OE Bridgestone Duellers and handling?

[Ironlight]

I just bought a 2008 Pilot. I test drove it along with a number of other generally comparable SUVs and ended up purchasing it based on a number of factors. During the test drove it seemed fine, but I really only went around the block.

Having had it for a couple of weeks I have decided that the handling of the vehicle is fairly numb and unimpressive. It drives like a much larger truck and not in a good way. I had a GMC Yukon a few years back and that thing had much better road feel while not sacrificing ride quality. It's not a power issue. The Pilot just feels mushy in turns and generally somewhat lumbering.

I'm wondering if the issue is in part the tires. The reviews on the Duellers are pretty uniformly negative. Can anyone who has had the Duellers and switched to a better tire comment?

Thanks in advance.

[cofetym]

This might be worth a read and plenty more using the search feature:Bridgestone Dueler H/L Alenza Experience?

Check the tire pressures and check struts and shocks.

[Ironlight]

That sounds like a roundabout way of saying "I know of no handling issues with the Duellers, check your suspension." Is that what you're saying?

If no one weighs in and says there is an appreciable handling weakness with the Duellers (and it looks like the fronts are semi-new and the rears are stock. The vehicle has 30k on the clock and I would say the rears have 1/4 tread left) then I guess I need to look elsewhere for an explanation. I'm pretty certain it's not a strut or arm issue but I'll wait for more people to weigh in before I go chasing that.

[rocky]

Strongly recommend that you install this: Hondacuraplanet Honda Acura Parts & Accessories: Honda Pilot Rear Subframe Brace Retrofit Kit

The brace kit greatly improves handling. Honda installed the brace on the MDX but cheapened out and didn't do it on the Pilot.

Neither the Bridgestone or Goodyear OE tires are loved by enthusiastic drivers. They lacked grip, poor handling especially in wet.

The best tire I've had is the Michelin LTX MS2. Had the Bridgestone Alenza which is great for handling but over time I came to dislike its harshness. The handling is due in part due to the HR rating and resultant stiffer sidewall.

How many miles?

[cofetym]

Ironlight I hope what Rocky is suggesting works for you. I obviously don't have the same tires and while my Goodyear Integrity's are on the loud side. My vehicle doesn't exhibit the conditions that you are facing. Overall the ride quality is fine.
I searched the site trying to find something that might help you until other forum members could share. Usually a lot of folks get frustrated when they don't get an immediate response. The tire wear issue you never even mentioned in your OP.

[Ironlight]

Thanks guys.

I'm not concerned about ride quality, which in my book includes things like road noise. Nor am I really all that concerned with issues like treadwear or grip in the wet. I'm concerned with *handling*. And when I say concerned I mean simply that is the issue I'm exploring. Yes when it comes to buying new tires I want an adequate compromise of longevity, quietness, and other factors and those will all be under consideration, but right now I want to know why this truck handles the way it does.

And it really does handle poorly, IMHO, even in comparison to many frame-on trucks. Over the years I've owned a number including a Toyota 4Runner, Nissan Xterra, Honda CRV, and as I mentioned a GMC Yukon. All of them handled better than the Pilot. This vehicle is mushy and vague in turns and has noticeable understeer, which together make it seem like a much larger vehicle than it is. The Yukon felt nimble by comparison, if you can believe that. True, 5.7 liters can make almost anything seem sprightly, but all the same the Yukon seemed to track through corners with more intention and predictability.

Now I still like the vehicle and am not regretting my purchase, I just want to know if I'm suffering from some well documented tire deficit. It feels very much like a tire issue...one that stiffer sidewalls would mitigate. I'm going to bet that the OE Duellers have very soft sidewalls.

That rear subframe bracing looks interesting. If I can pick it up at a good price I may throw those on just for yuks.

cofetym, I'm not frustrated, I just figured that if this tire is one of two that they use as OE there would be a surfeit of opinions on how it stacks up against possible upgrades. Just waiting for those people who have ditched the tire in favor of something else to weigh in. I know they are out there!

Thanks.

[rocky]

The tires used by Honda at the factory for the 03-08 years are the cheapest out there. Getting rid of them makes a big difference. If you keep the wheels, then the Alenza is the only choice out there afaik.

The next question is whether you want to replace the wheels as well. If so then 18-19 will help. OEM wheels include RDX in 19 and most prior gen TL wheels as well as all years TSX.

FWIW, the Pilot and first gen MDX while using identical chassis, used springs shox etc with different PNs.

Some better roll stiffness in the anti sway bars would definitely help.

[rgillie66]

Originally Posted by rocky

If you keep the wheels, then the Alenza is the only choice out there afaik.

Not sure that's what he really meant to say. Any 235/70-16 will work on the OE wheels. The Pilots that came OE with Bridgestone tires had the Dueller H/T, which is a rather 'soft' tire and certainly not highly regarded for it's handling characteristics. The Dueller Alenza is Bridgestones 'premium' SUV tire and would be a huge upgrade over just about anything else available.