Firestone Destinations cracking!

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Wakko

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Exactly one year ago today (ironically) we put a new set of Destination A/Ts on SWMBO's Liberty:

http://www.jeepkj.com/forum/f200/ti...tions-bridgestone-duelers-long-trail-t-49930/

Jeep's a 2WD that's mostly driven around town and not offroad. I washed the truck yesterday and noticed that all four tires have extensive cracking on the sidewalls. The tread still looks brand new. Tires were stamped 1511 if I remember right, so they're not old at all.

Anyone else have this issue? I'm not comfortable with that at all.

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tommudd

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I'd take them back to Firestone first and see what they say. Shouldn't be cracking already but.....
15th week of 2011 is not that old of a tire
 

Wakko

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I can count on one hand how many times over the year that we've put any tire shine on it, but even if we'd done it every week it shouldn't crack like that so quickly. Ironically that's how I noticed it...I washed the Jeep yesterday and put tire shine on it . I'm going to take it over to Firestone this week and see what they have to say, and I'll take some pictures for reference.
 

tjkj2002

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I can count on one hand how many times over the year that we've put any tire shine on it, but even if we'd done it every week it shouldn't crack like that so quickly. Ironically that's how I noticed it...I washed the Jeep yesterday and put tire shine on it . I'm going to take it over to Firestone this week and see what they have to say, and I'll take some pictures for reference.
The silcone used in those products actually accelerate cracking and dry roit in tires.Firestone strictly forbids using those products on there tires.
 

Wakko

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I'm aware of silicone's destructive properties, but there's no way that a tire should break down from so few applications. I put that crap on my Tahoe constantly and have never had tires crack at all, nevertheless in just a year. Hell, the Nittos on my Buick are 8 years old and have no cracks.
 

RedKJ04

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I had the exact same problem with a set I had put on. I noticed my cracks within about a month and took the tires back to the dealer who replaced them without problems.The tires I had the problems with were stamped made in Brazil. The replacement set which is now about a year old are stamped made in Canada and they are holding up great so far. No cracks whatsoever. Hopefully they will help you out with your tire problem as well! I wonder where the your tires were made?
 

Wakko

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Ok, I finally was able to bring the tires back to Firestone today and they are warrantying them for 90%. We've used them a little over a year, so I'm fine wtih paying 10%. They also want us to pay mount/balance and road hazard again, but I politely complained and they removed the road hazard. I think I'm going to insist on not paying the mount/balance either.

Anyway, before I have them order a set, I'm a little leery about using the same set. I'm glad that Red said his have held up great. The tires look great tread wise, and while they're a little loud, they grip well and look good. Just don't want to have the same issue in a year. My tires WERE made in Brazil...thanks for the tip there.

What do you guys think? STay with these or use another tire?
 

RedKJ04

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Personally I would stay with the tire, but I would make sure they are not made in Brazil. I would say the ones made there clearly have a flaw in the rubber compound. I told the store that replaced mine to do everything they could to ensure that they were not made in Brazil. But it all comes down to personal preference.
 

Wakko

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How loud are yours? Ours are howling pretty loud and I Don't remember if they did that when they were new or not.
 

Wakko

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Alright. I called corporate today and it was suggested that the cracks were from ozone and that I should be responsible for everything. Once I emailed the above pictures, the rep said that it was the veneer coming apart and that they would be replaced free of charge for everything. Now I'm trying to find a set made in Canada and so far have struck out. The warehouse in Orlando (three hours away) has 46 tires, all from Brazil. Of course Firestone won't admit that there's a problem with the tires and does not suggest that the Canadian ones are any better than the Brazilian.

If they cannot find me a set of Canadians, I'm not sure whether to go with another set of Brazilians or a new model. I really like the look of the A/Ts and was hoping to stick with them.
 

Wakko

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Nobody asked but I'll give an update anyway. :) Firestone offered to swap the set out for Dueler AT Revo 2s, so I took them up on the offer. Good looking tire, aggressive tread pattern, made in Canada.
 

tjkj2002

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Alright. I called corporate today and it was suggested that the cracks were from ozone and that I should be responsible for everything. Once I emailed the above pictures, the rep said that it was the veneer coming apart and that they would be replaced free of charge for everything. Now I'm trying to find a set made in Canada and so far have struck out. The warehouse in Orlando (three hours away) has 46 tires, all from Brazil. Of course Firestone won't admit that there's a problem with the tires and does not suggest that the Canadian ones are any better than the Brazilian.

If they cannot find me a set of Canadians, I'm not sure whether to go with another set of Brazilians or a new model. I really like the look of the A/Ts and was hoping to stick with them.
The tire size dictates where it is made,some sizes are made in one plant while others are made in another.


Glad my tires are made in the USA.
 

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