Tires: tire noise, michelin cross terrain, honda pilot

Question
My 2007 Honda Pilot 2WD with 33,000 miles has Michelin Cross Terrain P235/70R16 104S M+S, which came with the car.  (Michelin's were not factory supplied, but I insisted as a condition of the purchase.)  The noise level has always been higher than I like, but has gradually gotten worse - it is now intolerable.  The car has been serviced by Honda, and they claim that the noise is "normal" and due to the tires.  Road condition has an effect, with slick, well worn roads being quietest, and new rough asphalt the loudest.  I have plenty of tread left, but the noise is so bad, I am considering new tires. We never drive in snow or ice, but have to have tough tires as we travel 5 mi on dirt roads with farm debris every time we go. I am partial to Michelin, but right now, I would settle for quiet!  Any advice would be appreciated.

Answer
It may not be the tire.  The SUV may be making the tire load.

That tire is a quiet tire.

You may want to check out the Uniroyal AWP Plus.

Have you contacted Michelin and see if they will replace the tires for you?  If not, try to file a claim.  Maybe its just a bad tire.

Also, are you running the recommend PSI set by Honda?  Found on the drivers side door.

Also, have you had the balance checked on the tire?  If the balance is off, the tire can be loud.


John