My rear bearings are fine! tires not so good.
 

I thought my rear bearings were finally going (stock at 229k)
Had a very loud roaring coming from the rear starting at pretty low speeds.

I have already replaced the front bearings on both sides this year. They were defiinitely shot.
Turns out it was my worn out tires making the ruckus in back. I have heard bad bearings before and was positive that was it.
Had new azenis put on yesterday and the roaring is gone completely

I might be the first svxer to try out the new design falken azenis sport RT-615

Went through 2 sets of the RT-215 already and loved them for the stick and price. (they don't last long, W rated(168mph), 200 treadwear, AA rating) Too bad they discontinued them and jacked up the price of their successor but they still are pretty cheap and according to the mags they stick even better.

http://www.vulcantire.com/graphics/t...enis_rt615.jpg

Good job! I think you did the smart thing by going with these tires. Most folks don't need Z rated tires on their SVX. Paying extra $$ for ultra-high performance tires on a car that won't run that fast is a waste. For most of us H rated tires will work just fine, especially since we usually buy all-season radials and use them year round. Given the SVX weight and performance parameters (in stock form) H rated tires will allow for sustained and safe cruising speeds of 90+ mph, and how many of us drive our cars at 90+ for long periods of time? Few, if any (given the cost of a speeding ticket). I hope you have great service from your tires, and 229K on a set of stock rear wheel bearings is fantastic. Best wishes.
Preston

Some tire places will not install different rated tires. They will only go for the Z rated tires. That doesn't mean you have to buy there though. :)

A friend of mine was looking at a SVX and it had a horrible roar in the back. We checked the bearing and they seemed ok. We put an extra set of tires on it that I had and the noise was gone. :)

The W rated tires are actually a higher speed rating than Z

Q=99 MPH, 160km/h

S=112 MPH, 180km/h

T=118 MPH, 190km/h

U=124 MPH, 200km/h

H=130 MPH, 210km/h


V=149 MPH, 240km/h

W=168 MPH, 270km/h

Y=186 MPH, 300km/h

Z=149 MPH, 240km/h and over

The problem with Z rating is it's not specific. We don't know how much over 149mph they are safe to...not that many of will actually see the far side of that limit. :D

I was always happy with V rated tires. I had a set of Falken Ziex that saved my life in the rain.