Abnormal Tire Wear On Front Tires

[NIFman]

I bought a 2004 Ford Ranger Edge 4x4 Supercab almost a year ago, and I really enjoy this truck.

My only problem that I'm noticing is the inner portion of the front tires seem to be "cupping". The truck drives straight and true, and doesn't have any vibration in the steering. The only thing that I do notice is a humming noise between 25-50 MPH. After 50 MPH it goes away, and it can hardly be heard.

The truck only has 26K miles on it, and I bought it with 20K Miles. I don't do any off-roading in this truck, and mostly drive it on country roads and the highway.

Does this sound like I might have a suspension problem? Both the tires are wearing about the same on the inner portion. I want to get new tires fairly soon (They are the original tires that came with the truck 6 years ago), but I don't want the same thing to happen to the new tires. I was thinking about getting a wheel alignment done, but I'm not sure if that would fix my problem.

I can get pictures up if need, but just wanted to see if I get any quick answers. Thanks!

 

[OrangeBowl]

Make sure the tire pressure is where its supposed to be and maybe have them balanced,but if the wear is even on each tire check the suspension alignment and possibly the rotors?

 

[94STXRanger]

I would have the toe checked. sounds like it could be to far out. Basically, get an alignment.

 

[wahlstrom1]

I'd do a quick checkover the truck, make sure your balljoints, tie-rods and wheel bearings are tight and in order as a lil wear in all can cause a toe in-out issue that can give you the wear you've noticed. If all those things are solid and show little wear then go ahead and get an alignment done as it shows signs of toe out as previously mentioned.

 

[kcm1582]

Tire cupping usually indicates something worse than an alignment issue. it's usually caused by worn out or damaged suspension components. It could be anything from bushings, to balljoints, or wheel bearings.

 

[gw33gp]

If the wear is the same on both tires, I highly suspect front end alignment. Get it aligned and ask for the specs, before and after. Of course have them check out other things in the front suspension. I would start there and rotate the tires front/rear and see if it continues before mounting new tires.

 

[4x4junkie]

If everything checks out tight (bearings, suspension, etc.), the cupping is likely from simple lack of rotating the tires.

 

[NIFman]

Thanks for all the input

Thanks everyone for all the advice. I have scheduled an alignment and suspension check at the Ford dealership tomorrow morning. The service manager said it sounds like just an alignment issue, but they would check everything else as well to make sure.

I can't tell if these tires were ever rotated. The one thing that I don't like that the former owner had installed were these brake dust shields. They sit between the rim and the hub, and don't allow brake dust to get on the outside of the rim. I could remove them myself, but I'm going to have the Ford dealership remove them tomorrow since they will have the truck up on a lift. Has anyone here used these brake dust shields before?

 

[NIFman]

Wheel Alignment Complete

So I just got back from the Ford dealership, and they checked everything out. All it needed was a wheel alignment, as they said it was a "toe out" problem. They didn't give me the specs before they started the work, but they gave me the specs when they completed the alignment.

They also switched the front tires to the rear. This doesn't matter though as I'm getting new tires today. I don't know if it's just me, but the truck seems to drive a lot smoother now.

All in all, everything seems to be great now. Can't wait for the new tires. (Michelin LTX A/T2)

 

[nate09]

wouldnt it have made more sense to get new tires and then have it aligned?

 

[babytruck]

wouldnt it have made more sense to get new tires and then have it aligned?

why would you do that? if the alignment is out of whack why would you want to put new tires on there... is there a reason for this?

 

[gw33gp]

Getting it aligned when you install new tires is important but it makes no difference if you do it before, during or after. If you do it after it should be very soon after.

New tires have on effect on alignment. If you install new wheels with a different offset, it can effect camber but little effect on toe.

My street tires are 31" Michelin LTX M/S and they have been excellent tires for over 40,000 miles and are showing signs that they will last for at least another 50,000 miles. I don't know how the LTX A/T2 compare but they should do well for you.

 

[NIFman]

Thanks everyone once again. I have put almost 500 miles on these tires so far, and I absolutely love them. I know they are new, so I shouldn't have any complaints, but it's like night and day.

I have read that some people have gotten around 90K miles on a set of these, so I should be set for quite some time.