C5 X7/mk3 2.0 Hdi Exclusive: Tyre/transmission Noise

[Paul-R]

When you say steel wheels, have you put a magnet on them to see if there is an attraction? Or are they very plain alloy wheels that mimic steel wheels?

[melj]

Definitely steel and they are magnetic. They are full size spare wheels for the newer 5 bolt wheels and have the same tyres and outer diameter as the 17" alloys that I have fitted now - 225/55 R17. I wish I had put one of them in the boot as a spare when I took them off and put the 17" alloys on as it would have avoided this recent problem.

I had the pressed aluminium wheels that looked like steels on my C5 Mk1 but they were only 4 bolt fittings. I don't know if Citroen ever fitted them in the 5 bolt pattern. I am sure Marc will be able to tell us.

It puzzles why the steels are quieter than the alloys as I would have thought that alloys would damp down any noise transmission better as they are thicker and less bell like. This doesn't appear to the case. If anyone does fit steels to their Exclusive they will have to put some duct tape over the Exclusive badge as they won't be eligible to be members of the Exclusive club anymore

Cheers
Mel

[myglaren]

If anyone does fit steels to their Exclusive they will have to put some duct tape over the Exclusive badge as they won't be eligible to be members of the Exclusive club anymore

They will be even more exclusive, almost unique.

[mikevybiral]

Very helpful. My wife and I are on our 4th X7's (one each x2). All 08 to 59 with 17in alloys. We've been chasing the tyre noise issue with limited success. Most recently tyres made a difference, Maxxis, a bit dead but quieter but still noisy. Your suggestion is the best yet.
Thanks,
Mike

[GiveMeABreak]

I did a post here showing the Alloys for the X7:

viewtopic.php?p=602092#p602092

The 'Lapland' where only covers for the steel 16" wheels.