Front end problem!!

[clanofwolves]

I just had the tires on my 2002 rotated and balanced and noticed that the interior edges of the front tires are wearing excessively more than the rest of the tire. This evidence made me realize that the wheels are 'toed out.' I sadly cannot find much info in my Haynes manual on the subject of tire wear, save the 'troubleshooting' chapter. Haynes stated that it could be 1) alignment - but I don't have pulling, and the inside wear doesn't jive with that as far as my limited knowledge of that system goes, or 2) wheel bearings - but there seems to be no play in the wheel and no noise that usually accompany such failures, or 'another connection or fitting'. Basically, they tell me to take it to the dealer. I'm currently underemployed and our van is running great, it has 204,000 miles, but I need it working and cannot put unwarranted $$ in it. BTW, I am the only owner and the only one to make repairs and maintain it.

Any ideas??? I'm pretty good with a wrench, this issue however is one out of my comfort zone.

Thanks so much in advance for any assistance!

Dave

[lfootmatt]

Originally Posted by clanofwolves

I just had the tires on my 2002 rotated and balanced and noticed that the interior edges of the front tires are wearing excessively more than the rest of the tire. This evidence made me realize that the wheels are 'toed out.' I sadly cannot find much info in my Haynes manual on the subject of tire wear, save the 'troubleshooting' chapter. Haynes stated that it could be 1) alignment - but I don't have pulling, and the inside wear doesn't jive with that as far as my limited knowledge of that system goes, or 2) wheel bearings - but there seems to be no play in the wheel and no noise that usually accompany such failures, or 'another connection or fitting'. Basically, they tell me to take it to the dealer. I'm currently underemployed and our van is running great, it has 204,000 miles, but I need it working and cannot put unwarranted $$ in it. BTW, I am the only owner and the only one to make repairs and maintain it.

Any ideas??? I'm pretty good with a wrench, this issue however is one out of my comfort zone.

Thanks so much in advance for any assistance!

Dave

Dave,

Get out of my head!!! 215,000 miles on my 2000 sienna. Exactly the same issue. I had the same issue with the tires that were on it when I bought it ar 140,000 miles. Interior edge wear.

I had the alignment checked and it was dead on.

Tire shop wants to sell my wife an alignment and 2 new tires. I think they are full of it!

Someone else chime in on this!!!

thanks,

Matt

[grampas_avy]

Unfortunately I think this is "normal" for this vehicle. I've owned my 2002 since it was 1 year old (bought from my brother who took excellent care of it) and the when the original Dunlops wore out it was on the inside of the fronts. I remember reading a comment on tirerack at the time that others had the same experience. Since then, I keep an eye on them and rotate regularly. I've noticed that my Michelin winters wear much better so when I replaced the summers this year I went with Michelins instead of cheapies.

[clanofwolves]

Thanks for the replies, it's good to know my van is in a majority. I had the alignment checked and the wheels were all within factory spec but the two front were pointed ever so slightly away from one another (very small amount which was easily adjusted). I also learned that the van was designed with a slight camber, or what the Brits call 'speed ballancing' which improves cornering. I'm pretty sure there's nothing that can be done for the latter designed issue, save the last replyers suggestion to rotate regularly. Longer mileage rated tires would certainly help too.

Again, thanks all!!! You're appreciated!

Dave

[The Wheel]

Dave,

Your not alone. Also I do not think this is normal...My 2001 Sienna has 214000 miles on it. During my last tire rotation and balance my inside edges of my front tires were worn badly. I never had this problem before since I bought the van in 2001. I have been getting clunking noise from the front end for a while but didn't have the bad tire wear. So I recently replaced the struts and strut mounts as they were still original. Still the noise is there. Based on my research besides alignment the only other factors to consider are having worn out lower control arms, ball joints or wheel bearings. Wheel bearings seem to be ok (no play). I am going with replacing the LCAs and ball joints as I think the combined wear of these two are causing the problem. I will let you know how it turns out.

Neal

[ToyoGuard]

Have your Sway Bar End Links replaced. I see this a lot and the links are always overlooked. "TheWheel", that's most likely what your klunking is coming from. The bushing's wear from time to time and can become a nuisance. If it's on the very corner and your alignment is good then there i s a good chance that's your issue. One thing to remember as well, your alignment can be out of spec even if your car doesn't pull. Have it checked every 6 months. Good luck!

[clanofwolves]

Originally Posted by The Wheel

Dave,

Your not alone. Also I do not think this is normal...My 2001 Sienna has 214000 miles on it. During my last tire rotation and balance my inside edges of my front tires were worn badly. I never had this problem before since I bought the van in 2001. I have been getting clunking noise from the front end for a while but didn't have the bad tire wear. So I recently replaced the struts and strut mounts as they were still original. Still the noise is there. Based on my research besides alignment the only other factors to consider are having worn out lower control arms, ball joints or wheel bearings. Wheel bearings seem to be ok (no play). I am going with replacing the LCAs and ball joints as I think the combined wear of these two are causing the problem. I will let you know how it turns out.

Neal

Thanks Neal, I look forward to hearing out how you fair in replacing the LCA's ...I'll let you know what I find out in the future on this subject too. I see that ToyoGuard seems to have lots of knowledge on this subject and recommends to "have (the) Sway Bar End Links replaced." I haven't pursued this angle, but I also once thought that the struts or strut mounts could be causing issues with front end tightness, sound and function. I'm wondering what path to travel. It's an interesting puzzle, these high mileage vehicles...

Again, thanks all!!

[The Wheel]

So I took the car to a well known tire center have the front end checked out. They indicated that the LCAs and ball joints were all tight. But they did indicate that it was toeing out slightly and that the sway bar link ends were worn. They indicated that this is where the clunks are coming from. Just as Toyoguard indicated. I had the alignment done and will replace the links myself as they are easy to do. The tire shop wanted for the part alone over $100 for each Moog aftermarket link . Looking on line you can get them for under $50 apiece.
Neal

[Cranky-Condor]

I chewed up a new set of snow tires last year. The bushings were completely shot so I changed the whole lower A arm, bushings and lower ball joint. at 140,000 miles. Earlier in the year I had put new struts, sway bar linkage and strut bearing. Basically I put a complete new front suspension under it and it drives like it did 11 years ago. And don't get cheap lower ball joints.... the ones that came with the lower A arm lasted 8 months. and get a really good brand name upper strut bearing... Mevotec ones are junk... Did all the repairs in my garage over a weekend... Pretty easy if you have the tools.

[ToyoGuard]

Make sure when you replace your sway bar end link's you spray a bunch of PB Blaster on them first before you begin removing the nut. Trust me, I've done a bunch of them and had to learn the hard way. Spray it, wait 20 minutes then proceed. Try using a 1/4 Hex socket or 6mm, but 1/4 works better to hold the stud while you turn the nut with a 17mm wrench. Good luck! Worse comes to worse just cut it off