Alto Lxi...2004...Buzzing sound over 60KMPH

alexnazim · 21st April 2009, 03:40

It was one day during light summers on the Jaipur Ajmer highway...I rode my Alto Lxi 2004 at an average speed of 140KMPH for about 60 mins...maxed at 145KMPH (Got a great picture that I'll post sometime later!!) but ever since that day there is a heavy humming sound whenever I drive over 60KMPH. I got the bearings replaced but the sound doesn't go away. The tyres are in good condition with decently deep threads (Normal company fitted JK Tyre 145/80 R12). The car has done about 50,000 Kms.

My mechanic suggested that I get the tryes change since that is a problem with JK Tyres as they harden due to heat and then get ruined and should be replaced after every 50K Kms.

Could the problem be that or is he duping me into buying new tyres? Is it standard to replace tyres even if in good condition after every 50K Kms?

amit_mechengg · 21st April 2009, 09:44

has the sound started only after the 145 kmph run?

on the other side i feel that 50k is enough for the JK stock tyres. i was facing the same humming noise on smooth roads. changed the tyres to michelin and replaces one rear and one front bearing and the ride was smooth like nothing.

HappyWheels · 21st April 2009, 09:51

I have done a lot of runs at 140kmph in my Alto and it is currently in 55k kms.

Also had the original factory fitter JK tires, which I changed at 42k kms (they still had some 5k kms left). So 50k is a lot, good on your driving!

Never faced any sounds due to those high speed runs in from my JK.

Heavy humming - did you check you tire pressure (sorry, a basic question!)

alexnazim · 21st April 2009, 14:55

Yup. I always maintain the pressure and it has been over a month i have been living with the problem.

And yes the sound started when I was returning from a long drive.

I'll get the tyres changed and let you know what happens!

alexnazim · 21st April 2009, 18:03

Quote:

Originally Posted by alexnazim

I'll get the tyres changed and let you know what happens!

Question: What do you guys suggest MRF ZVTS or Bridgestone S248?

Also, has anyone ever tried those chinese tyres, how are they? the ones for around 1400 per tyre!!

HappyWheels · 21st April 2009, 19:37

Alex,

Don't go for the Chinese make. The cheap price and the sub-standard quality is not worth the risk. Especially since you drive at high speed.

And yes, do run with new tires and let us know.

Eddy · 21st April 2009, 19:49

Quote:

Originally Posted by alexnazim

Also, has anyone ever tried those chinese tyres, how are they? the ones for around 1400 per tyre!!

Whatever you do, please do not go for the Chinese tires. Seeing the speeds that you do, it will be SUICIDAL.

alexnazim · 21st April 2009, 19:53

Thanks for the advice. So which ones shud I go for? MRF ZVTS or Bridgestone S248 ?

Eddy · 21st April 2009, 20:16

I would suggest you go in for a tubeless tyre. And bridgestones are recommended over MRF by the tire gurus on the forum.

abhibh · 21st April 2009, 20:34

If you have replaced the bearings then its the tyres. I had the same problem. I thought it was bearings but then after checking came to know tyres were uneven and thats causing the humming noise.

vigsom · 21st April 2009, 21:38

Quote:

Originally Posted by alexnazim

I got the bearings replaced but the sound doesn't go away. The tyres are in good condition with decently deep threads (Normal company fitted JK Tyre 145/80 R12). The car has done about 50,000 Kms.

the tyres are often teh bigger culprit but people target bearings.

Anyway,having covered 50k kms,I believe your tyres need a change.Michelin OR Bridgestone - take your pick.A big NO to Chinese tyres especially with you touching 100 miles an hour

alexnazim · 21st April 2009, 23:49

Quote:

Originally Posted by vigsom

the tyres are often teh bigger culprit but people target bearings.

Anyway,having covered 50k kms,I believe your tyres need a change.Michelin OR Bridgestone - take your pick.A big NO to Chinese tyres especially with you touching 100 miles an hour

I checked out the Micellin website, they did not seem to have anything for an Alto. So, have finalised on Bridgestone.

Thanks Guys. Appreciate the help!

amit_mechengg · 22nd April 2009, 12:14

boss there are 1000s of altos running on michelin.
did u see the michelin india site. i am running my alto on 155/70/ r 12
also standard 145/80 R12 is available in michelins.

michelins are smooth and the wet road grip is amazing.

badboyscad · 22nd April 2009, 12:53

Quote:

Originally Posted by amit_mechengg

boss there are 1000s of altos running on michelin.

michelins are smooth and the wet road grip is amazing.

