can't figure out why tire is wearing out!
 

i've recently put on some new tires ( 205/40-17) and within 2-3 months of moderate driving, the passenger side front tire has worn down to next to nothing. i had an alignment done when i got the tires put on and the only thing i can think of is maybe a bushing is worn out or it's cambering for some reason? being a broke college student, who sometimes cares more about his car than getting a degree, i'm stuck as to what to do and how much this might cost me. no idea what the problem is so any help is appreciated! thanks!

Any pics of the damage? Is it even wear, inside edge, outside edge, more info needed.

If the alignment was affected by a pothole or got out of alignment like toe setting got too far toe out then it would wear the tire. Take it back to the alignment place there is usually a warranty.

If it is a bearing then that is different. Possible it could be a defective tire- you can take it to the tire vendor especially if the other three tires are all OK.

Did you hit a curb or anything that might have affected or damaged the suspension on that wheel only? Inspect the shock and spring on that wheel for any problems. Usually you can see excessive camber and the wear will be too much on the inner or outer edge but not both. If both edges are worn evenly then you have a possible under inflated tire.

The problem may also be caused by the incorrect load rating and tire pressure or both for that matter.

Leo Barrios
leo@edgeracing.com
800-489-5353 x211
http://www.edgeracing.com

When you say incorrect load rating would that be a load rating that were to low?It seems that putting a load rating higher than expected would just be able to handle more load with no other effect?

Camber doesn't wear tires nearly as fast as toe, but since its only one front tire its probably not toe since it would effect both in the front. Most of the issues that would wear tires quickly you would feel from your steering wheel so that is rather odd. You should probably just have an experienced alignment place check it out. Negotiate a lower price for the initial look because you just need them to figure out whats wrong before trying to align it. Could be the tire itself or some other things mentioned. What side of the tire is worn more? That is important.

I mean lower than recommended.

Leo Barrios
leo@edgeracing.com
800-489-5353 x211
http://www.edgeracing.com

the wear is on both the outer and inner edge of the tire. to the point where the metal threading is starting to show. i got a used replacement put on just to hold me over until i can figure out what the problem is. thanks for the suggestions and any more or advice would be appreciated!

If both inside and outside edges are worn, the tire was under inflated. How often do you check tire pressure?

You may well be right about that, but I've also had this happen on 2 different MINIs, and it is always the right front tire that wears the fastest. If underinflation is the problem, it would seem that the worn tire would be in a random position, not always the same one.
I asked my SM about this and he (and his lead tech) came up with torque bias as a possible answer. As in, it's a design thing and there is nothing to be done about it. On launch, if any tire is going to spin, it will be the right front, so we'll get more wear on that tire.
Having been through this 3 times already, I am not inclined to blame underinflation for the reasons already mentioned.
Differing opinions are certainly welcome!

OK, that explains the right front wearing faster but doesn't account for edge only wear. A properly inflated tire on a properly aligned car 'should' have even wear across the entire tread, not just the outside edges. Maybe it's a combination of both torque bias and low inflation?

so i checked my tires today and noticed that i have the same problem but with the 2 front tires only and the middle of the tire is wearing out more than the outer edges. The other 2 tires are fine. I have r90 rims with 205/45/17 and not lowered. Any thoughts?

The center of the tire wearing out is indicative of air pressure that is too high.

So i just called the tired shop and they said for me to have my tires at 36psi to 38psi. i have r90 rims with 205/45/17 p-zero. what do u guys think i should have my tire pressure at. i had them at 32 psi and my 2 front tires in the middle is getting thin. thanks... dont want any worn tires =(

You need to go faster through the corners.:lol:

I run 36psi up front, and 34 psi in the rear. My tires are 195/60/15, and I have more camber than stock front and rear.