Alignment and New Tires (Issues)

[MetroN00b]

My 95 Metro was really pulling to the right and making a funky noise in the left front wheel. I took off my tire to have a look and found that the inside part of my tire has been worn down almost to popping status (all my other tires are wearing evenly). I swapped it out with my back tire and now it doesn't pull to the right. I'm worried that it's going to eat through the less worn tire like it did the severly damaged one. I called a tire place and asked about alignment; they said that they could only adjust the strut I believe. My first question is: Do I pay 25$ for struit adjustment, or is that easy to do on my own (I'm a pretty good mechanic)? I have 5 more months of winter, so should I buy two winter tires for the front? The most important: Can I just buy just one new tire for the the problematic side of my car (post strut adjusment) and not have to worry about MPG loss, tire wear problems, etc? Thanks.

[geozukigti]

Well, if the alignment was off, it would most likely, but not 100% of the time, affect both front tires. Which leaves me to believe you have a wheel bearing or a ball joint problem. jack that side of the car up, grab the wheel, and give it a good shake. Listen for any clunks or pops. Also, if it has any play in any direction, I would have it looked at at a good suspension shop to tell you what exactly is messed up.

[avfan]

also you could have just had a tire that was bad,broken cord or something,my metro has never done it but i had a bad tire on my f-150 with same problem -front tire gone on inside,i bought a used tire and put on it and no more problems.