+1, im running 155/65R13 Michelin XM1 tires .

vigsom · 22nd April 2009, 13:08

Quote:

Originally Posted by badboyscad

+1, im running 155/65R13 Michelin XM1 tires .

how much did these tyres cost?

21st April 2009, 03:40	#1
alexnazim BHPian Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: New Delhi Posts: 90 Thanked: 0 Times	Alto Lxi...2004...Buzzing sound over 60KMPH It was one day during light summers on the Jaipur Ajmer highway...I rode my Alto Lxi 2004 at an average speed of 140KMPH for about 60 mins...maxed at 145KMPH (Got a great picture that I'll post sometime later!!) but ever since that day there is a heavy humming sound whenever I drive over 60KMPH. I got the bearings replaced but the sound doesn't go away. The tyres are in good condition with decently deep threads (Normal company fitted JK Tyre 145/80 R12). The car has done about 50,000 Kms. My mechanic suggested that I get the tryes change since that is a problem with JK Tyres as they harden due to heat and then get ruined and should be replaced after every 50K Kms. Could the problem be that or is he duping me into buying new tyres? Is it standard to replace tyres even if in good condition after every 50K Kms?
	() Thanks

21st April 2009, 09:44	#2
amit_mechengg Senior - BHPian Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Pune Posts: 2,488 Thanked: 2,252 Times View My Garage	has the sound started only after the 145 kmph run? on the other side i feel that 50k is enough for the JK stock tyres. i was facing the same humming noise on smooth roads. changed the tyres to michelin and replaces one rear and one front bearing and the ride was smooth like nothing.
	() Thanks

21st April 2009, 09:51	#3
HappyWheels Senior - BHPian Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Bangalore Posts: 4,106 Thanked: 537 Times	I have done a lot of runs at 140kmph in my Alto and it is currently in 55k kms. Also had the original factory fitter JK tires, which I changed at 42k kms (they still had some 5k kms left). So 50k is a lot, good on your driving! Never faced any sounds due to those high speed runs in from my JK. Heavy humming - did you check you tire pressure (sorry, a basic question!)
	() Thanks

21st April 2009, 14:55	#4
alexnazim BHPian Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: New Delhi Posts: 90 Thanked: 0 Times	Yup. I always maintain the pressure and it has been over a month i have been living with the problem. And yes the sound started when I was returning from a long drive. I'll get the tyres changed and let you know what happens! Last edited by Rehaan : 21st April 2009 at 20:11. Reason: Posts merged.
	() Thanks

21st April 2009, 19:37	#6
HappyWheels Senior - BHPian Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Bangalore Posts: 4,106 Thanked: 537 Times	Alex, Don't go for the Chinese make. The cheap price and the sub-standard quality is not worth the risk. Especially since you drive at high speed. And yes, do run with new tires and let us know.
	() Thanks

21st April 2009, 19:53	#8
alexnazim BHPian Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: New Delhi Posts: 90 Thanked: 0 Times	Thanks for the advice. So which ones shud I go for? MRF ZVTS or Bridgestone S248 ? Last edited by Rehaan : 21st April 2009 at 20:12. Reason: Please avoid SMS language on Team-BHP. "Shud" = "Should". Please type in full words. Thanks.
	() Thanks

21st April 2009, 20:16	#9
Eddy Team-BHP Support Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Delhi Posts: 9,387 Thanked: 13,301 Times	I would suggest you go in for a tubeless tyre. And bridgestones are recommended over MRF by the tire gurus on the forum.
	() Thanks

21st April 2009, 20:34	#10
abhibh Senior - BHPian Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Back in the HOOD near you! Posts: 2,768 Thanked: 39 Times	If you have replaced the bearings then its the tyres. I had the same problem. I thought it was bearings but then after checking came to know tyres were uneven and thats causing the humming noise.
	() Thanks

22nd April 2009, 12:14	#13
amit_mechengg Senior - BHPian Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Pune Posts: 2,488 Thanked: 2,252 Times View My Garage	boss there are 1000s of altos running on michelin. did u see the michelin india site. i am running my alto on 155/70/ r 12 also standard 145/80 R12 is available in michelins. michelins are smooth and the wet road grip is amazing.
	() Thanks