Radial Tire Lead
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2004 Suzuki XL-7, 2004 Suzuki Grand Vitara, 2003 Suzuki XL-7, and 2003 Suzuki Grand Vitara. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
"Lead" is the deviation of the vehicle from a straight path on a level road with no pressure on the steering wheel. Lead is usually caused by:
- Incorrect alignment.
- Uneven brake adjustment.
- Tire construction.
The way in which a tire is built can produce lead in a vehicle. An example of this is placement of the belt. Off center belts on radial tires can cause the tire to develop a side force while rolling straight down the road. If one side of the tire is a little larger diameter than the other, the tire will tend to roll to one side. This will develop a side force which can produce vehicle lead.
The chart below should be used to make sure that front alignment is not mistaken for tire lead.
- Part of the lead diagnosis is different from the tire rotation pattern currently in the owner's and service manuals. If a medium to high mileage tire is moved to the other side of the vehicle, be sure to check that ride roughness has not developed.
- Rear tires will not cause lead.