2002 Camry Tire Wear

[MHawker]

Hey all,

First post on this forum.

My girlfriend has a 2002 Toyota Camry and has been troubled with front tire wear problems since new. It has about 20,000 miles and has already gone through two sets of tires.

The wear is almost soley on the outside of the tires. The dealer has checked the alignment and although it was out and was fixed, the bad wear problems continued.

Any ideas?

Thanks

Mike

[02camery]

I have a 2002 camry. The factory tires were replaced at 25,000 miles. Although worn evenly, I hope this is not an indicator of how fast this car is going to go through tires.

[yotatechie04]

I think you'll probably want to check and make sure you've got the correct tire pressure and everything. Another factor is this, DON'T BE HOD RODDING ON IT. Regular tires aren't made for that. You'll also want to check your bushings.

[yotatechie04]

Sorry, forgot to mention this before. Welcome to AF!!!

[JerseyCamry]

I have exactly the same problem with my 2002 Camry. I have 42000 miles and I already changed my tires once at about 25000. I am planning to change them again soon. Both edges of the front tires seem to wear out pretty fast. Checked my alignment and there was no problem. Wondering if anyone has figured out a way to fix this!

[retired2trade]

Just experienced a front end problem with our 2003 Camry. Service man at the tire dealership explained to me that Toyota's front end specs have a lot of tolerance (too much because tire wear is common). The problem is corrected by installing a wedge in the camber adjustment and aligning the front end.

[bjp331]

I am having the exact same problem with my 2002 camry. I am going on my 3rd set of tires. Both a private mechanic and the dealership thought the alignment was ok. I am wondering if you had the problem corrected and if it was, what was done?

thanks

[retired2trade]

Originally Posted by bjp331

I am having the exact same problem with my 2002 camry. I am going on my 3rd set of tires. Both a private mechanic and the dealership thought the alignment was ok. I am wondering if you had the problem corrected and if it was, what was done?

thanks

bjp331,

I had the front end specs tightened by having Firestone install the wedges in the camber and align the front end. I also purchased a life-time alignment guarantee. Since I bought the tires at Firestone, I received their service of rotating the tires every 5,000 miles. With them doing the rotating and inspecting and with the life-time alignment guarantee, the alignment problem should be theirs to correct along with any problem of tire wear. The front end does seem tighter now, but the car has only been driven a couple of thousand miles so it is too early to detect any wear. Hope this has helped. retired2trade

[Brian R.]

Originally Posted by JerseyCamry

I have exactly the same problem with my 2002 Camry. I have 42000 miles and I already changed my tires once at about 25000. I am planning to change them again soon. Both edges of the front tires seem to wear out pretty fast. Checked my alignment and there was no problem. Wondering if anyone has figured out a way to fix this!

I have been told that wear on both outside edges of tires indicates insufficient air pressure and/or too much cornering speed.

Increase your tire pressure by a couple of pounds and check it once a month. Don't hit corners as hard (if that may be your problem)

[RIP]

Nothin like keeping a 4+ year old thread going.

[Brian R.]

Oh well, someone finds it relevant periodically...

[ed310]

I have a '05 Camry with about 6500 miles and the front tires have about 1/4 life left on them. I'm guessing is that it may be the tires that are poor quality since my girlfriend spent about 600 bucks on tires for her '04 camry and they have about 15000 miles and they still look new.

[Mike Gerber]

That is definitely not normal. Both the car and the tires are still under warranty. Take it back to the dealer and ask them to examine the car.

Mike

[DLPDLP]

My 2002 Camry has eaten 5 sets of tires in 138,000 miles. I have figured out the problem. I believe the front right strut assembly was mounted out of alignment at the factory! Camber has never been nor can never be properly set. It is a factory defect. I'm going to Toyota Monday with proof.

If they cannot or will not fix the car, I plan to suit both the local dealer and Toyota.

If your Camry is eating tires, even though you rotate, inflate and align as-needed you might have the same issue.

Will post results of the visit to Toyota. And this is no joke. Look at your last alignment readings. If you see the camber is out of range or at the edge of range then you too may have purchased a factory defect product. Email me as needed. Go through your paperwork from repairs, tire purchases, alignments, etc. Gather your ammunition because Toyota may fight back.

[DLPDLP]

I went ahead and called Toyota Customer Care USA. 800-331-4331. They seem to be on the fence. I suggest you each call them and that will help build the case some of these Camry's were simply built out of alignment.

As I type, I'm on hold while Toyota USA does some research.

Let me say I love my Camry. I have purchased 6 new Toyotas since 1991. My 2002 Camry is my favorite, and I plan to keep it. And I plan to get Toyota to repair it and then continue to drive it for along time. Except for this alignment issue it is one great car!

I encourage each of you to stand up and speak on your behalf. If Toyota USA begins to see a pattern, they will be more likely to help us all.

I just got off the phone. Toyota USA said let the dealer see what they will do and if unsatisfactory then to call them back.

I have my alignment notes where in the comment field the Toyota Tech stated camber is at the very edge of range. That was back at 41,000 miles. I wish I had jumped on this back then, but I didn't realize that edge of range actually means crappy alignment and a tire eating Camry for the rest of my life.