Who has had problems with Cooper tyres?

[NOZ]

I have 245/75/16 ST Coopers and have a lot of cracks and chiping of the tread.

Anyone else had hassles?

[Disco300Tdi]

I found this on 4WD monthlys' forum

http://www.4wdmonthly.com.au/forum/index.p...;threadid=16561 (http://www.4wdmonthly.com.au/forum/index.php?board=1;action=display;threadid=16561)

Not quite your size but I hope it may help


VOLUNTARY RECALL ON COOPER LT285/75R16 S/T

The Cooper Tire & Rubber Company in America has issued a voluntary recall for a small
number of Discoverer S/T 4x4 model tyres after routine testing identified a possible problem
with slow leaks and cracking.

The recall affects Cooper Discoverer S/T LT285/75R16 tyres with serial numbers
3DYUC680904 through to 3DYUC680306.
Not all tyres within the identification number range are affected by the condition.
Nevertheless, due to the difficulty in identifying the individually affected tyres, Cooper is
recalling all tyres in this identification number range to minimise risk to customers. Australian customers with the affected tyres will receive replacements free of charge.
John Pfeffer, Cooper’s Australian distributor’s spokesman, said the recall had been done with
customer safety in mind.

“There have been no reported accidents or injuries linked to the recalled tyres. However,
Cooper is recalling all tyres bearing the specified numbers in the interests of customer safety
and satisfaction,” Mr Pfeffer said. “The company’s testing procedures indicate that the affected tyres may not have adequate
rubber coverage of the belt edge due to low tread gauge in the shoulder slot area of the tyre.
“It is important to note that not all Discoverer S/T model tyres that size are affected by the
recall – only those within the specified serial number range. The recall has no impact on all
other Cooper tyres.

“We have sent letters directly to Australian customers identified through our records asking
them to contact their authorised Cooper tyre dealer to arrange a free inspection.
“If customers think they may be affected and have not received the letter, they can freecall
Cooper on 1800 681 298 for more information”, he said.
Cooper advises owners that driving at highway speeds should be avoided until the tyres have
been inspected and, if they bear the identification numbers shown above, replaced.

The voluntary recall is to ensure customer safety and reinforces Cooper Tire’s reputation as
America’s Most Trusted 4x4 Tire.
For further information please contact:
John Pfeffer
(07) 3272 9888

[NOZ]

I have the cracking problem. At the moment they are considering replacing 3 of them but I am not happy with just the 3.

[Knight]

Hey Guys,

Saw the post - and yep, quite correct - Recall Notice Issued 24/2/06:
This can be found at the following Australian Recalls website:


http://www.recalls.gov.au/

Handy website for all recalls in Australia - just click on the Automitive sectionj for the Coopers Tyres Recall Notice.

Cheers
Knight :wink:

[discowhite]

redback is having troubles with his STC's.
you can see canvas through the cracks on all 5 tyres???

their his second set.

phil

[LoadedDisco]

Knight,
Great site thanks. Noz have hear of this problem. I think that is why Coopers came up with a new st-c due to the chipping problem. But still they should be replacing all 4 tyres if they agree to replace 3 of them :?:
I have Coopers H/T Plus and have had no problem so far, I know they are not a true 4x4 tyre to what you compare.

[PCH]

My Cooper LT245/70/17 ST's have bad tread cracking, chipping and sidewall cracks.

The tyres have done about 15,000km.

These aren't the ones in the recall size but I wonder if this is acceptable or not?

I might drop into the tyre dealer I got them from to get their view on them.

I don't think this is right but I'm not sure what to expect from AT's since this is my first set.

Chris

[Bytemrk]

There is an interesting story on the D2au site regadinf cooper tyres that I have been watching:

http://www.d2au.com/modules.php?name=Forum...viewtopic&t=353 (http://www.d2au.com/modules.php?name=Forums&file=viewtopic&t=353)

Scarey stuff - be interesting to see how it is settled. Could be quite enlightening for those thinking of buying Coopers..... like me.

