Tire wear

2019 Limited with Michelin 265 60 18 Defender Ltx M/S. 40k, started to feel a bit of shake, front are cupping. Rotated and noticed they are worn to the bars in center. I know usually is caused by over pressure but check often and kept at 29 pounds as per door sticker. I know they won't pass inspection next month so new are ordered. Same as original as I really like the quiet ride and great all around traction. I'll get full alignment and balance so should clear up the cupping but the question is what about the center wear? Recommendations are appreciated.

 

The weird part is that since your stock tires were P265/60R18 @ 29 psi, your Michelins that are 265/60R18 should technically be set to 32 psi. Which would exacerbate the center wear most likely.

 

Most will recommend using the chalk test to determine your contact patch.

It should also be noted that there may be a difference between whatever you are using to check the tire pressures and the TPMS system. The truck will go based off of the TPMS system so that's what I default to. Ambient temp will make a difference too depending on how often you're checking pressure. Also, the dealership loves to overinflate the tires so if you're using them, it's a good idea to double check those after they get done with them.

 

32 to 35 psi for these trucks. Perfect wear.

 

You rotated the tires but did not rebalance them. The shaking may be due to improperly balanced tires. In addition out of balance tires can also cause cupping. Poor shocks can also cause cupping although your shocks should still be good at 40,000 but it’s something I’d look into . Since you’re getting new tires they’ll get balanced and you should get an alignment. Have them assess your shocks too. Then hopefully all will be good. Usually overinflation is what causes center wear. Just watch your new tires closely for any unusual wear.

 

I haven't replaced the tires yet, appointment is made. Figured there was no sense spending money balancing tires just to replace them. Was on the highway today, front and rear shake at 80 mph. Truck was driving like tires were slack. Kind of felt like it was constantly following ruts, there were none. Not anything I have felt before. Bad enough that the wife asked why we were all over the place, thought that I was sleepy or something. Noticed a clunking noise when applying brakes forward and back at slow speeds. Sounds like front end. Can't see anything wrong. Brakes are good. Nothing loose or moving abnormally.

 

Tires are still torqued correctly.

 

Kinda stumped...

 

Going in on Thursday, I'll have the tech check it over.

 

40k ? - That's pretty good. My 2021 OEM Tires at 15k are at 4/32 - rotated every 5k, properly inflated blah blah.

 

Not for mine and totally depends on the tire and its load rating. My passenger MT Baja Boss A/T's need 28 psi cold. Discount tire installed them and had them at 34. Doing the chalk test I zero contact on the outside edges so only 50% of the tire was in contact. After first rotation I will check again to see if it changes with mileage though.

 

How often are you rotating? I found that rotating every 3k helps with even wear and no cupping. Check your pressures with a decent gauge cold and after driving for a while...see what your delta is. You may need to go a little lower in cold pressure if you are getting up around 40 after cruising at 80 on the highway for a while. Don't just go off the dash readout.

 

I have a 22 SR5 2WD and the front tires cupped from day 1. The truck drives as smooth as glass at all speeds. I have a used car dealer blocks from my house. Every single Tacoma and Tundra on that lot has front tires that are cupped to some degree. And yes, I run my hand along the tires. I have not addressed the issue with my truck because i do not want anyone to cause another problem trying to correct this. I rotate every 5000 miles. I will now only rotate when the read tires smooth out.