I have had my Hawkeye wrx for just over six months now and my two fronts ( Bridgestone 215/45/17 w 87 potenza's ) are getting near the limit of tread, the rear tyres ( as above ) still have a good amount of tread.
I want a better tyre so was going just change the two at the front with goodyear eagles as I read they are a better tyre all round, in this price range. I know that I must get exactly the same size tyres and must keep the front and rears matched. I have been told that it would not in any way damage the 4x4 system over a period of time, I have had bad experiences with my old calibra 4x4 turbo lol !!!
My question is, has anyone else done this ? Has it been ok ?

 

You'll be fine.

 

Long as theyre same brand type on each axle, just dont mix summers lol

 

Put the newer tyres on the rear.

 

Personally, I think that if you do that, you will upset the balance of the car. Always stick with the same brand of tyre front and rear, especially on a 4 wheel drive car.

The Goodyears (bloody brilliant!) will not only have more grip but they have softer sidewalls than the Bridgestones. If you mix as you suggested, you will more than likely end up with snap oversteer when pushed. If you move the worn tyres to the front (as recommended by tyre manufacturers) then it will be understeer central.

Bite the bullet, buy a full set and sell the part worn ones on eBay. I managed to get a set of 215/45/17 Goodyear F1 Asymmetrics for just £270 delivered. I then sold my old 4 tyres (half worn Bridgestones and nearly new ditch finders, courtesy of the previous owner) for £120 on fleabay. Had my wheels refurbished at mates rates (£140) and hey presto - 4 brand new tyres and wheels for just £290. Deal of the century I think!

Don't look to bad either.

 

I'm with Gear on this one I've only done it like that once and never again,it nearly killed me driving quick in the rain with mismatch tyres is a big No No in my books.SJ.

 

The other thing to keep in mind is that NOT all tyres of supposedly the same size have exactly the same rolling radius.

Much of a mismatch and you'll wind up the centre diff

 

Same tyres all round to keep the traction even