrical. I only asked because I have very uneven wear in the rear, the center bead is completely gone but the tread on the outside is still great, someone suggested overly inflated tires, but I check them regularly and keep them at the factory specs.

How many psi are you using in rear?

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