Author Topic: Tire Cables (Read 31143 times)

Iris · « **on:** Jan 27, 08, 07:03:12 PM »

Has anyone experienced tire cables coming off while driving?

Earlier today, when coming back from the circus

, I started slipping around in my AWD and looked out to realize that one of my cables was laying in the snow.

Is this common?

Iris · « **Reply #1 on:** Jan 27, 08, 07:50:39 PM »

BTW-I had gone to town and back when this happened and they were properly installed.

I just would like to find out of this happens some times with cables (as opposed to chains), it just doesn't seem safe to have it come off as it did.

Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.

Toolman · « **Reply #2 on:** Jan 27, 08, 08:53:56 PM »

You didn't mention what type of AWD vehicle you are using. Cables are for light duty use but also light in weight and easier to install, so it's a compromise. I've seen several come off, including the CHP tonight in front of the house.

I prefere chains on all fours to get you there when the going becomes demanding.

Surfer_Dude · « **Reply #3 on:** Jan 27, 08, 10:21:31 PM »

With some AWD all you can use are s-class cables or chains. This is the life of little clearance and AWD.

lagomorphmom · « **Reply #4 on:** Jan 27, 08, 10:21:49 PM »

Hi AB,

Seems like the cables tend to break according to reports on this forum. I couldn't find the recent thread that I remember but here's one that has some mentions:

Wrightwood Forum
http://www.wrightwoodcalif.com/forum/index.php/topic,4356.0.html

Yesterday the FedEx guy was stopped at our place because his brand new cables broke and just tonight the CHP guy was in front helping someone and his were broken, too. Maybe they do ok in snow, but seems like ice is a real problem.

I can't find the post in the road conditions but someone mentioned some called something like spyder chains. They had good reviews here, but I haven't seen them and don't quite understand how they work.

Bob C · « **Reply #5 on:** Jan 27, 08, 10:28:58 PM »

Quote from: lagomorphmom on Jan 27, 08, 10:21:49 PM

I can't find the post in the road conditions but someone mentioned some called something like spyder chains. They had good reviews here, but I haven't seen them and don't quite understand how they work.

info: http://www.spikes-spiders.com/

Iris · « **Reply #6 on:** Jan 27, 08, 10:35:15 PM »

Thanks for the info everyone.

I have a Toyota Rav4. When shopping for chains/cables a few years ago when I got it, I just remember that they were not the cheapest of the options, but am going to do more research to see what else can be used on this vehicle.

I travel home, a lone female, later in the night on weekdays and want something reliable on my tires. Thought I had that.

I will definitely check out the spyder thingies.

Chesslike · « **Reply #7 on:** Jan 27, 08, 10:40:49 PM »

I will definitely check out the spyder thingies.

I looked at the ones that fit my wife's car and they were close to $500.

Tyrone · « **Reply #8 on:** Jan 28, 08, 12:49:56 AM »

One of my cables came off yesterday.
A friend found it later, I'm not sure if it broke or just came off...
I had the chain tighteners and I'm pretty sure it was properly installed. It stayed on for more that a day before that.
Kind of a bummer as they are more expensive than chains...

T

clint · « **Reply #9 on:** Jan 28, 08, 06:45:23 AM »

A RAV 4 cannot use regular chain chains. They require cable chains due to limited clearance. Putting anything other than Type S chains on a RAV could cause body damage or tear out a break line.

Iris · « **Reply #10 on:** Jan 28, 08, 10:37:18 AM »

Thanks Clint. That's what I thought, but it had been a while since I was researching them.

As with Tyrone, I had the tighteners on and had them on for the previous day or two. After I finally got mine back on and unstuck I came across a cable sticking out of the snow on Mockingbird (or the one below it) but did not stop to pick it up. Sorry, at that point I just needed to get up my hill and home.

If it was yours, glad you got it back.

clint · « **Reply #11 on:** Jan 28, 08, 03:25:06 PM »

All "chains" whether chain or cable, settle into place and stretch after driving awhile. When we have to use chans for several days it's VERY important to recheck the fit and tighten as needed to prevent the chains from slipping and twisting as this is what causes chains to break or come loose. Remember rubber chain tensioners are really a to keep the chains quiet, not keep the chains adjusted. If your chains are easy to install, they are too big for the tires. Chains should fit closely, like a fine Italian suit.

Stitches · « **Reply #12 on:** Jan 28, 08, 05:06:13 PM »

Unless you have a size 36 husband trying to get his old pre-marriage size 33 Italian suit to fit again. Then a new Italian suit is needed.

TheSandman · « **Reply #13 on:** Jan 28, 08, 10:54:45 PM »

or a new italian.

clint · « **Reply #14 on:** Jan 29, 08, 01:35:47 PM »

Iris · « **Reply #15 on:** Jan 31, 08, 12:46:13 PM »

Well as it turns out, one of my cables became stuck upon removal and snapped before I could get to a better spot to get it off. I had to buy new ones to get home earlier in the week.

The guy said these were Z-cables and better than the ones I had before. I can say they are easier to put on as you do not have to roll the car over them to install. They have an opening on the bottom front and just slide around.

Thanks again for the feedback

Iris · « **Reply #16 on:** Feb 13, 08, 10:26:10 AM »

Oops, know this is sort of old but I just realized I used a rolling eye smiley by mistake. Sorry, wasn't rolling my eyes at you.

As with Tyrone, I had the tighteners on and had them on for the previous day or two. After I finally got mine back on and unstuck I came across a cable sticking out of the snow on Mockingbird (or the one below it) but did not stop to pick it up. Sorry, at that point I just needed to get up my hill and home.

If it was yours, glad you got it back.

Iris · « **Reply #17 on:** Feb 14, 09, 04:44:27 PM »

This is the third year in a row that I have had to replace my tire cables midseason due to them snapping/breaking while driving. I don't buy the cheapest ones, I buy the ones that are generally between $70-80. I don't drive fast with them on, only have them on when needed, etc.

Has anyone else had this experience or know why this keeps happening? I know people who's chains last longer than the amount time they own the vehicle. I believe I posted something last year about this as well and I have made sure to check that they are properly installed before driving. Frustrating....

Scout · « **Reply #18 on:** Feb 14, 09, 05:50:52 PM »

Do you have the right size chains for your current tires?
Are you sure they're properly put on and fastened at all points?
For most cables and chains it's 2 points of connection. 1 on the inside of tire, 1 on the outside-face of tire.
Z-cables also have a 3rd point to fasten at the split.
Are you tighteners on evenly? Are they tight?
Do you get out to adjust them and tighten them up after 5 or so miles?
Do you have extra chain/cable flapping around? This could wrap around your axle.
Good Luck!

Iris · « **Reply #19 on:** Feb 14, 09, 06:37:06 PM »

Do you have the right size chains for your current tires? Yes.
Are you sure they're properly put on and fastened at all points?
For most cables and chains it's 2 points of connection. 1 on the inside of tire, 1 on the outside-face of tire.
Z-cables also have a 3rd point to fasten at the split. Yes.
Are you tighteners on evenly? Are they tight? Yes.
Do you get out to adjust them and tighten them up after 5 or so miles? No, I haven't done this. Will try it.
Do you have extra chain/cable flapping around? This could wrap around your axle. No. Actually that happened to me last year when one of the cables from my previous set snapped and I had to drive down LPC with it on until I could get to a service station with lighting.

Good Luck! Thanks for the input!

Author Topic: Tire Cables (Read 31143 times)

Chesslike

clint

clint

clint