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Unusual tire wear

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Main Forum' started by sktn77a, May 21, 2014.

  1. sktn77a

    sktn77a Member

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    Evenin' all: I have a 2005 Prius with 128,000 miles. At the last service the mechanic pointed out that the front tires were wearing significantly on the outside. I had them do an alignment but the before numbers were hardly out of spec. Everything was in spec except the front right camber - it was right at the limit (negative). Everything else was perfect. I would have expected only significant positive camber on both sides would cause both front tires to wear on the outside, when everything else was in spec?

    Any ideas what might be going on?

    Thanks.
     
    #1 sktn77a, May 21, 2014
  2. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    You have to make sure you have higher air pressure in the tires and rotate them more often.

    SM-N900P ?
     
    #2 JC91006, May 21, 2014
  3. sktn77a

    sktn77a Member

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    Thanks for the quick reply. Outside wear on both sides of the tire tread would likely be due to underinflation, but just on the outside of the tread?
     
    #3 sktn77a, May 21, 2014
  4. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    Your struts could be weak too.

    SM-N900P ?
     
    #4 JC91006, May 21, 2014
  5. sktn77a

    sktn77a Member

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    Didn't want to hear that!!!

    :(
     
    #5 sktn77a, May 22, 2014
  6. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    If you've already done the alignment, just keep the air pressure higher on the tire. Around 40-42 is what most people keep the front tires at. You can get the struts looked at next time you do an oil change.
     
    #6 JC91006, May 22, 2014
  7. cyberpriusII

    cyberpriusII Prodigyplace says I'm Super Kris

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    At your miles, say struts three times and click your heels. Actually I don't know if struts would cause that, but I do know your mileage is around "new struts time."
     
    #7 cyberpriusII, May 22, 2014
  8. turnbowm

    turnbowm Junior Member

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    The unusual wear on the front tires may have actually occurred when they were on the back, before being rotated to the front. The alignment data on the front end looked good, but what about the back? The rear end is a fixed beam axle with no alignment capabilities (without the use of shims) and the shop, knowing this, may not have measured the rear. I discovered excessive negative camber and toe-in on the right rear wheel of our Prius, but Toyota would do nothing about it since the 1-year alignment warranty had expired.
     
    #8 turnbowm, May 27, 2014
  9. sktn77a

    sktn77a Member

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    The rear suspension was out of alignment at 13,000 miles (probably out of alignment from new). I had to battle with them to align it to specs back then ("alignments only covered up to 12,000 miles). They shimmed it and it's been fine ever since. The rear was in specs before (and, of course, after) the last alignment was done. Still don't know what to make of it. Will keep an eye on the tires.
     
    #9 sktn77a, Jun 7, 2014
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