Monkey lads strike again

[Lee Levitt <wheelman@shore.net>]

Had 4 Conti CV90s mounted and balanced today. Due to a scheduling issue, I
had the local garage handle this. They did a fine job.

After I checked the tire pressures (a bit low at 30 pounds all around, but
I'll let that slide due to a difference in tire gauges. I had requested
32...), I checked the pressures on my Range Rover. The last time the tires
had been touched was during a courtesy balance at the top tire shop in Boston.

They rotated the tires front to back, but didn't change the pressures. Now
the Range Rover is pretty fussy about tire pressures, and specs 28-38 F-B.
I run 32-38, which gives me a bit less understeer. The monkey lads had
reversed the tires but didn't check the pressures, despite my request.

No wonder the thing handled and rode like crap. Much better now with the
right pressures at the right ends of the vehicle.

Two things. First, the Contis are great on the Audi, and second, the shop
that screwed up was DirectTire. I've always considered them to be the best
in Boston, aside from the fact that they will *always* try to sell even
experienced owners unnecessary repairs. "Yes, sir, all four of your tie
rods should be replaced. Yes, sir your Bilsteins are leaking and should be
replaced.." In both cases, experienced independent mechanics stated "hogwash".

Lee
Lee Levitt
wheelman @ shore.net
webmaster, http://www.wheelman.com - kewl stuff for gearheads :)
1990 Audi 200T, 85K
1995 Range Rover County LWB, 72K
1987 Wicked Fat Chance, 1981 Condor Custom Road Bike