<center><img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/27563/nazera2.jpg"></center><p>After getting a pro alignment on our CGT, it still pushed pretty hard to the right. I did not suspect the tires at all-new Bridgestone Potenza RE950, a high-price tire. My mechanic insisted that I swap the tires around because he felt confident in his alignment. Finnaly I ordered 2 Dunlop Sport A2s and took them to a local shop that has a Hunter balancer and did tire work for me in the past. "Sorry, can't put them on" I was told by the Manager. I had a long talk with him and he blamed the insurance companies. I told him that I did not belive him and pointed out several contradictions in his story. I figured I'd waste as much of his time as possible. Off to my back-up shop, Wal*Mart, good balance, good service and an $11 oil change (I upgraded to Valvoline DuraBlend for an extra $6, Shell RotellaT was very tempting) Was I supprised when the car drove rock-solid strait! My Mechanic was right.(a Tire Rack installer) The A2 was super-soft and super-quiet-no road noise at all!!! They felt great, I did not push them or drive in wet but the grip felt ok and like I said the ride was excellent. I expected them to be good since the SP5000s I had were AWESOME. Now, to dog-out Bridgestone. It was definately one or both of the tires pushing and Tire Rack said they'ed pro-rate them if I shipped them back and they tested to be pushing. Maybe 1 pushes but here is what my costs are: shipping 2 tires back, $25; mounting and unmounting and balance $45; original cost of shipping $20; orginal cost of the tires $144. $234! and they offered me $36 a tire if they tested bad. If only one is bad, I get to pay another $10 to ship it home. That's BS! $210 and all I have to show is a $36 credit? Those tires were pushing my car the whole time making it uncomfortable and a pain-in-the-*** to get diagnosed. Their refund is pro-rated on wear, and I tell you, a pushing tire wears fast and can even wear other tires on the car. Also, the ride on the Bridgestone Potenzas was super-harsh and very little wet grip, almost dangerous. Actually it was dangerous, I have another 16" set of Potenzas for my A4 in my garage for Fall, not looking forward to putting them on at all. Dunlop seems like the way to go. Should I pursue it with Bridgetoumb?

 

Sometimes You Bite The Bear and Sometimes The Bear Bites.................