Hello from Key West~

[Slpngbuty]

Hello from the southernmost city in the US...it's 82 today and had the top down on my 2002...had her 2 yrs now and having a problem with the right rear tire going bald every 3 months...what gives?? No misalignment, no frame damage~ I drive highway only...50 miles daily from home to work and back again...we live on little islands so not much in the way of crazy speeds...any ideas?? The tire guys are stumped...stuff is expensive down here so I need to know if I have to plan for a $1000/yr on tires...is this something anyone of you have experienced??

Glad to see that there are others who love this car as much as I do...and in the tropics I get to keep the top down just about every day! What a treat~ My vanity tag is SPA SLUT (my trademarked product line of spa related gear), so the car gets ALOT of attention when they see the tag...but I think even without the unusual tag she would...if anyone can shed light on my tire dilemma I would appreciate it~ Thanks, Nadine

[Java Junky]

Sl, when the right rear'z toast, what kind'a shape'z the matchin' left rear (which I'm hopin'z replaced when the right'z replaced) in?
Which settin' do you have on the car, U.S. 'r the more aggressive European?
N' lastly, these stumped "tire-guys" . . are they the real deal 'r jus' warm bodies in a garage?

[gomarlins3]

Welcome to the site.

As for your tire issue, you have a problem. I have no idea what it is, but there is DEFINITELY a problem. Are you sure it is aligned correctly? How is the tire wearing, more to the inside, outside, middle, even across?

[DJJSR]

82 degrees? I don't know what's wrong with your tire but I'll come down and analyze it for a few weeks. I do my best work at Irish Kevin's and Sloppy Joe's.

[AP1Day]

your tire issue could be that the right side is your power side. i notice this on my impreza and on me muscle car that the right will go bald before the left. even though you may have a expensive rear diff or anything of the sort if you do no matter what, the right side is going to receive power first and spin first. therefore resulting in tire wear before the others. maybe if your right rear is the only thing going bald your diff is bad and the left side isnt receiving power as it should, o and yes
WELCOME TO THE SITE

[philiam]

Start with the most obvious. Did they do a 4 wheel alignment? You might take it to a frame shop. Something might have gotten bent.

[AP1Day]

also, what is the camber of the rear and what kind of roads do you drive on, the tow and camber need to be set accordingly to the crown of the road

[H20]

Originally Posted by Slpngbuty

Hello from the southernmost city in the US...it's 82 today and had the top down on my 2002...had her 2 yrs now and having a problem with the right rear tire going bald every 3 months...what gives?? No misalignment, no frame damage~ I drive highway only...50 miles daily from home to work and back again...we live on little islands so not much in the way of crazy speeds...any ideas?? The tire guys are stumped...stuff is expensive down here so I need to know if I have to plan for a $1000/yr on tires...is this something anyone of you have experienced??

Glad to see that there are others who love this car as much as I do...and in the tropics I get to keep the top down just about every day! What a treat~ My vanity tag is SPA SLUT (my trademarked product line of spa related gear), so the car gets ALOT of attention when they see the tag...but I think even without the unusual tag she would...if anyone can shed light on my tire dilemma I would appreciate it~ Thanks, Nadine

I'll be down there late january with hundreds of other drunken sailors to help you diagnose it Nadine. I'm thinking I will notice the car! Ill bring my multitool.

[s2k 4 me]

Welcome Nadine

[Slpngbuty]

Thanks all for the welcome and the info~ As to the mystery of the premature balding right rear tire...it seems that this is an actual problem that was noted 2times in Technical Service Bulletins for 2002's and 2003's. I've taken the car to my nearest Honday dealer (150 miles away) and they confirmed the TSB but did not know how to correct the problem so it seems that I will be replacing the tire every 3-4 months. Jeez. Another 80 degree day here in the tropics...sending sunshine and warmth to those of you who cant even drop the top with the heater on!! heehee If y'all ever get down to the Southernmost City of Key West be on the look out for the "Spa Slut" zippin' by...silver exterior, red leather interior...she's hard to miss (esp with that damn balding tire!)~ All the best from Key West..Nadine

[philiam]

Another thought. A loose wheel would cause a tire to wear on the inside.

[s2k 4 me]

Originally Posted by Slpngbuty

Another 80 degree day here in the tropics...sending sunshine and warmth to those of you who cant even drop the top with the heater on!! heehee If y'all ever get down to the Southernmost City of Key West be on the look out for the "Spa Slut" zippin' by...silver exterior, red leather interior...she's hard to miss (esp with that damn balding tire!)~ All the best from Key West..Nadine

Cant even drop the top????????????????????? Hell I cant even get stewie outa the garage!!!!

