GeneB

The '02 model I had regularly wore out the rear tires 9,000-11,000 miles regardless if they were OEM Bridgestones or replacement Yokohamas , the grip slipped away after about 5,000 mis. But the OEM Bridgestones on my '06 is wearing a lot better, I have over 10,000 mi and plenty of tread left on the rears and they still feel like they stick like velcro.

Maybe they feel TOO good. I noticed today one rear was low (visually) and checked at 7.5 psi. But I never got any driving clues the tire was so low. Drove perfectly normal to me. There was a small nail in it, giving me a slow leak.

Took it to Discount Tire in Bedford for repair and got the bad news that driving on the 'flat tire' had damaged the tire where it couldn't be repaired. They had to order a new one for me.

Moral of the story: Check your tires regularly for 32 psi- you may not be warned by the driving experience.

GeneB

CRDMS1

Good advice. I try to make it a point to check tire pressures every couple weeks or so.

Just a word or two to add: You probably shouldn't replace only one of the rears...especially if the other is over 10k miles. Significant differences in rolling diameter could cause handling / pulling issues and overwork your differential leading to premature failure.

Sorry if I misunderstood your post

GeneB

Hhmmm, maybe I'll order the 2nd tire while it's on my mind. I do notice a big difference on the handling, steering response with the General loaner tire they installed 'til mine comes in. They said it was the nearest in height to mine they had. I won't be driving it much, though. Thanks for the advice.

GeneB

mic_crispy

I was going to say the same... I replaced just one tire once... and it pulled hard when i accelerated, so i ended up ordering another one for the other side.

mic_crispy

Whoa, That could be potentially harmful to your diff if its too off! What size is it?

GeneB

Discount put on a 235X45 ZR17 General Tire M+S.

I wonder if I'd be better off with the spare on it. I'm definitely ordering a second rear tire.

mxt_77

Definitely don't put the spare back there. The Owner's Manual actually states this. If anything, swap one of the fronts back there and put the spare on the front.

I can't remember what size tires come on the 04+, but you can see this calculator to determine how much of a difference the loaner tire has:
http://www.miata.net/garage/tirecalc.html

mic_crispy

You would be even worse with the spare.. the spare is only meant for the front. Unless you mean putting both fronts in the rear, and putting one rear and the spare up front.


Either way, i wouldn

LubedKoala

I've picked up so many nails in this car I check my tires every single day. It's to the point now that if one of my tires are off by at leat 10 psi I can feel it.

EgoThreat

In summary,

Flat in rear? Move a front to the rear, put the spare on the front.
Flat in front? Put the spare on the front.

The spare is too small for the rear (diff damage) and never put a rear on the front either. The hubs on the rears are too small for the front so they can't be tightened and mounted properly.

Best option... AAA with a flatbed

C-