Flat Spots?

[jeremy_GT]

Took my car to Pep Boys to have a slow leak fixed as well as the wheels balanced, as I have been feeling some vibration in the steering wheel. They told me that they didn't rotate my tires because my backs had flat spots on them. They said that this could be caused by worn struts. Has anyone ever had this problem before. Should I replace the struts?


Car Infor:
2003 GT with 73000 miles
17" Motegi MR7s with Bridgstone Potenzas.
The tires are only about 1 year old now with over 50% tread left

[mrluilou]

are you on stock struts?? lowered?

[Totoy Bibo]

I thought the only way to cause flat spots was from locking your brakes.

[alessio87]

i had to replace my struts because they put flats spots in my tires. it was so annoying driving with the car like that. it was so noisy and the car ran like ****. i just need my alignment now.

[alessio87]

it so much flat spots like when you lock up your brakes. its more like when you put your hand on your tire and it feels even then you feel a dip in the tire. apparently the worn struts cause that.

[alessio87]

^^i meant to say its not flat spots like when you lock up yor brakes. for some reason its not letting me edit my message.

[D_CeLiRaToR]

if your strut is worn your tire will bounce up and down like a basketball thus creating flat spots when the tire contacts pavement.

[jeremy_GT]

Yea its very load, and it feels like a bouncing sensation. My celi sits on stock struts. How much will new stock struts cost, as I am about ready to trade this one in. I can do the work myself, but rather not its still pretty cold this time of year in NY. I am in my last semester at college and am ready for a more adult car. I have been looking at the Subaru Legacy.

[mrluilou]

if youre going to trade it in already might as well and leave it like that :chuckles:

[deltaB]

Sounds more like cupping than flat spots. Those guys need training.
http://www.microlsaipan.com/Images/Tire%20Info%20D-Cupping.jpg
http://www.microlsaipan.com/align.htm
ΔB

[CEGONAX-MAN]

Time to replace my front passenger side tire, hardly any thread, car tends to lean a bit.

[TRD_Celica00]

I bought some used rims with used tires on them and they have flat spots on them due to incorrect camber and/or worn struts

[whities gts]

Sounds more like cupping than flat spots. Those guys need training.
http://www.microlsaipan.com/Images/Tire%20Info%20D-Cupping.jpg
http://www.microlsaipan.com/align.htm
ΔB

of course they need training> they work at Pep Boys!
A guy that worked there told me he uses synthetic oil every other oil change. I just ;) ed and thought to my self your on to something (idiot)!!!

[mv6845]

I should have done a search. I have this exact problem. Tech said my rear struts were worn. My car also rides like crap.