Tire Problem.

[KarenS144]

DH checked air pressure before we left and didn't notice anything wrong but when we got to our campsite noticed that the right front tire seems to have some cupping only in one area. The other tires as far as we can tell look good as they should since we've got less than 5000 miles on the tires.

Any thoughts on what might have caused that tire to cup?

[acadianbob]

Cupping is usually caused by a tire that is badly out of balance. Also could be an axle problem.

[OldCoot]

I agree with acadianbob that the tire is badly out of balance. Don't think it is an axle problem as it is on a motorhome altho it might be a bad shock absorber in conjunction with the out of balance condition.

[acadianbob]

Originally Posted by dunnnc

I agree with acadianbob that the tire is badly out of balance. Don't think it is an axle problem as it is on a motorhome altho it might be a bad shock absorber in conjunction with the out of balance condition.

Thanks Dunnnc! Didn't notice the motorhome thing!

[KarenS144]

We're home and have had a chance to really look at the tire and this is what we found:



The left side tire isn't nearly as bad but it is wearing on the inside too.

DH says they both have 90psi (max is 100) and have just over 6000 miles (not the 5000 I mentioned earlier). They are Continental tires.

We're probably going to a Ford Truck dealer in Louisville that deals with big trucks so hopefully, they'll be able to figure out what's going on.

If it's balancing, shocks or something else along those lines, it had to come from the dealer like that so I wonder if we have any recourse.

[cootr68]

I vote for out of balance or tire has some "run out" itself (out of round).

[OldCoot]

I would also vote for out of balance and definitely camber is off and toe in maybe off also.

[KarenS144]

It's sounding less and less likely that my theory of him putting me on the rumble strips is the cause of the tire issue.

[cootr68]

If you rub your hand across the top of the tire and you feel a sharper edge one way or the other your toe/camber is off too. Ahh rumble strips the ultimate passenger alarm clock! Lol

[KarenS144]

Those that guessed alignment were right! We stopped at Medley's Auto & Truck in Louisville on our way to camp and they said it was 1/2 inch out of alignment. I don't know specifics other than that but now the steering wheel is off. Hopefully, that can be fixed when we take it in for a Ford recall on the gear shift.

BOTH front tires are cupped with about 6500 miles on them and are going to have to be replaced.

So now my question is what causes it to be out of alignment? We haven't hit curbs, speed bumps with any speed, craters or potholes or debris on the road. It seems to me this had to have originated at the factory and that it wasn't aligned correctly if at all there. Has anyone else had this problem on a new motorhome?

I wonder what the chances are of getting tires replaced by Ford. I'm guessing slim to none but think we'll try.

And BTW, we did have an appointment at Medley's but they got us in on time and were done in less than 45 minutes...barely time for a Wendy burger & a grocery run! The shop is close to the Watterson Xway (I-264) and easy enough to get to.