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Hunter Revolution Automatic Tire Changer

3.9K views 8 replies 4 participants last post by  SFCR  
#1 · (Edited)
Another saga for my Pirelli P Zero Nero tires and Hellcat rims. The local FCA dealership did a good job of mounting the tires to the rims, but the balance was really bad. The guy that did the balance appeared to be nothing more than a shop gopher. I called the Ford dealership, where I purchased the tires (Parts & Service Director is a good friend of mine) and he said to bring them back and they would make sure any balance issues were resolved per the warranty (Had I known he had this new machine, I would have brought the rims to him in the beginning...would've helped if I had asked as well). So, today, off I went. They were da' bomb! He guaranteed my rims would not be damaged and if by any chance any of them were, they would be replaced! A long story short, all 4 were road force balanced and 3 had to be replaced. The parts guy had 4 new ones waiting when I arrived just in case. The one tire that was fine only needed a bead massage and that got the road force down to a little less than 6 pounds. The other 3 measured out closer to zero. I had to wash them when I got home and it was late, so I plan to mount them on the Challenger tomorrow and take a test drive. However, I don't expect any issues. Some things to note:
1. Read the tire warranty fine print. For Pirelli, the warranty does not cover balancing, mounting, road force, or any related services.
2. Get it on the interstate so you can get up some speed. Around town, it rode fine.
3. I've also noticed that every FCA dealership around here is a chaotic dump in the garage bays and service is a crap shoot!
4. Make sure the tire dealer or dealership has one of these: A Hunter Revolution Automatic Tire Changer. I stood and watched it for the last tire...and it does exactly as Hunter claims. Nothing ever touched the rim except for the tire! The dealership also had a matching Hunter Road Force Balancer. It was impressive indeed.
 
#2 ·
This is exactly why I no longer purchase tires from The Tire Rack.
I will now purchase my tires locally from Discount Tire.
They price match and they are just around the corner in case I get a bad tire(s).
 
#4 ·
I had thought at one time to get a set from Tire Rack, but have heard several issues with customers receiving out-of-round tires and other defects. Everyone around here will price match, especially franchised auto dealerships. I also checked with the military exchange online and they were way too pricey!!
 
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#5 ·
Thank you for that info. I'd like to see who has another one around here. At least I know my friend's Ford dealership has one and they did a good job!
 
#6 ·
WOW glad I read this post I am pulling the trigger on getting new tires for the wife’s SRT and I was about to buy them from tire rack.
 
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#7 ·
WOW glad I read this post I am pulling the trigger on getting new tires for the wife’s SRT and I was about to buy them from tire rack.
DON'T DO IT!!

After the second set of tires were out of round, Tire Rack then questioned the roundness of my wheels, the tire balance machine etc. They sent a checklist of things they required before they would send out another set of replacement tires.

The tech at Discount Tire did a Road Force Balance and showed me how out of round the tires were, which I communicated to Tire Rack.
The Discount Tire tech recommended where each tire should be placed on the car for the smoothest ride, which worked.

Over time, the ride smoothed out.

The Discount Tire folks told me next time you need tires, purchase from us. We will replace until its right.
 
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#8 ·
I've always been hesitant about making large purchases online anyway, and these additional Tire Rack issues simply reinforces my hesitance. It's much better to buy locally, especially since everyone price matches.
 
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#9 · (Edited)
I took my Challenger out today for some exercise. The tires were perfectly balanced and the ride was super smooth! It was such a big difference from the initial and second balances. What a relief! I've read some posts where the owners complained of the Pirelli P Zero Nero tires. I've driven a Hellcat and now, my Challenger, both with the Pirelli P Zero Nero tires. On my Scat Pack, it feels more stable than with the P245/45ZR20 Goodyear RS-A2 that is OEM on the Scat Pack. They'll still spin if driven spirited, but that is one of the desirable traits (IMO) of having a true street muscle car. The Pirelli tires also seemed to have a stiffer sidewall. I don't think they ride quite as soft as the Goodyear, but they do corner very well.