Technical Tyre Noise

[potter99]

Need some help.

I have a 2009 Active Sport T120, now on 71000k, owned for about 18 months.

Replaced the front tyres at 65000k about 12 months ago, with the same brand -Continental Contisport Contact 225/45 R17Y.

About 3 months ago started to notice a droning sound coming from the front, really noticeable on smooth roads, which has gradually got louder - when you slow down it almost sounds like your washing machine spin cycle is finishing !

Got my local garage to check - wheel bearings are fine so they've swapped the front right to the left rear etc to see if it helps - it is better but of course the sound is now coming from the rear.

So my question is - what is causing the noise ? - Is it just one of the 'rear' tyres has some sort of manufacturing fault ? Is it worth getting the wheels balanced - there is no uneven tyre wear - and come the day I change the tyres are the Contisport the right ones to have - they were on the car when I bought it but if there are quieter ones out there I'd rather have those !

Maybe it's something else - help !

 

[Caravadossi]

Not a specific answer to your problem – but in general your tyres fail to meet the next (2016) noise level standard.
Over time tyre noise is being ratcheted down to 68dB.
So sooner or later, if they don’t re-design to comply – you’ll need to find something closer to 68dB.

241213Z