[Java Junky]

Ya know Nadine, I truly do wanna feel for your tire problem n'all, but your constant rubbin' it in about your raggtopp-weather while we endure real winter in varyin' degrees has me wishin' you seagulls. Lots'a seagulls.
Lots'a seagulls whut ain't downloaded in a month!
'S'good havin' ya aboard.
Be well,
Java

[Slpngbuty]

Originally Posted by Java Junky

Ya know Nadine, I truly do wanna feel for your tire problem n'all, but your constant rubbin' it in about your raggtopp-weather while we endure real winter in varyin' degrees has me wishin' you seagulls. Lots'a seagulls.
Lots'a seagulls whut ain't downloaded in a month!
'S'good havin' ya aboard.
Be well,
Java

Sorry darlin'....please call off the seagulls--got enough problems with them aready! Does it make you feel better that by Friday we could be experiencing a tropical depression (a baby hurricane for those of you uninitiated in tropical weather) when hurricane season ended weeks ago? In fact, the reason I got my little "Spa Slut" is because my brand new Crossfire became a UBoat, completely submerged from tidal surge and ended up in my pool during Hurricane Wilma in 2005~ hahaha So allow me my 300 days of drop top weather and I'll let you laugh during hurricane season~
As for my premature tire balding problem, none of the 'professionals' I have consulted, even the Honda people can give me more info than what I found in the TSB's, so I know it's a documented problem with this model year, that has to be enough for now...sooo, decided to just suck it up and have the tire replaced 4 times a year. I just love this car too much to replace her just yet~ Thanks again to everyone for your imput and suggestions and I promise to keep the drop top weather reports to a minimum this winter~ Thanks for making me feel so welcome!!

[Java Junky]

I'll take 12 months'a winter to one'a your "tropical depressions". You won't catch me laughin' durin' that. Kith n' kin down there duckin' n' coverin' same'z you when that stuff happens. Ain't no joke in'att.

Anyway, all seagull flights've been cacelled, the birds grounded n' weapons systems disarmed n' unloaded.
Aaay. don't go lettin' my bustin' stop yer raggtopp reports. You stop n' we can't razz back n' forth aboudditt. 'Ain't no fun in that.

As for the problem, is anyone aware'a the '02 bein' any different suspension-wize than any of the other AP1s? Ta the best'a my knowledge there were no changes to make the '02 any different than any other AP1, leastwize not until the AP2 came along.
I still godda go with somethin' bein' seriously out with the alignment possibly due to damage prior to your ownership.
Be well n' good luck,
Java

[philiam]

Originally Posted by Slpngbuty

Sorry darlin'....please call off the seagulls--got enough problems with them aready! Does it make you feel better that by Friday we could be experiencing a tropical depression (a baby hurricane for those of you uninitiated in tropical weather) when hurricane season ended weeks ago? In fact, the reason I got my little "Spa Slut" is because my brand new Crossfire became a UBoat, completely submerged from tidal surge and ended up in my pool during Hurricane Wilma in 2005~ hahaha So allow me my 300 days of drop top weather and I'll let you laugh during hurricane season~
As for my premature tire balding problem, none of the 'professionals' I have consulted, even the Honda people can give me more info than what I found in the TSB's, so I know it's a documented problem with this model year, that has to be enough for now...sooo, decided to just suck it up and have the tire replaced 4 times a year. I just love this car too much to replace her just yet~ Thanks again to everyone for your imput and suggestions and I promise to keep the drop top weather reports to a minimum this winter~ Thanks for making me feel so welcome!!

Checked with my American Honda contact. His reply,

"I have not heard of that one. If there is a TSB on this, then it would explain how to fix the problem.
BILL"

[Slpngbuty]

Thanks Bill....one would think that, right?? Well, I guess I've found a bunch of lazy s.o.b.'s that don't want to take the time to check out the initial info I found for them~ I was told by 2 Honda dealers (one in Key Largo and one in Philly) that they couldnt even find any TSB's and I found them in less than 5 min~ I gave these guys the 2 TSB numbers and links to the sites I found them and they STILL couldnt help me~ I guess just cause I have boobs, they think it's OK to treat me like a 'boob'....LOL I really appreciate you checking with your Honda guy for me...I dont feel so stupid now~ My brother is in Philly and has a detail, body and paint shop (Executive Auto Salon of Center City) and HE too told me that if there was a TSB there should be more detailed info and instructions how to repair it...but no one who knows about Hondas seemed to want to help me get to the bottom of it. Weird. Thanks again! (And to all...next time I mention the incredible sunny warm droptop weather...I'll send photos to back it up..if you cant have the sun where you are, I'll send y'all some!)

[Java Junky]

I thought those places only existed in movies.

[philiam]

Originally Posted by Slpngbuty

Thanks Bill....one would think that, right?? Well, I guess I've found a bunch of lazy s.o.b.'s that don't want to take the time to check out the initial info I found for them~ I was told by 2 Honda dealers (one in Key Largo and one in Philly) that they couldnt even find any TSB's and I found them in less than 5 min~ I gave these guys the 2 TSB numbers and links to the sites I found them and they STILL couldnt help me~ I guess just cause I have boobs, they think it's OK to treat me like a 'boob'....LOL I really appreciate you checking with your Honda guy for me...I dont feel so stupid now~ My brother is in Philly and has a detail, body and paint shop (Executive Auto Salon of Center City) and HE too told me that if there was a TSB there should be more detailed info and instructions how to repair it...but no one who knows about Hondas seemed to want to help me get to the bottom of it. Weird. Thanks again! (And to all...next time I mention the incredible sunny warm droptop weather...I'll send photos to back it up..if you cant have the sun where you are, I'll send y'all some!)

