Spare Tire problems of the 2003 Chevrolet S10

Cable rusted underneath truck, spare tire came off, caused traffic tie-p.

The contact owns a 2003 Chevrolet s-10. The contact stated that the spare tire cable fractured from the rear of the vehicle and caused the tire to detach. The contact repaired the cable by adding a clamp and bolt to the cable to hold the spare tire in place. The contact spoke with the manufacturer but was not provided any assistance. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was 31,000 and the current mileage was 60,000. Updated 05/11/12 updated 06/01/12.

Point 1. - events were un-noticed sidewall "dry-rotting" of the goodyear wrangler rt/s p235/75r15 tires for 21000 miles. . . . . Theses tires were 'original equipment' on a new 2003 chevy s-10 crew cab 4wd truck. The "failed" tire was on the front, drivers side. Simple highway driving at 60 mph (rt. 1 n. , delaware), dry conditions, 65 - 70 degrees temperature. Tires were religiously 'rotated' at 6500 - 7500 miles. Point 2. - tire lost air, eventual "flat" during 60 mph highway drive. There was not a whole lot of "pulling" involved. Attention was given to me by a "passing" driver, upon which time I pulled off to the shoulder of the highway. Point 3. - changed the "failed" tire with the spare tire (same model), eventually replaced the "suspect" tire with a new same model (ergo, two new tires on the front). Inspected the three other original tires and noticed "dry rot" on all tires ranging from medium 'bad' to just-as-'bad' as the failed tire. Goodyear personnel acknowledged to me that they see this 'dry-rotting' quite often on these tires. Old tire is available for inspection. . . There is no "road hazard" involved. . . The 'leaks' are definitely from the "dry rotted" splits in the sidewall close to the thread. This is a very dangerous tire. . . I keep remembering bridgestone and Ford explorer from a few years ago!!.