Replacing Outdated Spare Tire or Wheel in 960/S90

crater33 · Post by **crater33** » 01 May 2019, 16:12

I have a 1998 Volvo S90, and it still has the original factory spare wheel & tire. The tire is completely dry-rotted, and won't hold any air, so its useless. I'd like to replace it.

The problem is, that the spare wheel is designed to take a 125/90 R 15 .. BUT NO ONE MANUFACTURES THEM ANYMORE!

The only place I have been able to find that exact tire size is on eBay or at salvage yards, and I think its safe to assume all those tires are dry rotted as well. Can I replace the tire with a 125/80 R 15 and get the same handling & performance? Or should I get a new spare wheel & spare tire combo package? No matter what, I want to make sure I'm safe. And immediately behind that, my priority are (a) making sure the spare wheel fits in the wheelwell, under the trunk floorboard, and (b) cost effectiveness. I'd rather not buy a new wheel if possible.

93Regina · Post by **93Regina** » 01 May 2019, 19:07

crater33 wrote: ↑01 May 2019, 16:12125/90 R 15 ..

Find out differences between yours, and this VW Tire, 145R15,

The tires are sold individually and fit 15 inch diameter wheel and have a 24.2" unmounted outer diameter. The tire will fit wheel widths from 4 to 5.5 inches. The 145R15 tire has a load index of 77(908lbs) and a T speed rating (118 MPH).

93Regina · Post by **93Regina** » 01 May 2019, 19:11

crater33 wrote: ↑01 May 2019, 16:12Can I replace the tire with a 125/80 R 15 and get the same handling & performance?

Really...."get the same handling & performance"....on a spare tire....what Kool Aid are you drinking?

lummert · Post by **lummert** » 01 May 2019, 20:23

IIRC VW Beetle tire size was 155-15. Thinking this is the size of the spare in my 1988 Volvo 765. Older tires of this type had an 82 Aspect ratio. 155R15 would be 25.00 inch overall diameter.

Post by **precopster** » 01 May 2019, 20:29

These are dangerous tires to drive on with a limit of 50mph and generally they are used to get you home only. Handling and performance are not their purpose. These don't match the size of the tire on the same axle so the car will be very unbalanced if driven quickly.

I always thought the space saver tires were only in use on V90s and 960s fitted with the optional rear facing seats. I'm pretty sure you can fit a standard spare in that S90 and never have to worry about these unsafe tires, or am I missing something?

93Regina · Post by **93Regina** » 01 May 2019, 22:18

lummert wrote: ↑01 May 2019, 20:23VW Beetle tire size was 155-15.

I use VW Tire, 165/80R15, on 240's 15" spare rim....early 240s came with 14" spare, and I can not find a small enough 14" tire, with similar height.

We offer four different Volkswagen tires for your classic 1968 VW Beetle. If you want to replace your tires with the original tires, we offer the radial equivalent of the stock bias ply tires, VW Stock Tire 165/80R15 (165SR15).

dm635 · Post by **dm635** » 17 May 2019, 10:06

In my 960 I have a full size 16" spare with the same size tire that's on the car. It fits the spare tire well, but you can't use the plastic screw that secures the spare.

VcuYEXw · Post by **VcuYEXw** » 19 Oct 2019, 08:36

I have a full-size 195-60-R15 spare in my 1995 945. I can still use the rear-facing seats.