Cooper ST (Sure Trac) tyres - good & bad experiences wanted

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Originally Posted by AndyRevill

I've been following this and other similar threads since I first heard of a few delaminations with STs with, I'll admit, a degree of nervousness mixed with "you only hear bad stories so don't panic". However, Mike's post which mentioned cracks made me check mine this evening. Now I'm not sure what's "normal" but I'm a bit concerned with what I found. These tyres have done two mainland trips (totalling about 15000 kms) and about another 10-15000 on bitumen. The chipping doesn't seem to me to be too bad (considering the tracks we went on) but there does seem to be an alarming degree of cracking at the base of just about all the outside lugs, especially on the rear tyres - so now I'm wondering if these are something to be concerned about. There are also a few cracks in between a few lugs. I've tried to take a couple of pics but not sure how clear they will be.
Anyone any suggestions on the best way to get some independent advice?

cheers, Andy

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The first pic which has the cracking along the root of what I would assume is the leading edge of the tread block and is typical of early signs of the the outer tread block seperation which is typical of the Cooper ST when the tyre is subjected to wheel spin. This is at its best. At its worst the entire outer tread block or a series of tread blocks will be torn off the carcass.

The second pic is probably just a cut from road or track debris and not a design problem.

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Originally Posted by LRHybrid100

G'day Guys,

I am looking for a AT tyre in a 255 / 85 x 16 size - would buy BFG ATs but they dont come in that size but Coopers do.

I know there has been recalls on 285 / 75 x 16 ST Coopers in the past - due to delamination of the tread but hope this is all in the past.

Pls post up your experiences - both good and bad with the Coopers ST tyres

THX

LRH

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I've run the ST in the same 255/85-16 size that you're talking about.

I think there has already been some significant talk about the typical (epidemic) problems that the Cooper ST suffers with tread seperation, particularly the outer blocks which is caused by wheel spin, and not directly from tyre pressure.

In addition to this, I found that the ST had a lot of road noise, probably as much as a typical muddie. The rolling resistance was good and the tyres return good economy, especially for a tyre that is as aggresive as what they are. I also found that the sidewalls do not have a lot of lateral stability and if you don't have your tyre pressures up at something over 36psi that you will get a lot of movement and walking from these tyres. I've not experienced this degree of flex on the road in any other tyre that I've used, which includes the Cooper STT old style mud in the same size. It can only make me think that the 255/85 ST has thin sidewalls.

Would I buy them again - never ever. If a 4WD tyre can't tolerate wheel spin off road without breaking (as opposed to cutting).... then to me it is not a 4WD tyre.

I've got 6 Cooper ST 255/70R16 for my Disco and 6 Cooper ST 235/85R16 for the Defender.

Defender's done about 14,000km on these tyres in 18 months, Disco about 20,000km in 2 years. No problems at all. They have been good and I rotate my tyres every 6 months (spares->front->rear->spares).

That said I have 2 mates who have fitted Cooper ST's in the last 12 months. Defender (235/85R16) one tyre delaminated. Prado 235 something's, two tyres with lamination issues but caught before it was too late.

So are Coopers OK. I bought the Defender with them fitted (but new tyres). The Disco I put on before I read about the issues. I've had no trouble but I know at least two people who have. Personally I'd never use BFG AT's ever again after a bad run with them.

Am I worried about the Cooper's, yes, I check my tyres regularly, especially when driving a long distance. I doubt if I'll replace them with the same though.

As for Coopers mileage warranty. Its a Joke! As other's have said already.

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Originally Posted by Slunnie

The first pic which has the cracking along the root of what I would assume is the leading edge of the tread block and is typical of early signs of the the outer tread block seperation which is typical of the Cooper ST when the tyre is subjected to wheel spin. This is at its best. At its worst the entire outer tread block or a series of tread blocks will be torn off the carcass.

The second pic is probably just a cut from road or track debris and not a design problem.

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Andy, I have switched from ST's to BFG 255/85's for good reason. My 235/85 ST's are now on the other halfs RR LSE, and only because I still have them in the workshop. Earliest oportunity it gets BFG MT 's in 235/85.

The ST's are almost as noisy as the Mudders!!! and they haven't lasted anywhere as long as I would've liked. I think about 35K and they are about 80% worn out.

Do a drive by and we'll have a look at the cracking...Pics don't look TOO bad, but Slunnie raises some interesting points about tread blocks coming off.

JC

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Originally Posted by justinc

Andy, I have switched from ST's to BFG 255/85's for good reason. My 235/85 ST's are now on the other halfs RR LSE, and only because I still have them in the workshop. Earliest oportunity it gets BFG MT 's in 235/85.

The ST's are almost as noisy as the Mudders!!! and they haven't lasted anywhere as long as I would've liked. I think about 35K and they are about 80% worn out.

Do a drive by and we'll have a look at the cracking...Pics don't look TOO bad, but Slunnie raises some interesting points about tread blocks coming off.

JC

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mine or worse than that :(
Cooper STT i'll get some pics tomorrow

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Originally Posted by justinc

Do a drive by and we'll have a look at the cracking...Pics don't look TOO bad, but Slunnie raises some interesting points about tread blocks coming off.

JC

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Don't worry - you're on my to do list sometime this week! :)

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Originally Posted by McDisco

I think tyres a a personal choice and most of us stick to what has worked, but sometimes you just gotta try and see. But I have never heard of any other apparently reputable tyre manufacturer having so many problems as Cooper. And not just premature wear and chipping, but actual major delaminations!

I also just dont understand how they can manage to charge what they do for their tyres! I priced them when looking for muddies and the STTs and ridiculously prices compared to nearly everything else! Personally I wouldnt pay the money they ask for tyres that have a dubious reliability record.

But then again...plenty of people use them without a hassle! I just think that if you go with Coopers fair enough...but just dont whinge when they bust!! :o:D

If you want reliable tyres stick with GY silent armour, Wranglers, BFG muddies, pirelli At's, MTZ's and MTx's.

My 2 cents worth.

Angus

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OK, so it should be the tyre you know....

Well which ones would you like me to talk about?

Cooper ST
Cooper STT
Mickey Claws
Dick Cepek FCII
BFG MT (and MT KO)
BFG AT
Mickey ATZ
Mickey MTZ
Silverstone MT117
Bridgestone Dueler
General Grabber
Mickey Bajas
Goodyear MTR
GY Silent Armour
Michellins
Kuhmo 'super slippers'

I've tested them all.....

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Originally Posted by McDisco

Stevo

This is likely because of sand in the bead. I had this problem with my BFG Ats. Just get them reseated and cleaned.

Angus

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Coopers reknown for pinholes in carcass actually....

Haahaahahaaaa:twisted: the truth comes out about these sub standard tyres at last! I knew it would, only a matter of time.

Someone refer the LROCV peeps here:angel:

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Originally Posted by joel_nicholson

Haahaahahaaaa:twisted: the truth comes out about these sub standard tyres at last! I knew it would, only a matter of time.

Someone refer the LROCV peeps here:angel:

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Yeah,
But as said a lot of us have also had no problems with the Coopers, but have with other tyres. I have had major failures with Bridgestones, Dunlops, Michelins and BFG's. Have not had any sort of failure with the Cooper STT's apart from staking one with a bolt. This thread is worrying though. With this in mind then most of the Mickey Thompson range and others would probablly be sub standard as well, as there are a lot made in the same factory.
Remember the issues Firestone had as well and a heap of their sub brands? Goodyear also had problems as have Dunlop and Bridgestone.