Reoccuring Tire Wear Problem

[9c3]

1999, 3.8, Police Package, 90K Miles

In the summer of 2005 I noticed that the outside of the driver side front tire was wearing out. I had a tie rod replaced, the alignment done and new tire put on. The problem started coming back this past summer and now the tire is completely bald on the outside. The car looks like it is sagging on the side the tire is worn. Could this have been a sagging front spring all along? Would a sagging spring or bad strut cause the tire to wear on the outside?

[john51md]

Originally Posted by 9c3

1999, 3.8, Police Package, 90K Miles

In the summer of 2005 I noticed that the outside of the driver side front tire was wearing out. I had a tie rod replaced, the alignment done and new tire put on. The problem started coming back this past summer and now the tire is completely bald on the outside. The car looks like it is sagging on the side the tire is worn. Could this have been a sagging front spring all along? Would a sagging spring or bad strut cause the tire to wear on the outside?

Anything is possible, my right front when i got my 91 did the same, after alignment, it stopped wearing the tire. maybe they did a poor alignment?

[jeffcoslacker]

Yes, a weak spring can cause camber wear. Incorrect toe will wear the outside too, but you'd usually notice a pull to one side...if it feels like it "skates" around going over seams in pavement when changing lanes or anything, check the lower control arm bushings and ball joints as well.

[9c3]

It pulls to the left pretty hard.

[maxwedge]

Excess camber ont he worn tire side, classic symptoms, but vehicle height can make it impossible to get the camber in range. You should have gotten a printout after the alignment which would show excess pos. camber.