weak struts & tire wear

[Chicobiker]

Anybody have any experience with tire wear caused by weak struts?

I just had my rear struts replaced on my 2003 OBS. They also swapped
my winter/summer wheels/tires at the same time. I noticed that both
my rear summer tires have more wear on the inside edges. Could the
weak struts be the cause by not holding the tires out at their proper
position?

I'm gonna take it in for an alignment anyway, but I thought I would
ask.

 

[Carl 1 Lucky Texan]

Anybody have any experience with tire wear caused by weak struts?

I just had my rear struts replaced on my 2003 OBS. They also swapped
my winter/summer wheels/tires at the same time. I noticed that both
my rear summer tires have more wear on the inside edges. Could the
weak struts be the cause by not holding the tires out at their proper
position?

I'm gonna take it in for an alignment anyway, but I thought I would
ask.

In the past, 'cupping' was always an indicator of bad shocks. I'm sure
there are multiple ways a strut could cause uneven wear. Often a simple
'toe' adjustment is all that is required for edge wear on the front -
maybe have the rear toe checked? Seems like some worn bushings or a
chronic overloaded wagon would be the only way for good struts to do this.

I dunno - just some thoughts

Carl

 

[Rick Courtright]

Anybody have any experience with tire wear caused by weak struts?

Hi,

Yes, weak struts can cause excessive wear. A good alignment shop should
be able to look at your tires and tell you what the cause may be (if the
wear's on one side, and even, I'm w/ Carl that it's likely toe, if
cupping or feathering's involved, add shocks/struts to the list of
suspects.) Suggest alignment after any strut replacement--unlike "old
style" shock absorbers that could usually be replaced w/o affecting any
alignment settings, replacement of struts almost always has at least a
bit of an effect on alignment.

I didn't see how many miles you have on the vehicle. If an OEM strut's
got over 50k miles, it's probably due for inspection if not outright
replacement. Be sure to replace as many of the bushings as you can at
that time, too. (It's not unusual that some shops will not.) Some better
quality aftermarket units may go closer to 100k miles under certain
conditions, but don't take that as a general guideline! I find about 75k
is my personal average before shocks/struts start to really show some wear.

Rick

 

[AS]

If the wear is only on the inside edges, think alignment and not struts.
Weak struts would appear as flat spots on the surface of the tire
given the car was properly aligned.

 

[Chicobiker]

I didn't see how many miles you have on the vehicle. If an OEM strut's
got over 50k miles, it's probably due for inspection if not outright

150k kms (90k miles). I've never done an alignment on this vehicle
since day 1, so it's due. I'll be taking it in next oil change and
get all 4 corners done.

replacement. Be sure to replace as many of the bushings as you can at
that time, too. (It's not unusual that some shops will not.) Some better

<sigh> Why did I assume that a shop would tell me about such
things ...

Chicobiker