do i need an alignment??

joeman2199 · January 13, 2004

ok, my 2000 tahoe has 40k on it, and it had an alignment done in the past, but i recently noticed that from the inner edge to about an inch in the tires are unevenly wearing on all 4. the tires have been rotated but i am wondering if an alignment would solve the problem or if something else is wrong

gave20 · January 13, 2004

probably needs aligned

Shotgun · January 13, 2004

Are you still rollin factory rubber?

Shaners · January 13, 2004

Wearing out the inside edge means that there is probably a toe-out problem. Do you rotate regularly? What pressures are you running?

SilveradoWV · January 13, 2004

I would say if its really noticeable and you rotate every 5000 miles or less depending on the tire, then it probably needs aligned if you rotate at somewhere around 7500 or so, you might want to rotate sooner.

joeman2199 · January 14, 2004

i rotate them usually every 7-10k, running them at 35-40 psi, and they are the original firestone wilderness, with decent tread left overall, i just got a thing in the mail that tires plus will do a thrust angle alignment for 29.99, so i guess i should give them a try

Taaaaaaahoe? · January 14, 2004

ok, my 2000 tahoe has 40k on it, and it had an alignment done in the past, but i recently noticed that from the inner edge to about an inch in the tires are unevenly wearing on all 4. the tires have been rotated but i am wondering if an alignment would solve the problem or if something else is wrong

That insaide edge wear seems to be common!! I had it, my mom had it and my neighbor had it...all Tahoes..

What gives? I keep them rotated and alighment in spec!

joeman2199 · January 14, 2004

im not sure on it exactly, i kno my brother has an 02 tahoe, and ever since hes had it, the truck pulls to the right especially on the highway, and he needs to turn the wheel to the left to keep going straight, but his tires are fine.

YZRider · January 14, 2004

I have a Yukon with 50,000k on. If it is outside wear it could be from hard driving or alignment or worn suspension/steering components. Inside wear is either alignment or suspension/steering component wear/problem. Any good alignment shop will check everything before they do an alignment. If there is nothing worn/damaged an alignment will fix your problem.

DJinCO · January 14, 2004

Had the same problem. Most noticeable on my rear tires - even though the rear is not adjustable. Took it to the dealer last Thursday and had an alignment. Total was $68 with tax and add-ons (such as charging for shop rags, air in tires and coffee). OK so they only list the shop rags.

The funny thing was I stopped by the Firestone store on Sunday and the conversation went like this:

Me: Can you tell me what is causing this unusual wear on the inside tread block on my Blizzak's?

Firestone guy (FG): It looks like you need to let some air out.

Me: Really, wouldn't that cause the edges to wear more?

FG: Oh, yea. Add some air.

Me: They are already at 35 psi which is max on the sidewall.

FG: That's OK, they can go over a few psi.

Me: Really. How about an alignment?

FG: No, the back is a solid axle. You probably need to rotate.

Me: They have only been on at these positions for 2000 miles.

FG: Well, they probably wear like this normally so that the tires grip the snow and ice better.

Me: OK. Thanks. BYE!

Cheers,

JayMan · January 14, 2004

Well, we have very poor roads here: frost heaves, huge potholes, etc. I rotate every 5,000 miles and get a wheel alignment every 6 months.

The factory Firestones were fine at 20,000 miles when I got rid of them. The Michelin LTX M/S appear fine too, though the Bridgestone Winter Dueler tires I run in winter appear to be wearing somewhat faster in the middle. All tires are balanced once a year.

When I drive on a nice road, such as in Minnesota, I can let go of the wheel and the truck will track straight.

frdfandc · January 15, 2004

Alignments should be done once a year. This helps prevent tire wear problems. The biggest thing with poor tire wear is lack of rotation (should be done every other oil change) and not keeping the front end aligned. I have gotten 80k+ miles out of a set of BFG A/T's by rotating every 6k miles and having the aligmnet checked/done at least once a year.