Car ‘s front tires are uneven and a little bit shaken after rotation

[efang622]

My car is Toyota Camry 2009 and now only 27000 miles. I did the rotation on Last Norvember 25, But I have felt this car’s front tires are uneven and a little bit shaken when it was driving on low speed.The reson I wait one and half month because I think maybe it will be better after driving some time. But the car still keep same situation yet, no better and no worse. I had done a lot of rotations in past of years , jut a few time I felt unconfortable after rotating , but the problem will be gone in a few days not like this.
I am going to go the company which they did rotation to me but worry about they couldn’t fix or find problem but still charge the inspection fee. I called Toyota dealer to ask , they said even they can check but if the items are not covered in warranty I may still will be charge.
Thank you for let me know your opinion.

[leakyseals]

As tires wear down, the balance of the tire changes. when tires are rotated from back to front, its usually a good idea to have the tire re balanced. Also depending on conditions, a 4 wheel alignment should be performed every other year.

[aagitch]

I agree with leakyseals. Most places where you get the tires only included free rotation. Sooner or later they'll need rebalanced as they wear.

[JohnGD]

I'd agree with above about the need to balance and even an alignment. The suspension of all new cars settle after a year (or even less) and the alignment changes.

If you already noticed uneven wear patterns then I'd invest in an alignment. Some members use Firestone with their lifetime alignment - even with later work on suspension components. So think about that, just don't let them sell you anything other work while there.

Also, did the shop use a torque wrench to tighten the lug nuts like Costco does? If not the rotor can warp and cause vibrations when braking later. So I'd recommend getting your new tires (like Michelin Primacy) from Costco. They give you free balance/rotation and road hazards, and they hand torque the lug nuts too. And if the Primacy wears out before 50K miles (used to be 60K), they'll prorate the cost and credit you the difference.

[aagitch]

Thats a good point. I've seen some places use the impact wrench and not a torque wrench to do the final tightening of the lug nuts. That'll definetely cause issues.

[efang622]

I just went to the place where they did rotation to me, They checked the tires and showed me the two front tires already wear even only 27000 miles. The problem is I haven't done alignment since I bought this car.
so. They suggested me to replace two front tires and also do alignment
When I asked them if I can do alignment first and try to use these two front tires for a month to see maybe the tires still can be used? They say they don't recommend to do this.
Now my question are ,
1) Can I do Alignment tomorrow and replace the tire late or I have to alignment when the new tires already put in there? I remember I did a lot of Alignments and almost never put new tire in there when I did Alignments.
2) My car is only 27000 miles, I don't know why I haven't done alignment in 2.5 years can cause my tire became so bad? If I contact dealer, Do you think the warranty can still cover any fee or not?

Thanks!

[leakyseals]

If I read this correctly you did not rotate the tires from new until November that would be approx 25k miles. Normal rotation would be 6-10k, once a year, etc. If you rotate the tires the back tires should have another 20k on them. They will now be on the front. Have them balance and do an alignment. Then at approx 45-50k all 4 tires should be replaced. I think they just want to sell you tires.

Do THIS COIN TEST front and rear and tell us what you get

[JohnGD]

Are the OEM Bridgestones what Efangs' got? 27K miles are pretty good. I personally don't consider Bridgestones good tires but YMMV. How are the tires wearing? Evenly? If so alignment may not be a major contributor, it's just cheap rubber.

If OP has a lifetime alignment (like from Firestone some TN'ers use) then it wouldn't matter, because you just check alignment again after getting new tires. Since it's not clear how the old tires are wearing I personally would prefer to put new tires on before an alignment, if OP has to pay one for each time.

If OP has Michelin Primacy with their 50K mile tread wear warranty (used to be 60K), then Costco will credit the difference if the tires don't make 50K miles on even wear. I think that means if you only get 27K before they reach the wear bars, then you get 46% of the price back? (double check with Costco)

But tire manufacturers don't warranty against alignment or other suspension problems. The tires need to wear evenly in most cases for warranty claims. Does Bridgestone offer thread wear warranty?

[efang622]

Originally Posted by leakyseals

If I read this correctly you did not rotate the tires from new until November that would be approx 25k miles. Normal rotation would be 6-10k, once a year, etc. If you rotate the tires the back tires should have another 20k on them. They will now be on the front. Have them balance and do an alignment.

Leakyseals,
NO, I did three times rotation includes November , ( 2/21/10, 2/27/11 and 11/25/11) they just checked my tires and show me the treadwear ( edge of tire) was wear . I can make a picture to attach here. I think I may no need
to replace the tires right now and can do alignment first.
Thanks!

[efang622]

Originally Posted by JohnGD

Are the OEM Bridgestones what Efangs' got? 27K miles are pretty good. I personally don't consider Bridgestones good tires but YMMV. How are the tires wearing? Evenly? If so alignment may not be a major contributor, it's just cheap rubber.
If OP has Micheling

JohnGD,
The place is Goodyear and I don't know what kind of tire they have but I will
buy the tire from Costco not from them. I will show a picture about wear tire here tomorrow morning, but I think it is my fault I didn't do alignment since
may 2009, I will do it tomorrow even it may not be a major contributor.

Thanks!

[efang622]

So far I didn't feel any different. I am going to drive this car for about one month to see if it is better or worse, if is not better I am going to check two front tires balance. after that if the problem is still there. I will do rotation again and put two front tires back , if the problem is gone. I can go ahead to replace two front tires. I found this board can't attach picture, if someone
know how can do , please let me know. Thanks!

[GT-R]

If your tires are worn unevenly, no alignment can fix it. However, it can prevent future problem once you get a new set of tires.

[JohnGD]

As for picture you can use any of the free hosting sites, and then click onthe little postcard icon in the message composition tool bar and place the link there.

The alignment will allow your new tires to wear evenly. But the old tires will need a good rebalance. Typically a good Hunter road force balancing machine can help. Also the tech should check for out-of-round wheels as well.

During installation make sure the hub/wheel contact surfaces don't have rust or dirt that will cause a slightly crooked wheel against the hub.

[nevada]

Originally Posted by GT-R

If your tires are worn unevenly, no alignment can fix it. However, it can prevent future problem once you get a new set of tires.

this.

and, if you're getting shaking, or vibration at slow speeds, you have separating tires.
no amount of balancing them will fix it.

also, aligning a car with bad tires on it gains nothing. you've got to start with good tires first. you will also get a better alignment that way.

[efang622]

nevada,

Dose you mean if I 're getting shaking, or vibration at slow speeds, I have to replace the tires. re-balancing will no help?
I forgot to ask if the Alignment report can show this car's alignment had big problem or not. if it is too late that I ask to
the technician who did alignment to me?