We may have to buy new tires for our '05 XG350. Really not sure if we want to as we are also thinking about selling it for something else. However, if we were to buy new tires, what would be the quietest set we could get without going broke? The ones on here now are so noisy even with the radio up you can still here them!! And now there is a pretty noticeable shake in the steering wheel. Sometimes worse than others. These tires aren't that old, by the looks of them, but I think they are cheap junk. I think the brand name is Potenza. Also, with every strip or bump in the road you hear the bump echo through the tires. With these tires on this has been the noisiest car I've ever owned. It's making my 1994 Ford Ranger feel like a Caddy. Sorry, got off track...........Scott

 

I was thinking about this and: is it possible they are only noisy because one (or more) are going bad?

 

Yes, that's possible. Some tires do make more noise as they wear. Tires are hit and miss unless you've used them before. It's hard to say what will and what won't make noise. Read online reviews of the tires you are looking to purchase and find ones that most claim are quiet.

 

With 96,000 miles would there be much if any danger of front suspension parts wearing out?

 

Anything is possibly. It's always a good idea to get the front end checked and an alignment when buying a new set of tires.

 

I checked into this a little more last night, but didn't have the time to jack the car up. What we have on the car for tires is: Bridgestone Potenza G009 P205/60R16. The back ones seem fine. The front ones are loud and I think I see why. I felt around the tire and on the inside edge of both front ones I feel 'cupping' or 'feathering'. So, it would seem to me that I might have a suspension issue. It seems to handle well enough, though. Time for a shop..........

 

Check the wheel alignment for the four tyres and try it on a different road. Sometimes, the road may be the cause of the noise you hear.