Outside Tire Wear mystery....

[bengee]

Recently put first set of replacement tires on my 2006 Avalon.......after 75,000 with my first set, no problems!

In for 5000 mile rebalance at 25, 000 miles, they've discovered severe wear on tires, particulary the outside. Predict i only have 4,000 miles left.

Alignment is perfect. Tires are Bridgestone, same as first set. I don't drive on winding roads nor a hard driver in any other way.

Any ideas? Tire store is mystified!!

thanks very much!

[TrailDust]

Aside from the new tires and the alignment that was done when they were installed, have you had any other work done on parts of the suspension? What you're describing indicates a camber issue, probably with the front tires. Regardless of what the shop says, I'd take your Avalon to another shop for a second opinion. Case in point:

A few years ago I had a new set of tires installed on a car and an alignment was performed at the time. I knew as soon as I drove away there was a toe issue. Took the car back, and the shop checked it out swearing the alignment was fine. I insisted they throw it back on the alignment rack and redo the job. Drove away after that work, same issue. Drove straight to another shop where they discovered that both front wheels were toed 4 degrees to the left. Moral of the story is, just like your own health where you get a second opinion from another doctor, do the same for your car because not every mechanic or shop is either competent to handle the job or experienced enough to properly diagnose a problem.

[Tom in Tacoma]

The bottom line is there is a suspension issue at hand. If there's not a suspension part that's worn, there's an alignment called for. Take it to a shop that can not only check the suspension components but align it as well. If they can provide you with another set of tires you might even get a package price for the bundle.

[Dave's]

I too purchased a new set of tires with an all wheel alignment and 10K later both rear tires had the inside worn down to metal belts. They tried to say I must have hit something to throw the alignment out but when I had the manager examine the absolutely perfectly matched wear on both tires and asked him to explain how that could happen, he replaced the tires. I did pay for a new alignment however.

[TrailDust]

Just throwing this out (and not saying anyone does or does not do it), but make sure to ask for a hard copy readout any time you have an alignment done.

[2011 Avalon Limited]

Could be bad ball joints.

[bengee]

thanks very much. The tire company said it's a problem of the bridgestone's, and has offered to either replace these at not cost, or provide Michelin's at a discount....i appreciate your help!

[TrailDust]

Wow, I've never seen that type of wear that was due to defective tires, but like they say there's a first time for everything. Thanks for posting the update.

[Tom in Tacoma]

I agree with Traildust. I'm glad they're taking care of the replacement of the tires. But I'd keep a very close eye on the replacements. Problems like this don't just go away. It might even be worth you while (and cost) to go have an alignment check done at a different shop before the new tires go on.

[TrailDust]

Originally Posted by Tom in Tacoma

I agree with Traildust. I'm glad they're taking care of the replacement of the tires. But I'd keep a very close eye on the replacements. Problems like this don't just go away. It might even be worth you while (and cost) to go have an alignment check done at a different shop before the new tires go on.

+1 It'll be interesting to see what the OP says some time in the future. I still have my reservations about the alignment/suspension, and Tom's suggestion is a good one in my book.