Front Tire Thudding feeling

Were the tires also balanced when they were rotated?

If yes, then the diagnosis sounds reasonable. I recently had a similar problem with my 2004 (except the tire noise was quite noticeable) and ended up buying four new tires although the existing tires were only 50% worn. The car used to sound like a 4x4 equipped with all-terrain tires and there was substantial vibration at speed. Now all is quiet and smooth again.

 

Well, it sounds like your tires are fairly worn, so you may want to consider buying a new set now.

Or if you want to try to get more use from those tires, then you could have them balanced to see if that helps. Good luck.

 

i have heard that noise on my GII recently at low speeds (15mph or less).
it's almost like a "bump....bump...bump"

i have about 35K miles on my 2nd set of tires (Goodyear Weatherhandler from Sears, got a good deal on them at the time).

after reading abt your problem, and knowing abt what noises i hear on mine, i am convinced that it's a tire noise.

now...i run my tires at 44psi fronts, 40psi rears.

so, i believe that it's an uneven wear or slight imperfection in the tire that is noticeable at high psi.

although my tread has 20K left, i may consider new tires prior to that.

 

I have recently had a similar problem. The wheel will balance and everything checks out, but thumps at low speeds. At road speed it seems to smooth out, but is definitely noisy...

After replacing one tire at a time (with the spare), I found the culprit. Talking with a knowledgeable "tire tech", he believes that it is the result of belt separation internal to the tire. It is often cause by curbing the tire or potholes. (Lord knows, we have plenty of those here).

 

Jim, If your tires are cupped (probably a result of running out of balance) you will feel what you describe at low speeds. It won't be as noticeable at highway speeds. Once cupped, balancing will not correct the problem; although, moving the cupped tires to the rear may make it less noticeable. That's assuming the tires moved to the front are not also cupped.

By the way, did the dealer take the time to show you that you can pass you hand around the circumferance of the tread and feel the cupping? If not, try it. Then take the suggestion to replace the tires.

Probably the first thing you will notice is how quiet the car is at highway speeds and the "thudding" will be history.

 

Often you can feel belt separation in a tire just by running your hand over the tread.... which you can do while the tire is still on the car, but you will need to wash your hands after. You can feel the un-roundness of the tire.