Mark

[Slunnie]

I've had lug cracking problems also.

The ST's are not designed to tolerate wheelspin - thats what seems to crack the lugs. The sales rep will tell you its happened because you run 25psi and not 20psi off road etc, but at the end of the day the side lugs are just too narrow in the driving plane - which is wy they break.

Personally I recommend that D2 owners do not fit them, as the drive system requires wheel spin to work the 4WD.

[NOZ]

yep thats what the rep told me (tyre pressures) but that only relates to the chipping not the cracking

[NOZ]

PCH: I would definatley take them in for inspection, they can only say no.

I am hoping the agree to replace 4 tyres and then I will ask them to change them to STT dont mind if I have to pay abit of a change over, but I am generally not happy with the ST Coopers

[DaveG]

I run 33x 12" Cooper STs, I've done around 40k in them without any problems.

I put a nice rip in one of the sidewalls one time out in Anglesea, VIC but that was due to a concealed bit of steel piping sticking out the side of one of the tracks, not Cooper's fault.

-Dave

[Redback]

Originally posted by NOZ
I have 245/75/16 ST Coopers and have a lot of cracks and chiping of the tread.

Anyone else had hassles?

Oh yeah i had my first STs replaced under warrenty for this reason, now my new ST/Cs are doing the same thing and also the blocks are coming away from the casing, which was pointed out to me by Phil (discowhite) last weekend, NOT HAPPY JAN :twisted: :twisted: :twisted:

Baz.

[NOZ]

Yes I am going to try to change to STT's but if I have problems with them aswell I will go back to the ol faithful BFG muds. Its pretty poor when you spend your hard earned $$$ and buy Coopers on their reputation only to find they have a issue with poor manufacturing :roll:

[PCH]

Originally posted by NOZ
PCH: I would definatley take them in for inspection, they can only say no.

I am hoping the agree to replace 4 tyres and then I will ask them to change them to STT dont mind if I have to pay abit of a change over, but I am generally not happy with the ST Coopers

I dropped into my Tyre dealer and he took a look. His comments were that this is normal with Coopers. That is, blocks cracking around the base and chipping. This is quite superficial and recommended that in about 6 month just drop in and get another inspection.

Without me telling him what type of driving I do he quickly pointed out that Coopers tend to chip and tear lugs on bitumen. I would agree that when I noticed most of the damage on the tread it was after having driven up to Merrimbula and was maintaining 100kph around the twisty roads and the rear tyres really didn't cope well. The chipping has gotten worse after my last 4WD trip in the Vic HC.

I will probably go with a set of STT's next time as they should chip less and there are no other decent off-road tyres in the right size for my D3 in 17"

Chris

[seqfisho]

Thank God I got a good deal on BFG's :wink:

Next would have been G/Y MTR's

Been too much Cooper related bad press true or not over the last year or two that would make me think twice about choosing them.

The alarm bells started for me when they had to release the ST-C 8O 8O because the ST was having issues.

[NOZ]

PCH: It sounds as if our tyres are doing the same thing. My tyre inspection guy has told Cooper to replace 3 maybe 4 but it is on a prorata basis so I am waiting to hear what the change over to STT's will be, or to replace the ST's

[NOZ]

Yes I wish I had gone for BFG's :cry:

[Omaroo]

I have a set of 235/75-16 Cooper ST's on my Grand Cherokee. They've been on there for 90,000km and have done some pretty hard work. They should have another 15-20,000 left in them too as the tread is around 8mm deep still.

I constantly remember to air-down to 16 pounds when on rocks.

I have one slightly-torn block on the driver's rear. That's it. I've found them to be exemplary tyres in all conditions.

If you treat them like you paid $1,200 a set, then you'll treat them with respect and keep them for a while.

I've torn fist-sized holes in around a dozen BFG Mud Terrains over the years and would not touch any more with a barge pole.

