ILMOB

I have nothing but positive things to say about the Nokian WRs. I have had them on my 97 Outback since November here in coastal Connecticut. The few snowstorms we had, the braking was tremendously improved over the prior Cooper tires we had. Dry performance so far in the cold weather has been fine to my taste. I haven't noticed any drifting at high speeds nor any need to correct the steering frequently when driving on the highway. I have never felt as though getting started in the snow has been a problem in this car no matter what tire I have had, but there is a definite difference stopping the car, and I feel much safer driving it with the Nokians. A bonus is being able to leave 'em on this summer. Hope this helps.

It was a bad left front wheel bearing (or is it bearings?) in my case. Got it fixed and now it rides perfectly. No noise, no vibration. Good luck.

I am having same problem with my 97 OB, 95 k miles...but with new tires (Nokian WR) that were balanced at time of install in December. Noise is same as you describe and seems most prominent at 40 mph when turning toward the right. I drove with a service tech who thought it may be wheel bearings so we're bringing it in to put it up on a lift this week. Will let you know how it works out.

Just got my Nokian WRs for $525 installed and balanced at a local independent tire shop that I found on the Nokian website as an authorized dealer...size 205/70/15. Thanks to this board for all the great info. Can't wait until it snows!

Hello all. I've been lurking for awhile and have been helped by all the great info. The problem I'm having is with the common rattle of the heat shields. After my dealer wanted to replace them for 300 bucks, I decided to reasearch it here and liked the aluminum foil wedge solution. However, I can't keep the little wedges in place -- they keep falling out after a few rides. I've tried large and small pieces. Any ideas for the frugal? My ride is a 97 outback (and yes the head gaskets needed replacement at 70k miles), but other than that I Love My Outback. Thanks.