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November 20, 2000 01:00 AM

MAIL CALL

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    More on Firestone recall

    I was pleased to read Barry Steinberg's (Sept. 25) letter pointing out how frequently the tire failures on Ford Explorers occurred at the left rear wheel position.

    Perhaps our industry should try to help Bridgestone/Firestone Inc. prove its tires weren't all the problem.

    Ford Motor Co. obviously spent more public relations money pointing the finger at Firestone tires than in trying to identify a potential source of trouble.

    Bill Stiver Sr.

    Owner

    Stiver's Tire & Auto

    Englewood, Fla.

    With respect to the Firestone Wilderness AT tire recall, all the problems I have seen could only have resulted from a (manufacturing) defect.

    The recalled tires I have taken off have had a sidewall crack. Even new spares found on some vehicles have had a definite line around their sidewalls in the exact same place the crack develops.

    This did not result from underinflation or high operating temperatures. It should have been observed by Firestone quality control.

    Robert Sparks

    Manager

    Quality Tire & Auto Service

    Henderson, Texas

    The wheel problem

    As a longtime Firestone dealer, I feel the Firestone brand has been given a bad rap and that the company should be made aware of a serious problem that has yet to be mentioned anywhere in the news media.

    During the last 12 months, I have had three different Ford trucks come into my store because of loss of air in their tires.

    These were two Ford Expeditions and a Ford Explorer—all having rear tires with air-loss problems.

    I examined the tires for punctures, road hazards or tread separations, but found none.

    What I did find was that all three vehicles had aluminum wheels in which air was leaking from the casting itself.

    The aluminum casting is porous. When coated with a soapy solution, you can see air bubbling from it.

    Mike Kulpaka

    Owner

    Elmhurst (Ill.) Firestone

    In reference to the (Nov. 6 issue) article, "Miss. dealer sues BFS," Lexington Quality Tire and Lube (the plaintiff in the case) is an associate dealership, obtaining Firestone tires from an (affiliated) Bridgestone/Firestone dealership or elsewhere.

    As to the alleged "unmarketability" of Firestone tires, we sell them every day at a decent profit. We're not trying to win the legal lottery.

    BFS never has made false or misleading claims to me, nor in advertising its tires.

    Henry Seegers

    Owner

    Liberty Tire Inc.

    Jacksonville, N.C.

    Retreading's future

    Where have all the retreaders gone?

    One reason may be that landfills are taking good retreadable casings to their grave without realizing it.

    We need to start thinking about the future of recapping rather than killing it.

    Patrick Moore

    Owner/operator

    Route 7 Tire

    East Liverpool, Ohio

    Letter
    to the
    Editor

    Do you have an opinion about this story? Do you have some thoughts you'd like to share with our readers? Tire Business would love to hear from you. Email your letter to Editor Don Detore at [email protected].

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