[NOZ]

Cooper told me to run them on 28 psi on light duty offroad which I have done but still the problem remains.

Hope I get a decent % back, but if I had my time again I would not buy Coopers :roll:

[HSVRangie]

Cooper tires (yank spelling not realy tyres) would not fit on a wheel barrow.

Michael.

[NOZ]

65% NOT HAPPY :evil:

[dungarover]

Originally posted by HSVRangie
Cooper tires (yank spelling not realy tyres) would not fit on a wheel barrow.

Michael.

Agreed.

Wouldn't fit them to my Rangie either https://www.aulro.com/afvb/

Trav

[NOZ]

I wish I had this question before I put them on :cry:

[dungarover]

Originally posted by NOZ
I wish I had this question before I put them on :cry:

You get that https://www.aulro.com/afvb/

I remember the big thing about the Rancho shocks. I spoke to a few blokes with LR's who had them fitted and they all reckon they were great, little did I know when I had them on for about a year, I broke all 4 in a 3 month period 8O

I had them replaced under warranty but they were stuffed after about a year. Same with Coopers, they were a good buy at the time and now you're not so sure.

Trav

[NOZ]

I am still debating the exchange rate with them, up to 70% but I want more. Greedy maybe but I figure if you dont ask you dont get :wink:

[Omaroo]

Everyone is, of course, entitled to their own experiences......

I actually must fall into that 1% (or so it seems) of people who look after their tyres as best they can within the practical limits of usage and find that the Coopers have served me well.

I'm not of the opinion that brand-bashing is always justified... I will never buy BFG's again because I've ripped holes in them doing the same thing (and at the same places) I've run the Coopers.

[dungarover]

Originally posted by NOZ
I am still debating the exchange rate with them, up to 70% but I want more. Greedy maybe but I figure if you dont ask you dont get :wink:

Tyres even partly worn re not worth more than half price really and I would begrudge paying more than that myself. Call me a cheap bastard but that's the reality.

I find people tend to forget this when they sell tyres, they're second hand and that's all there is to it :!: Try trading them at Fourbys or somewhere who does for something diffrent.

Like I said, good luck with it.

Trav

[George130]

Interesting. I have been happy with my BFG Mudds. Ive got 45000 since I bought the rig and they would have been down to around 50% when I bought it. Mostly they are still legal but the inner edge of my rears are badly worn but that was due to returning home from lithgow after I stuffed my steering.

[cols110]

Pity BFG don`t make a set of A/Ts in 255/85/16s, I was considering going over to Coopers STs for that reason.

[NOZ]

My experience would say choose somthing other than a ST Cooper :roll:

[cols110]

I`m thinking that might be a wise choice.

[NOZ]

I have managed to screw them into a change over of $390 for 4 new STT's. I think I will settle for that :wink:

[PCH]

Originally posted by NOZ
I have managed to screw them into a change over of $390 for 4 new STT's. I think I will settle for that :wink:

I'd love to see some pics of your ST's and what is considered to be acceptable to Cooper for replacement. Any chance of that?

Chris

[NOZ]

I will try, our digital camera has failed and they are being replaced at 2.30pm tomorrow.

I will see if I can borrow a camera before hand. If I do I will let you know

[NOZ]

PCH: Doesnt look like I will get a camera in time. Can I suggest you just ring cooper and they will send you to one of thier tyres inspection guys, you may get a better answer.

This is the number for Brisbane they might give the number of Cooper in your area.

Actually I will pm you the number

[PCH]

Mark,

I'll take some pics of my tyres and post them up here. You can tell me if they are better or worse than yours.

At least then I'll know if I have any justification to push for a claim.

Chris

[NOZ]

Yep ok good idea, I will just go next door and ask if my neighbor has a camera

[NOZ]

Got my Cooper 245/75/16 STT tyres today $350 change over very happy with the boys at Bridgestone Zillmere https://www.aulro.com/afvb/

Oh yeah and Cooper tyres too :wink:

[PCH]

Okay Mark,

What these pics show is the worst found on the Cooper ST's but there are other examples on all tyres but to a lesser degree.

