I've got an '04 Sienna FWD with 125,000. I just had the tires rotated and balanced that were purchased at Costco. I bought them when I had 100,000 miles and got the Michelin Defender 90,000 mile tire, so only 25,000 on them.
The Costco Tech said that both the inside and outside of all 4 tires are wearing faster than the center and tire pressure was spot on. I too had noticed this wear as well. He said it was a suspension issue or alignment. I stated that I regularly get alignments and pretty religious by having them perform the 6,000 mile tire rotation/balance (their records support this). That struts and lower control arms were replaced at 100,000, right after I got the tires, along with an alignment, and no other issues have ever been identified with the suspension. The Costco Tech pointed out that each time they rotate they noted alignment and I again stated that I have been getting routine alignments and there has never been issues noted with the suspension. This same Tech said there was a TSB for the steering but I have not been not able to find one yet.
I got home and checked my records. Since the new tires were installed I have had 5 alignment checks and have the paperwork. I also have the receipts for my struts but since I did the work all I have to show for replacement is my mileage log that I keep for all major repairs and fill-ups (been doing this for years). The rear shocks were replaced at 90,000 when I did timing belt and water pump. I also had the steering rack replaced at 115,000 miles. No misalignment was ever noted in the rear and only minor adjusts to the front. the last check just 2,000 miles ago showed good alignment with no adjustments. It did note a radial tire pull though.
I know Sienna's are tough on tires which is why I kept up on the maintenance. My last set I bought from Costco, also Michelins, barely lasted 25,000, but I was not as diligent with the maintenance and didn't push for any warranty.
I really think Costco though has been setting me up for denying any warranty claim by putting the "check alignment" in the comments section during each rotation.
So my questions is what am I missing on the suspension or alignment? Thanks for reading my rant and welcome any suggestions.
The Costco Tech said that both the inside and outside of all 4 tires are wearing faster than the center and tire pressure was spot on. I too had noticed this wear as well. He said it was a suspension issue or alignment. I stated that I regularly get alignments and pretty religious by having them perform the 6,000 mile tire rotation/balance (their records support this). That struts and lower control arms were replaced at 100,000, right after I got the tires, along with an alignment, and no other issues have ever been identified with the suspension. The Costco Tech pointed out that each time they rotate they noted alignment and I again stated that I have been getting routine alignments and there has never been issues noted with the suspension. This same Tech said there was a TSB for the steering but I have not been not able to find one yet.
I got home and checked my records. Since the new tires were installed I have had 5 alignment checks and have the paperwork. I also have the receipts for my struts but since I did the work all I have to show for replacement is my mileage log that I keep for all major repairs and fill-ups (been doing this for years). The rear shocks were replaced at 90,000 when I did timing belt and water pump. I also had the steering rack replaced at 115,000 miles. No misalignment was ever noted in the rear and only minor adjusts to the front. the last check just 2,000 miles ago showed good alignment with no adjustments. It did note a radial tire pull though.
I know Sienna's are tough on tires which is why I kept up on the maintenance. My last set I bought from Costco, also Michelins, barely lasted 25,000, but I was not as diligent with the maintenance and didn't push for any warranty.
I really think Costco though has been setting me up for denying any warranty claim by putting the "check alignment" in the comments section during each rotation.
So my questions is what am I missing on the suspension or alignment? Thanks for reading my rant and welcome any suggestions.
