I've noticed on hard cornering the S2000 makes some nasty sounding scrubbing noises. The first time it made me feel pretty bad, but I didn't notice any wear on the fender lining, although I can't really see behind the wheel...so am I correct to assume it's just the tires sliding?

The CRX in hard cornering makes the light squealing noise I would expect, but obviously they're different tires. S2K just makes a scrubbing noise...

 

No that is not normal, check you wheel alignment and/or possibly the brakes.

 

Not arguing, just asking -- why the brakes?

I've also considered that maybe it's traction control applying the brakes, but, I don't see how it would be able to sense lateral sliding, unless the lateral sliding causes the car to also lose forward-moving traction which trips the traction control...

Wheels were just aligned with last tire change, less than 1000 miles ago.

 

Because what do the 'nasty sounding scrubbing noises' actually sound like. I can't really tell over the internet.

If the VSA was actuating you would hear a distinct clicking as the brakes are being modulated by the system.

As far as wheel alignment is concerned you are most concerned with front toe.

After re-reading your post it could just be the tires sliding. Depending on the type of tire, and what the 'nasty sounding scrubbing noises' actually sound like. Most tires will give more of a squeal at the limit, than a scrubbing noise, but, if I remember right the RE50s where a little of both.

 

Because what do the 'nasty sounding scrubbing noises' actually sound like. I can't really tell over the internet.

If the VSA was actuating you would hear a distinct clicking as the brakes are being modulated by the system.

As far as wheel alignment is concerned you are most concerned with front toe.

After re-reading your post it could just be the tires sliding. Depending on the type of tire, and what the 'nasty sounding scrubbing noises' actually sound like. Most tires will give more of a squeal at the limit, than a scrubbing noise, but, if I remember right the RE50s where a little of both.
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That's what I figured. Not really a major concern, after the first time. Still have the factory tires on the front, they have enough tread, although the rears were just replaced with Continental DSWs... They seem fine, seemed a good value according to consumer reports, although I'm not too sure of how "good" their tire reviews are. I'm not tracking it, so all-weather performance was a concern

Maybe I'll just strap a camera in the fender-well and see what happens.

 

I run the Continental DWS spring and fall, and I like them they give a lot of feedback at the limit and do well in the cold and wet. Just becareful as the front OEM tires should have more grip than the DWS on the rear, so the rear of the car might seem a little looser than before. I park my car in the winter here when there is salt on the roads, so I can't comment on the DWS in the snow, but, I've read good things from people who have.

 

Always nice to hear about others' experiences.

They seem to be a good bang-for-buck tire. If I was tracking it I'd invest more in tires, but for mundane daily-driving I couldn't really justify the costs, and I'd like to buy new wheels once the front tires need replacing. Fortunately I don't have snow to contend with. It rarely snows, and when it does the roads are usually closed. It's been an unusually warm winter, so have only seen snow once and it didn't stick...

 

Turn the VSA off and go take some corners, my bet is it's the VSA working. My '06 made the same sound when I replaced just two tires because the other end was not close to being worn out. Turned off the VSA and all was good.

ROD

 

Will try that...in an empty parking lot. Thanks.

 

Stock tires are quite soft and may not squeal on corners so it sounds like it might be the cause of the "scrubbing" sounds. R compounds tend to be like that too - no squealing unless you are well beyond the limit.

Stock sized tires/wheels should not rub anywhere.

Probably more info is needed though - e.g. what temp was it outside (colder = easier sliding), etc.

If you are driving that fast, you should probably take the car to an autox to find the limits rather than the street - much safer for you (and others). The S2k's can be somewhat treacherous at the limits (especially if stock) and you have to be quick to catch it ...

R