Federal RSR delamination/splitting

Federal RSR delamination/splitting

Author
Discussion

Rob175kks

Original Poster:

169 posts

151 months

Monday 20th July 2015
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Hi guys,

I run an 1989 BMW 3 series track car, weighing 1100kg.
It has the standard 15inch BBS wheels, fitted with 195/50/15 Federal RSR. I’ve had them on for about 8 months/2000 miles and a crack has appeared in each tyre, running from inner to outer side wall.

I contacted the (reputable) company that I bought the tyres from and I’m being told that, I need to remove them immediately.
Apparently the reason they have cracked is because the tyre is incorrect for my car in terms of size and load rating. They also mentioned that I may not have given them the correct heat cycle to cure the tyre(?)

I think this is b****cks, but I’m happy to be proved wrong. Anyone had this happen to them?

nurseholliday

173 posts

191 months

Monday 20th July 2015
quotequote all
I've seen the cracking happen on a variety of sizes on the RSRs, with no ill effect on the performance of the tyre. I believe it is a common issue with that tyre, but mostly aesthetic.

gruffalo

7,509 posts

225 months

Monday 20th July 2015
quotequote all
nurseholliday said:
I've seen the cracking happen on a variety of sizes on the RSRs, with no ill effect on the performance of the tyre. I believe it is a common issue with that tyre, but mostly aesthetic.
Ditto.

Rob175kks

Original Poster:

169 posts

151 months

Monday 20th July 2015
quotequote all
I like what you're saying, and I'm not noticing any performance related issues either. Do you think an MOT centre will be ok with it?

gruffalo

7,509 posts

225 months

Monday 20th July 2015
quotequote all
Can't say but as it is on the tread I would doubt most would even notice it.

Chr1sch

2,585 posts

192 months

Monday 20th July 2015
quotequote all
I have this on 2 of mine and having spoken to a good few people I've been reassured its normal and just ignore it

Rob175kks

Original Poster:

169 posts

151 months

Tuesday 21st July 2015
quotequote all
Ok cheers guys, I'll ignore but keep my eye on it. Hopefully the MOT inspector is cool with it.

captainsl0w

69 posts

122 months

Wednesday 22nd July 2015
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nurseholliday said:
I've seen the cracking happen on a variety of sizes on the RSRs, with no ill effect on the performance of the tyre. I believe it is a common issue with that tyre, but mostly aesthetic.
Me too, had it on a 15 inch set once, no issues affecting stability/safety/performance from what i could tell. Tyres remained safe on track and road, having been used for a significant period after cracks appeared

Currently run a 17 inch set of rsrs on a lower profile, have had no cracks at all

Chr1sch

2,585 posts

192 months

Wednesday 22nd July 2015
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mine sailed through an MOT with them on

Rob175kks

Original Poster:

169 posts

151 months

Friday 21st August 2015
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Good to know, thanks guys!

QBee

20,904 posts

143 months

Monday 24th August 2015
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Just seen this thread. I too have this issue with 17 inch RSRs. It has not affected performance of the tyre and has not got any worse, and I have used 3/4 of the tread now, including track days. 1100 kg car. Rear wheel drive.

I got a second opinion from ATS. They said it was an issue with the mould in which the Tyres were made.

I had the issue on both rear 215/45 17 tyres, but not on both fronts, which were not bought from the same place and were 215/40 17.

Has anyone else noticed if, like mine,the issue was on the driven wheels?

Logicdr

20 posts

139 months

Tuesday 25th August 2015
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I have had the same on RSR 215/45-17s - looks like the tread is splitting. When my local tyre fitter (who races himself) flipped them on the rims after 4-5 track days he had no concerns. Done at least 2 track days since, no problems at all and I am not kind to tyres. I think these Federals are excellent tyres. I have bought from different suppliers (UK and German imports) and both sets are just fine. I wouldn't worry about it.

Stedman

7,213 posts

191 months

Tuesday 25th August 2015
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Yup, seen this a few times too. It seems like it's nothing to worry about!

git-r

969 posts

198 months

Saturday 29th August 2015
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I've had two sets and every tyre has had this issue.

No problems with safety apparently and I've worn a couple down to canvas with a drift day and still no problem.

BUT - in my car at high speed my car would shake horribly because of their un-uniform shape - I think they may get worse as they get faster. And the faster I went, the worse it got.. Really not nice. Fine when new but after a couple of track days this happened to both sets. Not an issue unless you're hitting 110+ though.

I wouldn't use them again for this reason..

Did spend a lot of time and money working out it was the tyres causing the vibration frown

QBee

20,904 posts

143 months

Saturday 29th August 2015
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Not doubting your findings on your car.

On my 1100kg TVR, I have done about 8 track days on them, hitting speeds up to 140 mph, no vibration issues.

mrpbailey

974 posts

185 months

Saturday 29th August 2015
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On my 1100kg Noble they were appalling tyres. Took them off with over 5mm tread still remaining as the grip was severely lacking in track and they seemed to be falling apart. Replaced with Michelin PS Cups and the difference was astonishing. Would never fit another set no matter how cheap

QBee

20,904 posts

143 months

Saturday 29th August 2015
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I hear nothing but praise for the Michelin Cups. Precise spec please?

git-r

969 posts

198 months

Saturday 29th August 2015
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QBee said:
Not doubting your findings on your car.

On my 1100kg TVR, I have done about 8 track days on them, hitting speeds up to 140 mph, no vibration issues.
Maybe it's different with different sizes. I've spoken to a few people with the same issue but also a few without.

For sure they do give good grip initially - I've got a lot to learn driving wise but still managed 52's with them at Brands Indy circuit with a 25 year old 1500kg R32 GTR. I only found them to be good the first couple of uses then even though they had lots of tread the grip would be hopeless, wet grip was even worse. Although they were cheaper it didn't make sense cost wise as 'better' manufacturers would give grip for the entire life of the tyre.

I never logged any corner or braking G when they were fresh but doubt they'd be much less than something like the 888's.

I'd agree with the above about the cup tyres if it wasn't for the cup 2's. Are the cup 2's really better in the dry though?


git-r

969 posts

198 months

Saturday 29th August 2015
quotequote all
QBee said:
I hear nothing but praise for the Michelin Cups. Precise spec please?
Lol these were what were responsible for making cars like the M3CSL + GT3 RS go quick. Outside edge of tyre is nearly slick, came with hardly any tread from new and were utterly useless in the cold and wet.

Some of the best road legal tyres for track days when they came out though. Cup 2's have replaced them and apparently better at everything.

QBee

20,904 posts

143 months

Saturday 29th August 2015
quotequote all
Both myself and a guy with a Caterham thought the Feds were good for more than that. They do have unusually low load indices (mine are 83 front and 87 rear). Maybe they are only god for lighter cars?