How do they compare to yours? Do you think I have a good chance to push for replacements?

Cracks in they tyre:
http://www.aulro.com/albums/album260/DSCN1853_800x600.jpg


Lug tearing off:
http://www.aulro.com/albums/album260/DSCN1858_800x600.jpg


Chip off lug:
http://www.aulro.com/albums/album260/DSCN1862_800x600.jpg

Thanks

Chris

[cols110]

Hmmm, seeing is believing, those cracks are certainly a bit worrying.

Not the sort of thing they show on the catalogue.

[disco_ute]

i had a set of coopers ST (33 x10.5 over 3 years ago and had the same problem i went to a cooper dealer and they said to stop driving off road with them :evil: so i sold them ..... u would think they would have sorted out the problems out by now

[duff]

I had all four Cooper ST replaced for free. https://www.aulro.com/afvb/

They gave me STT in exchange to avoid the problems the ST had had https://www.aulro.com/afvb/ ,

within 5000kms they showed the early signs of chipping like the ST's had. :evil:

I sold them while I could recoup the dollars 8O 8)

I have to say that the company had dealt with me in a professional and customer freindly manner. I found the guys to be great at the Brisbane head office, And i have mates running Coopers and achieving great things with them.
It seems that a lot of guys with Landrovers have troubles with them :oops: :? go figure ,,,,, maybe because we actually go offroad TIC 8O

[NOZ]

OK they are the same as mine. The picture with your thumb in it is exactly what mine was doing. I reckon you have a good case

[PCH]

An update on my Cooper ST's cracking.

Cooper supplied 5 new STT's for me.

I'm getting them fitted today. See you later ST's.

The ST's only have done 15,000km so the cost was pretty low. Less than one tyre.

Chris

[NOZ]

As it should be.. Good stuff :wink:

[dungarover]

Glad to hear that people are getting there ST's replaced with STT's.

Still wouldn't touch them with a 10 foot barge pole. Only time will tell if they stand up to the punishment of off-road use :?

Trav

[NOZ]

They are standing behind the product. Cant ask for more than that

[dungarover]

Originally posted by NOZ
They are standing behind the product. Cant ask for more than that

You have a point there NOZ I suppose. I think I'll stick with my MT/R's thanks https://www.aulro.com/afvb/

Trav

[NOZ]

I will say though, if I had my time again I would have bought BFG muds, like you Trav with your MTR's I have been a long time user of BFG's and had no probs.

But I have made my bed now so STT's it is

[dungarover]

Originally posted by NOZ
I will say though, if I had my time again I would have bought BFG muds, like you Trav with your MTR's I have been a long time user of BFG's and had no probs.

But I have made my bed now so STT's it is

I used to run BF's but they too at one stage were having some componding problems but seemed to have addressed then now.

I stumbled onto MT/R's at a 4WD show when Goodyear first released them and was sold, so I bought a set and haven't looked back https://www.aulro.com/afvb/

Trav

[PCH]

One day the other manufacturers will bring out tyres to fit the D3's in 17" and 18".

Anyway we have to just continue with Coopers.

They do stand by their product and to get a new set at a small price is very good. There was no fuss at all but then again Cooper are paying the price for it by having to recall 288,000 tyres.

Chris

[rmp]

I've seen a LOT of chipping with STs. I'm running ST-Cs and am happy with them. No cracking, no chipping. There is some damage but nothing I consider out of the ordinary considering where they have been and what they have done. Unfortunately the ST-C is more expensive and only available in a small range of sizes. It is also a little noisy. But overall I'm happy and would recommend the ST-C.

For my next set I may consider the STT which appears to be quieter than the ST/ST-C. Or maybe a set of Mongrels :-)