2000 Outback Wagon best tire pressure?

[Rainy]

I just bought a 2000 Outback Wagon that has new tires installed. The max pressure on the sidewall is 44psi, the tires are inflated at 38psi and the ride is a bit bumpy and makes hard sounds. According to my reading that is something I can live with for better fuel economy, at least during summer, and I may even try the max pressure as recommended sometimes -- there are several theories about what is best.

 

I am wondering what other 2000 era Outback owners have tried. Has anyone compared the manufacturer's recommended pressures with other trials? Has there been any significant increase in mostly sounds as the pressure increases (I expect to feel the bumps a bit more, but wonder if my sounds are normal or indicate suspension wear.)

 

Please tell me about your experiences with this and include any suggestions you have concluded that work. In summer I drive mostly highway and small town roads, and live where there are severe winters on those same roads. Thanks.

[Rooster2]

on my 99 Subie Leggy OBW, I run 35 psi on all four tires. As you already know, running more psi then 35 creates a rather harsh ride.

[Subie Gal]

Tirerack.com has a nice guide

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tiretech/techpage.jsp?techid=147

 

pressures will depend a lot on what kind of tires you have installed

 

I run high performance - ultra performance tires

 

and I run at 40psi all the way around....

 

 

best to read the guidelines, research a little bit

 

then experiment

 

Jamie

[mtsmiths]

We ran our '00 Legaback at 38, and do the same on our '06.

 

The studded winter tires we run at 32.