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What are the proper steel wheel tire inflation pressures??

Posted: Wed May 29, 2019 2:13 pm
by vetterss
This is not a TPMS question. I have a 2015 Caprice with steel wheels. The tire pressure tag on the B pillar says cold temperature tire pressure is 39 front and 44 rear. Can this be correct? Maybe aimed at cars with lots of equipment in them but the ride is very stiff and I think these pressures are too high. When you Google the pressures it says 35 front and rear cold and that seems more realistic. Thoughts from those out there running steel cop wheels as to what pressure is best?

Re: What are the proper steel wheel tire inflation pressures??

Posted: Wed May 29, 2019 2:25 pm
by s/c'd cav
the sticker shows the right info , the G8 and SS both use higher than normal psi as well

Re: What are the proper steel wheel tire inflation pressures??

Posted: Wed May 29, 2019 3:46 pm
by cerbomark
I run lower than the door says. My car is empty, even the extra battery removed.

Re: What are the proper steel wheel tire inflation pressures??

Posted: Wed May 29, 2019 3:55 pm
by Navy Lifer
In the 2011 Owners Manual, there is a statement that permits running a recommended pressure of 36 PSI in all 4 tires. That statement may not appear in later OM's, but not sure why, but I suspect because it caused too many complaints from owners (agencies) running the lower presssures and constantly getting alarms.

As already stated and as shown on the door sticker, "normal" pressures are 39F & 44R, which is the pressure for full load, high-speed conditions.

The problem arises in running 36 PSI (as 2011 OM stated) that TPMS settings for the PPV are keyed to the door sticker pressures, so that if the lower pressure in OM is followed, the TPMS alarm threshold is breached--in cooler weather, or when temps may drop overnight, alarms go off until tire temp & pressure rise above the threshold and the alarm goes off.

Both G8 and SS sedan door stickers call for 36 PSI, so whatever the alarm settings are on those cars is what a PPV running 36 PSI shoud be set to.

My solution was to re-set the threshold for alarm to a lower pressure--about 30 PSI. Dealer tech did this for me. Never a problem since.

It's a long thread: viewtopic.php?f=19&t=11&hilit=TPMS+alarm+setting

Re: What are the proper steel wheel tire inflation pressures??

Posted: Wed May 29, 2019 4:45 pm
by s/c'd cav
G8 is 36f 39r , i did see mention of 36 rear is less than a certain weight , but that weight could equate to the difference in a full tank to 1/4 tank of gas , lol

ill have to check my SS at home , since the factory service manual is failing me , lol

Re: What are the proper steel wheel tire inflation pressures??

Posted: Wed May 29, 2019 6:37 pm
by Navy Lifer
I thought I had confirmed SS as being 36/36, but maybe not.....I didn't actually see a door label. G8 was 36/36, same size tires. Whether I'm accurate with the info or not, there's no question what is in the 2011 PPV OM. So, I run "optional" pressure with a square wheel/tire setup, no issues, SS springs, very comfortable and I'm happy with the handlling & response. 255/45-18, 9" +47 wheels--much more pleasant to drive than with 39/44 settings.

Re: What are the proper steel wheel tire inflation pressures??

Posted: Thu May 30, 2019 2:19 am
by s/c'd cav
my G8 was what they call the 09.0 and it was for sure the 36/39 i was kinda surprised it was that high in the rear , i checked my SS and it does say 36/36 but from the time i picked it up its always been 36/39

Re: What are the proper steel wheel tire inflation pressures??

Posted: Mon Jun 10, 2019 4:56 pm
by 20129C1
My '11 9C3 has 36# on the label for all four corners. The few '11-'13 9C1's I've had go through my hands have all been 36 front/44 rear. As written above, most likely to compensate for the assumed added equipment in the trunk.

Re: What are the proper steel wheel tire inflation pressures??

Posted: Thu Jul 11, 2019 3:54 pm
by vetterss
Well I have been running 36 and 36 now for some time and no low pressure sensor warning has kicked off. Much better ride. Also had a vibration around 80 mph and found out rear tires were off 3-4 grams each wheel. Once adjusted, runs smooth as ever.