Either it's an alignment problem, bent frame, bent axle or a loose castellated rear nut. Maybe a bent wheel from kissing a curb. I have a 2002 with 25,000 miles and there are a lot of pre 2003 stewies on this forum. This is the first time I have heard of the problem. Course I'm a newcomer to the s2K. The quote was from my brother Bill who is in legal at American Honda. He hears all the complaints. Maybe someone else can chime in here. Find a good frame alignment shop. They should be able to find the problem.

As to the weather, I"m Socal and it has dropped down to the mid 60s here.

Regards,
Phil

[Slpngbuty]

Originally Posted by philiam

Either it's an alignment problem, bent frame, bent axle or a loose castellated rear nut. Maybe a bent wheel from kissing a curb. I have a 2002 with 25,000 miles and there are a lot of pre 2003 stewies on this forum. This is the first time I have heard of the problem. Course I'm a newcomer to the s2K. The quote was from my brother Bill who is in legal at American Honda. He hears all the complaints. Maybe someone else can chime in here. Find a good frame alignment shop. They should be able to find the problem.

As to the weather, I"m Socal and it has dropped down to the mid 60s here.

Regards,
Phil

A big thanks to you, Phil, for the suggestions and checking in with Bill...decided to take her to a place my brother suggested that is in Miami so they can check out the frame alignment after the madness of the holidays. Clearly, the chuckleheads down here in Key Weird dont have a clue. All of you have been so welcoming and helpful!

And this is a real place...(well, not real-real like, say, 'New Jersey kind of real'--former Jersey girl here)...these are all views of the yacht marina across from the dayspa I own.

Thanks again guys!

[s2k 4 me]

Key West is a great place to visit or take a vacation, but when I lived down there I thought it was the most boring place. Unless you own a boat or drink ALOT....theres basically nothing to do (Thus the reason my son was born there). Thank God they atleast have/had one golf course there.

[jagg]

Welcome Aboard!
nice photos Slpngbuty. Beautiful location.
Little too tropical for my taste. It's godda get cold once in awhile. Keeps my fleas and ticks managable.


Good advice from Phil.......A qualilty alignment shop / frame shop is the way to go. The s2k's suspension is very compact at the rear wheels, and It wouldn't be hard to miss a problem, especiallly by someone who wasn't all that interested in finding it. Second and third opinions are invaluable....

Best of Luck With It,
jagg

[Slpngbuty]

Thanks for the welcome guys~ You're right, KW can be boring at times and isnt for everyone but I've lived in Key West for almost 20 yrs and love it...I was a Jersey girl before moving to the Southernmost City and there isn't enough money in the world to get me to go back to the "real world" for any length of time...as for cold weather...you can have it...all of it! hahaha My days of scraping ice off the windows and sliding on snowy roads are long gone and I'll deal with a little less action in the city (and the occasional flea) for 300 days of convertible weather~

Some interesting developments today in the ongoing tire saga...it seems that the TSB's that were posted were done by the National Highway Transportation Safety Agency...they post TSBs if consumers cant get anyplace with manufacturers. Honda never posted any TSBs on this issue. I called a friend who works for Honda and he was kind enough to do some digging on my problem. If my local Honda dealer cant find or fix the problem, Honda will reimburse me for my tires. (After bitching about it, of course!) You guys were all on the right track...this is how it was explained to me today by a Honda muckity muck: I drive 50 miles a day at a steady speed (no stopping & starting) of, we'll say, 60mph....our highway is slightly arched higher in the middle sloping off the sides for drainage into the ocean. Since the car has a rear wheel drive, the right side of the car is always on the downslope side of the highway....thus causing the consistant wear on the rear rt wheel. This seems to be the best and most logical explination I've had so far (but of course this could be total BS!) but still taking the car in to check out the alignment and frame...Whew. The saga continues~

[philiam]

Not convinced. Most all highways are crowned, higher in the center. A lot of cars and all trucks have solid rear axels. The problem would be epidemic.

[Java Junky]

The rotation'a the earth, the pull'a the moon, n' Mercury'z in'a house'a Bo Diddley.
And your site brethren say: bull*@&#!
Agreein' with Phil ain't nothin' new.
How exactly does that explain the rest of us not havin' the problem Nade?
You said it all when you said Honda muckity-muck: a slick-talkin' suit. A spin-doctor thank ya very much.
What you need is probably the oldest frame-straightenin' shop in the area. Chances are you'll walk in, explain your problem n' one'a the older-than-dirt guys workin' on somethiin' on'a lift is jus' gonna casually toss a response off over 'iz shoulder that a thousand over-paid suits'll with zip experience will never know.
Aaaay! It's worth a shot.
I don't care how well paid r' dressed your muckity-muck wuz. That jus' ain't normal. Don't give up.
Be well n' good luck with this,
Java